Most hotels aren’t designed with the modern traveller in mind. Yes, it would be great if I could afford to eat out for breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day and sign up for short-term gym memberships everywhere I visit. But it isn’t great for my bank balance.
Not to mention how inconvenient it can be to live out of a hotel room for long-term stays. It is this very reason I stay in Airbnb so often. But with many mixed experiences, sometimes you just want the comfort of a consistently well-managed hotel chain, with the amenities of an apartment.
This is where Locke comes in with their beautifully designed aparthotels located across Europe.
In this Locke review, find out why I often choose to stay in a Locke when travelling around Europe. But also why I would rather choose to stay at Native Places when in the UK (London, Manchester or Glasgow).
What is Locke?
Locke is a ‘design-led’ aparthotel chain expanding gradually across Europe. Their hotels are probably a little different to the hotels you are used to. They offer a variety of different styles of hotel rooms, including studio rooms, suites and apartments. The majority of their hotels also offer on-site amenities like gyms, co-working spaces, and coffee shops, as well as regular community events to get involved in.
Your room/studio/apartment is designed to be used as a space to live in. This means they have provided you with a dynamic and convenient space, be it with cooking equipment like ovens and pots and pans, or a yoga mat and great-smelling toiletries. They also ensure all guests have access to a laundry room, perfect for longer stays.
Each Locke hotel is designed in a unique and trendy way, usually fitting in with the local area. You will be sure to have a special experience no matter which one you decide to stay in!
Features of Locke Hotels
Staying at a Locke hotel isn’t too dissimilar to staying in an apartment. They are well-kitted out for both short and long-term stays. Most of all, Locke Hotels are known for their:
- Stylish design
- Home comforts, with living and cooking areas
- Apartments and studios with well-equipped kitchens
- On-site events, including yoga and running groups
- Gym access
- Co-working spaces
- Laundry room access
Locke Hotel locations
Locke Hotels are situated in prime locations across the UK and Europe, offering you the opportunity to stay in the heart of the city while enjoying serene and beautifully designed spaces. Here are their current locations:
- United Kingdom:
- Germany:
- Berlin
- Munich (Schwan Locke and WunderLocke)
- Switzerland:
- Portugal:
- France:
My experience
I have stayed at a few different Locke Hotels, including Kingsland Locke (Dalston, London), Buckle Street Studios (Aldgate, London), Leman Locke (Aldgate, London), and Locke at East Side Gallery (Friedrichshain, Berlin).
I have done both short and long stays in a variety of Locke hotels and found my experience to be consistent across all of them. Although the UK Locke apartments have been starting to look a little worse for wear, which is why I now opt for Native Places instead (read my Native Places review).
I found most Locke Hotels to be both comfortable and stylish. The rooms provide a perfect balance of modern amenities and homely warmth. Not to mention the friendly staff. I will go into further detail about each positive below.
Comfort
Not only do the rooms look stylish, but they are also comfortable. I love the plush sofas, which I sink into with a great glass of wine and takeaway/home-cooked meal in the evenings. The TVs have a screen share feature which allows you to watch your favourite programmes, but I could just as easily get stuck into a good book wrapped up in one of their provided blankets.
The beds are also comfortable and clean. The bedding is always crisp and soft, ensuring a great night’s sleep!
That being said, a few of the UK-based Lockes are starting to feel a little worse for wear. For example, some of the sofas and other furniture are a little worn down. And I can find the walls in some of the aparthotels to be a little thin, meaning I can hear what is going on in other apartments.
This is one of the reasons why I will opt for Native Places over Locke when in London, Manchester or Glasgow. Native Places is just like Locke, offering beautifully designed apartments, but I find the quality to be just a bit better than Locke’s.
Amenities
The in-room facilities, including the kitchen and living/workspace, were top-notch and catered to all my needs. All of the kitchenware was of good quality and the appliances were a good spec. This makes cooking easy, plus the built-in kitchen fans stop any unwanted smells from wafting through your room/studio.
I also enjoyed making the most out of their on-site spaces, like their gyms, coffee shops and co-working spaces. In particular, the co-working space at Buckle Street Studios had a great atmosphere that was conducive to deep work!
Cleanliness
The attention to cleanliness was evident, with spotless rooms and public areas. The worktops were all spotless, and I’m yet to find any leftover grease or mess from previous guests’ cooking. The insides of the ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers were also spotless.
I have occasionally found a few stains on the sofas, particularly in their London locations, which are a bit older. They have been cleaned, but it is still a bit off-putting. I have found the cleanliness of Native Places‘ London locations to be much better.
The staff
The staff are welcoming and attentive, always ready to assist with a genuine smile. They provide you with a WhatsApp number which you can text or call at any time.
During my stay at Locke’s East Side Gallery in Berlin, I discovered my cafetiere was broken. I sent a text to the WhatsApp number and had a reply within minutes. 10 minutes later, a member of staff arrived at my door with a new one. She was really friendly and helpful, which makes a huge change from your usual room service staff in hotels.
Visit Locke
For anyone looking for a stylish, comfortable, and convenient getaway in the UK or Europe, a stay at Locke Hotels is a must. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, Locke ensures a memorable and comfortable stay.
- Website: www.lockeliving.com
- Socials: @lockehotels on Instagram
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