The Torel Avantgarde is a stunning 5-star hotel in the center of Porto, Portugal. This accommodation, which uses art as a theme, has everything you’d come to expect from a luxury hotel, including not one but two swimming pools, one of the best buffet-style breakfasts I’ve had the pleasure of trying, and breathtaking views. Plus, each room at the Torel Avantgarde has a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, air conditioning, and all the modern features you’d need for a perfect stay in Porto.
However, as its name implies, this award-winning hotel is far from ordinary. The design, inspired by the avant-garde period of the 1930s to 1940s, is a tribute to ‘Portuguese art, design and craftsmanship,’ as the hotel’s website describes. This unique design concept infuses every corner of the Torel Avantgarde, from its welcoming reception area to its 39 rooms and 21 suites, with a distinct personality and artistic charm.
In this post, I’ll share my personal experience at the Torel Avantgarde Hotel in Porto and why it is one of the top accommodations in the city. In this review, I’ll talk about everything from the hotel’s facilities to its mouthwatering breakfast and perfect location, only 10 minutes away from the Douro River.
My Experience at the Torel Avantgarde in Porto: A Hotel Review
An Ode to the Avant-garde Scene
As I’ve mentioned, the Torel Avantgarde is a homage to the Avant-garde movement of the 1930s and 1940s. This movement was a beacon of cultural and artistic innovation and experimentation. The hotel’s design, featuring bespoke pieces crafted by Portuguese and international designers and artists, such as Isabel Sá Nogueira, Jorge Curval, Daniel Eime Frederico Draw, and Paulo Neves, pays tribute to the pioneering spirits of the art and science worlds.
For example, you can find suites inspired by pioneers like Andy Warhol, with pop art elements to match Albert Einstein, Vincent van Gogh, Peggy Guggenheim, and many others. Likewise, the hotel houses a Maisonette honoring the “master of cinema,” Alfred Hitchcock, suites with hydromassage bathtubs, and many other types of rooms to choose from. Each room at this accommodation is unique, a Torel Boutiques hotel collection staple.
The Torel Avantgarde style combines natural materials such as wood and stone with bold colors and contemporary art. The result is a warm, cosmopolitan space that embraces creativity and everything kitsch. Its location in the heart of the Art District in Miragaia, one of the best areas to stay in Porto, adds to its appeal.
During my stay, I booked one of the more “modest,” but still beautiful, executive rooms since I knew I would spend most of my time exploring Porto for the first time. The room had tons of space, natural light, and a super comfy bed that was even more inviting after long days of sightseeing.
I also explored the hotel’s gardens and used its two pools, one of which was warmer and indoors, and the other an outdoor infinity pool. The latter was especially lovely because of its spectacular views of Douro and Porto. I was (very) lucky to enjoy sunny days during my stay, so I read a book next to the pool, soaking in the hotel’s peaceful atmosphere.
An Unskippable Breakfast
Don’t get me wrong, the hotel is lovely, and so are its views and pool(s), but my favorite part about the Torel Avantgarde in Porto is its delicious breakfast buffet.
With locally sourced ingredients, the hotel’s breakfast spread has all the 5-star hotel basics, plus a few surprises. So, you can choose from a wide array of cheeses and sausages, have your eggs any way you like them, or a bowl of cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
My pick? Several pastéis de nata, a Portuguese custard tart that is a must-try, and Mimosas #healthy.
So, even if you’re on a diet, I recommend you NOT skip the breakfast at the hotel. After all, there are options for all types of foodies, and you will need the extra fuel to walk up and down Porto’s streets. The views from the breakfast room will make the meal even more special.
The hotel’s restaurant, Digby, is another essential part of the Torel Avantgarde experience. Its menu will give you the opportunity to sample creative dishes that combine Portuguese tradition with contemporary touches.
A luxury chain
Portuguese hotel chain Torel offers boutique hotels that showcase the best local culture and cuisine. With locations in Lisbon and Porto, each hotel has a distinct personality and a commitment to personalized service, with a strong local feel.
Other properties in the chain’s portfolio include Torel Palace Lisbon, a magnificent 24-room boutique hotel in the charming neighborhood of Chiado, and Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments, a historic accommodation with stunning city views in Porto.
Torel Avantgarde Porto has been showered with accolades, and it’s easy to see why: the hotel’s elegant décor and fantastic location make it a standout choice for travelers seeking a luxury getaway. Awards received by the hotel include Best Views in Portugal from the Haute Grandeur Global Awards and Best Boutique Hotel from the Boutique Hotel Awards, in addition to numerous accolades from prestigious publications such as Conde Nast and Lonely Planet.
In short, the Torel Avantgarde is a unique and sophisticated hotel proposal in Porto that perfectly combines art, design and luxury in an exclusive environment. There is no doubt that this is one of those hotels that make me dream of returning again and again to this charming Portuguese city.