Nestled in the heart of Porto, Portugal, Torel 1884 is a haven of luxury and charm that promises an unforgettable stay. The hotel’s elegant architecture, adorned with intricate details, immediately transports you to another era.  It is an era where you still have a proper key to the door!

The historic building, a former palace dating back to 1884 (Hence the name), exudes a sense of grandeur that immediately transports you to a bygone era. Yet, despite its rich history, Torel 1884 effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern comforts.

When I say that it’s a boutique hotel,  I really mean it… There are only 11 rooms and suites in the former palace and another 12 apartments in a nearby building.

Each room is individually designed and celebrates Portuguese explorations, such as materials and animals that Portuguese explorers found and brought back from their voyages to distant lands.

Each of the rooms, suites and apartments are named after one of them, such as porcelain, tea, and exotic birds. The idea was to reproduce its origin through colours, materials, and works of art. 

I reserved suite number 7 which celebrates  tobacco leaf, from North America and Central America..  It was an odd choice for me, given my hate of tobacco, but it was the gorgeous peacock-hued walls that seduced me.  

It’s classified as one of the superior double rooms. The room boasts soaring arched windows, peacock-hued walls, brass fixtures, subtle cane details throughout, and a rather large painting of Queen Victoria surrounded by cigars, as these were the only solution to her severe migraines. 

The beds were super comfortable and the rooms are so soundproof, which is great for those light sleepers out there (Hello Me Again)  

My bathroom was a marble affair with sumptuous robes and towls. 

The room has a Nespresso coffee machine, Mini bar, Television, Free WiFi and Air conditioning

I did not have a chance to sample the food that they served in the restaurant as this was my last day in porto and i really underestimated how much food i wanted to eat in the town.

I can say that I had a nose around the on-site  Bistro, and it looked gorgeous. Inspired by Bartolomeu Dias, the Portuguese navigator of the 15th century, the Bistro is a tribute to the great Portuguese explorers who roamed distant lands and seas. It is a chic and relaxed place to enjoy good wine, good food, and good conversation.

It’s a French bistro at heart, made with fresh Portuguese ingredients and, whenever possible, by local producers.

Given the Torel 1884 is an ultra bijoux boutique hotel, there is no spa or pool. One suite does have a rooftop jacuzzi, though) The hotel does offer in-room therapies and treatments.  

On the top floor, there is a stunning library under a arched glass roof with a vast collection of vintage books on design, history and pop culture. There is even  Honesty Bar available for self-service consumption. 

My Superior Double room was €320 per night, booked directly through their website. They do have slightly discounted rates that are non-refundable, but they allow one free change up to four days before arrival.

Considering this is a Luxury Boutique hotel in Porto, it was not really budget-friendly, but I could easily justify every penny for the night that I stayed. 

Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments
Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, N.º228Porto, 4050-417 Portugal