Torel Palace Porto

The Torel hotel group doesn’t do things halfway. Each of their hotels (Torel Avantegarde, Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments) has a thoughtfully and thoroughly realized theme, combining luxury with whimsy and a spirit of play. The latest, Torel Palace Porto, is no exception, opening in early 2020 with a literary theme, in the Romantic-era Palacete Campos Navarro in Sé.

Each of the 24 rooms and suites was inspired by a Portuguese writer or poet. These include Luís de Camões, Fernando Passoa, and Sophia de Mello Breyner Andersen, although it’s best not to get too hung up on staying in a particular author’s room, as the hotel makes no guarantees. All the rooms have period details, sumptuous fabrics, and classic furnishings.

The restoration of the 1861 building took two years and preserved the historic and artistic value. The original magnificent skylight and ornate stucco ceilings remain (complete with portraits of Portuguese authors), giving everything a sense of timelessness.

There are vintage books everywhere, especially the ceiling of the library, where they appear to float like stars.

Besides the rooms, there are plenty of other charms. The courtyard terrace and swimming pool are a lovely hideaway within the city. The Calla Wellness Suite uses luxurious, natural products from cult-favorite beauty guru Tata Harper.

One last bold literary homage is the restaurant, Blind, which pays tribute to José Saramago’s famous Essay on Blindness. Chef Vitor Matos proposes long menus (with 10 or 12 “moments”) designed to stimulate and especially surprise the five senses—there’s no warning of what’s coming, and no printed menu until the end. These menus can vary daily, depending on what looks best at the market, so there’s no end to the novel pleasures.