Where To Sleep: Torel Avantgarde, Porto

Porto is in that sweet spot when it comes to visiting it for a few days. It’s bustling, with loads of interesting things to see and do. However, it still feels quite local—it doesn’t make you feel self-consciously touristy, especially if you veer from the riverfront and the couple of main thoroughfares.

When it comes to a hotel offering, Porto has a smattering of luxury hotels, both boutique and otherwise. However, the hotels pushing the envelope with their design aesthetic and facilities are most definitely the Torel group hotels.

We stayed at the Torel Avantgarde, a gorgeous hotel in a quiet neighborhood just half a mile outside of the center of Porto’s hustle and bustle. This hotel is incredibly special—from the moment you walk in, it’s obvious that it has a lot of character. It’s rare to find a “modern” hotel that eschews minimalism for over-the-top color and character, but the Torel Avantgarde is that hotel. And isn’t that the point, really? When you’re traveling? To experience new things? Even better if that extends to the gorgeous spot you lay your head.

Art is the essence of this hotel. The owners of this very cool group worked with Portuguese artists – all from Porto – to create the gorgeous common areas and rooms: Jorge Curval, Frederico Draw, Daniel Eime and Paulo Neves.

Every room is named after a different artist or writer, complete with its own unique decoration to reflect the artist’s work. The owners made a huge commitment (and effort) to source everything from Portugal, from the floor to the furniture. I loved the room’s versatility—it was bright and elegant during the day, yet sultry and sexy by night.

One of our favorite parts about the Avantgarde was its location. We definitely chose to forgo some of our Porto plans in order to lounge by the amazing pool and enjoy these views:

It’s not every day that you get to take a dip and eat breakfast overlooking the Douro. Just wow. Part of luxury (for me, at least) is having what money can’t buy, and the views and tranquil atmosphere of this hotel are just that. Top it off with super friendly service and this hotel is one for the books. It’s a passion project, and it shows.

Buckley loved it, too.

Definitely bookmark this spot for your next trip to Portugal.

Torel Avantgarde
Rua da Restauração 336
4050-501 Porto, Portugal
+351 22 011 0082