Our history
We celebrate the crème de la crème of the Avantgarde artists … and the best Portugal has to offer!
It was in September 2017 that Porto won a new five-star boutique hotel. An innovative hotel proejct, which brings art to the main plan. The theme for the hotel's construction was not random but filled with meaning.
Our history relates to the origin of this space, which dates to the Estado-Novo period, in the 1940s, when “creation” in its broadest sense was the order of the day. Art would no longer be a complement and would become the focus of all attention. The rupture of pre-established models, defending anti-traditional forms of art and new frontiers of experimentalism, would inspire the artists of this generation, marking a time of artistic excellence.
Inspired by this era, our Torel Avantgarde welcomes us as an experience in full harmony with the comfort and characteristic detail of Torel Boutiques.
It was through the combination of the talent of prestigious artists, artisans, and interior designers, all of them Portuguese, that this beautiful work of art came to life.
Jorge Curval, Isabel Sá Nogueira, Frederico Draw, and Paulo Neves joined their artistic souls to shape this vibrant place, which quickly became known as “the best luxury boutique hotel in Porto”.
With art as a central theme, the traveler, who arrives at our hotel, embarks on a cultural and artistic experience, which is felt and marked in every corner of the hotel.
Decoration project, materials, artisans, and the best of Portugal
The hotel's interior design was shared by two teams: Isabel Sá Nogueira was the interior designer responsible for the common areas and some of our rooms; and the designers Paula Navio and Francisca Vasconcellos, from the Nano Design atelier, oversaw most of the hotel's rooms.
In the common areas, Isabel Sá Nogueira brought together the best that is done in Portugal, combining art and modern design with some provocative notes.
The interior designer called and involved only Portuguese artisans, designers, and companies. Altogether there are thirteen brands and names that emphasize the sobriety and quality of national production.
Paulo Neves, a sculptor, was responsible for the entrance, reception, and restaurant doors. He made the reception table and some of the pieces on display here and in the restaurant. Frederico Draw, a graffiti artist, was the author of the restaurant's entrance painting. Daniel Eime, also a graffiti artist, did the painting that is in the reception.
Jorge Curval, visual artist, is the author of the paintings for the rooms and main staircase, as well as the iron pieces on the facade and outside of the hotel.
From the Branca Lisboa brand, the designer Marco Sousa Santos was responsible for the furniture in our flower room, as well as the black chairs in the reception.
From Mood, the designer Raul Santos took care of all the lighting, made the lamps - bottles and black floor lamps in the reception - and designed the wall and bar lighting in the restaurant.
From the Around The Tree brand, designer Alexandre Caldas was responsible for the chairs and tables in our restaurant and terrace, as well as the desk chair at the reception.
The rug with the national flag, which was in our reception for a long time, is by the company Ferreira da Sé. Munna Mobiliario (Urban Mint) supplied the sofas and armchairs for the reception and the spa chair.
Latoaria Ponte Rol was the company that supplied the low tables for our flower room and restaurant, as well as the outdoor lighting on the balcony and seating area in the bar.
The mattresses are from Persono; the rugs in the bar, hallways, and stairs are from Santos Monteiro, Lda., and the flowers in our flower room are from the Espaço Casa store.
The common areas, namely the reception and the flower room, are the most fearless and provocative areas. A totally intentional bet, vibrating the "Portugalidade" of this Hotel in a bold way.
Heading to the bedroom area, and opting to go up the stairs, we come across some works by the artist Jorge Curval. The dark tones of the wood on the floor are harmoniously in communion with the walls, which are also covered in wood, with a play of light that guides us along the corridors.
The bedroom doors are named, and their handles remind us of a door from the past. After entering we realize that we are on a trip to the past.
Without any doubt, here the guest is invited to live, feel, and experience art, in all its forms.