Stay: Torel Terra Brava

Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira, Azores

28 rooms, from 115 usd

We have become big fans of the Torel Boutique Hotel group in Portugal, having visited their Lisbon and Porto properties many times before. We were very excited to visit their first Azores property which just opened earlier this year, ideally situated in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town of Angra do Heroísmo. In fact, for a hotel that is only 3 months old, it is running superbly. The design of the spaces feel fresh and intimate. The lobby is spacious, and there are free snacks and lemonade on offer all day long. (Ask the bartender to make you a local maracuja (passion fruit) drink – it's awesome). Breakfast (and lunch/dinner) are served in the lower level restaurant - and is plentiful with options. (We love the mini Azorean sweets from the local confectionery shop on the breakfast buffet). There is both an indoor and outdoor pool (but note the outdoor pool is a bit too cold for winter swimming), plus an adjacent sauna and steam room. Rooms are comfortable - and we loved the daily turn-down service (a luxury few hotels offer anymore), with nightly chocolates from São Tomé and creative bookmarks with local themes. The location is within the historic town, but a few blocks away from the overtly touristic attractions...and still close enough to walk. But the best part is the staff, who work in harmony like a big family. They offered great recommendations for local restaurants (thank you Marco!) and attractions (thank you Lucas!), and the entire staff were always friendly, professional, and kind. We arrived late at night: and the staff was thoughtful enough to leave some snacks in our room, just because they wanted to. How generous! It's also nice to note that Torel Hotels are pet-friendly: our Corgi was welcomed with his own bed and bowls in the room. We cannot wait to return to this hotel.

Torel Terra Brava, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira

https://www.torelterrabrava.com/

Photo source: Syllogi

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