Lisbon’s newest aparthotel, Locke de Santa Joana, opened this month in a restored 17th-century convent, blending historic architecture with modern hospitality. The property is the largest in the Locke brand’s 16-location portfolio, offering 370 rooms across the original structure and three new wings.
Workers spent five years renovating the site. During that time, they found tens of thousands of artifacts, including elaborate blue tiles in the lobby. These items now fill onsite exhibition cases.
Design balances history and modern comfort
The interiors were split between Post Company, which handled the rooms, and designer Lázaro Rosa Violán, who shaped the common areas. Locke avoids a uniform look by hiring different designers for each property. Here, the convent’s original features—grand archways, marble columns, and detailed stone carvings—remained intact. New elements like blonde oak floors and soft paneling connect the old structure with contemporary needs.
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“The architecture had a strong presence,” said Leigh Salem, a partner at Post Company. “We kept historical elements where possible and added small details that reference the past.” A palette of beiges, grays, and forest greens, combined with Portuguese-sourced materials, strengthens the local identity. Some beds even sit within original marble columns.
Most furnishings came from nearby suppliers. Ceramics by Grau Cerâmica and textiles from regional artisans reflect Portugal’s craft traditions. The hotel’s style stays minimalist rather than monastic. Rooms feature whitewashed walls, textured sofas, and colorful kitchen accents, designed for guests who might stay weeks or months.
Amenities cater to remote workers and locals
Many of the generously sized rooms include dining areas and space for yoga mats. A dedicated co-working hub keeps laptops out of the lobby. Meeting rooms and event spaces serve business travelers.
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The hotel’s dining options attract both guests and locals. A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, a seafood brasserie, and a daytime café serve pastries and coffee. A cocktail bar occupies the convent’s former library. A listening bar features Lisbon’s largest whisky collection. Public spaces mix eclectic art and velvet accents with preserved details like azulejo tiles and marble floors.
Small touches honor the building’s history. The cutlery once used by the convent’s nuns is now framed and displayed in Santa Marta restaurant. The result feels contemporary but rooted in its past—not a museum, but a place to live.
The hotel stands as a rare example of a historic renovation that makes the past functional. The convent’s structure remains visible, but the spaces feel active—more like a second home than a relic.
