The opening of Locke’s first Lisbon location was met with a buzz, and it is clear that the property lives up to its hype. The creation of Locke de Santa Joana was a five-year project. It involved the restoration of an old convent. Between 20,000 and 40.000 artifacts have been found during this period, which has undoubtedly shaped the hotel into what it is today. There are touches throughout that remind you you’re in Lisbon: the restored tiles that were found during excavation, the hole-in-the-wall coffee shop, Castro’s, which scents the whole room and proudly displays pasteis de nata, and—mercifully for all—a wonderfully separate co-working room, that allows those with laptops to have some quiet as they work, and everyone else to not feel as though they’ve walked into an office.
There are eleven different categories of rooms, from a simple one without a kitchen to a suite with both a living and dining area. The rooms are equipped for short or long-term stays. Almost all types of room include an oven, stove, fridge and washing machine. Their original features, high ceilings and preserved original features give them a special touch. They add a warm and homely feeling to what otherwise could have been a generic hotel.
Locke de Santa Joana has already become a gastronomic destination in its own right, thanks to the restaurants and bars of White Rabbit Projects. Santa Joana’s larger brasserie features original convent flooring, a large open space and a balcony with tables below. Nuno Mendes has created a menu that is flavorful and creative. This restaurant, which is ranked among the top restaurants in Lisbon, already boasts a fresh, flavorful and creative menu. The Kissaten Bar, on the other hand, has Lisbon’s biggest whisky collection. O Pequeno, an intimate Champagne and Martini-only bar, is open to both guests and visitors.
