The Vibe: Made in Portugal.

The Area: Miragaia. The hotel’s location, high on a hill with views over the rooftops to the river glimmering in a wide arc below, is one of its key attractions. Situated just 10 minutes from the bustling Baixa downtown area, you can easily explore most of Porto’s attractions on foot, although a taxi back up the hill on the way home is advisable.

The DNA: Boasting spectacular views of the glinting River Douro, Torel Avantgarde is an eclectic and charming boutique hotel that pays homage to the best of Portuguese arts and crafts. From the hand-laid wood floor to furniture and lighting, everything is is designed and made in Portugal. The overall effect is surprisingly calming: interiors are stylish without being intimidating and cosiness and warmth are not sacrificed on the temple of design. The hotel’s restaurant “Digby”, is the first outlet of Lisbon’s acclaimed Casa da Comida and serves Portuguese cuisine. The exuberant bar includes a ceiling and walls covered with artificial flowers. There is a small spa in the basement and a swimming pool lies in the gardens.

Suite-Me-Up: Rooms celebrate avant-garde artists and pioneers in the fields of music, literature, design, fashion and architecture (Francis Bacon, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Coco Chanel, Andy Warhol, etc, etc) with each reflecting the personality of the artist. There are four-poster beds, private hot tub with views and marble-clad showers with large rainwater heads.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 47 rooms & suites (23-50m2) (248-538 sq ft) • hotel opened: September 2017 • interior design: Isabel Sá Nogueira • bathroom amenities: Oliófora • parking possible on-site (charged) • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible