the rooms

Torel 1884 has two main types of rooms – hotel rooms in their main building, and a few apartments about one minute walk away on the rua das flores. I opted for a standard apartment as I was in Porto for a longer stay and wanted cooking facilities and bit more space to stretch out. While the food in Porto is excellent, I ended up using the kitchen a fair bit as there were only so many times in a row I felt like eating out, even as a foodie! The standard apartment room was a spacious 49 sqm, complete with large bathroom and separate kitchen, living and dining space. The bedroom window also steps out onto a small balcony where you can soak up all the street action from above.

The bathroom was a highlight – decorated with dark tiles and had a really nice, moody feel to it with generous big pump packs of bodywash, shampoo and conditioner in the shower. The included bathrobes were thick and luxurious, always a nice touch complete with hotel slippers!

Small gripes – while the kitchen had lots of utensils and crockery, would have been nice for there to be some really basic staples included such as olive oil, salt, pepper and some milk for travelers who might arrive late at night or very early in the morning (there’s a coffee pod machine but no milk?). The TV is also quite small given the size of the living room, although there’s another one in the bedroom.

the reading room

One of my favourite parts of the hotel is its reading room and self-service honesty bar, located in the main building. It’s exquisitely beautiful, the kind of library I dream about having my own house one day! Super comfortable couches and lounges, a quiet space, and endless shelves of books for browsing and reading over a wine. What’s not to love?

the location

One of the best things about Torel 1884 is its location – right on one of the main pedestrian only tourist streets, rua das flores and a stone’s throw from the Sao Bento train station and key bus lines. There’s also a minipreco supermarket a few minutes walk away, which has a limited range but stocks alcohol, baked goods, pantry staples, a small deli section and fresh produce. You’ll also find a well stocked pharmacy at the base of the rua des flores, heading towards the river. I also want to give a special shout out to an incredible craft wine, port, beer and snack shop a few doors down from the pharmacy – I can’t remember the name and it’s not marked on Google maps but if you like your craft alcohol, it’s really amazing and the owner Carlos is super lovely.

Check out the view from my apartment balcony below!

local and porto highlights

Porto is known for many things, including port, seafood, history and of course Portugese tarts! I highly recommend:

• Having one (or five) incredible Portugese tarts at nearby pasteis de nata cafe Castro
• Catching the 500 bus to Matosinhos for grilled sardines at one of its many popular seafood restaurants
• Checking out Sao Bento station eve if you don’t plan on travel for its art and history
• Visiting the Crystal Palace – note you can only visit via timed guided tours so go early to book into your slot and stroll around the nearby shops while you wait
• Crossing the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the famed port caves and a great food hall
• Climbing up to (or catching the cable car!) the Jardim do Morro for the best views over Porto and the Douro River