Design-focused serviced apartment brand Locke has opened its first aparthotel outside of the UK, located in Dublin.
Zanzibar Locke is the brand’s sixth property, and occupies a Georgian building which formerly housed the infamous Zanzibar Nightclub, hence its name. Situated on Ormond Quay, with views overlooking the River Liffey, the building has been restored and developed by Dublin-based interior design studio O’Donnell O’Neill Design and C+W O’Brien Architects, combining the original character of the building with stylish design, contemporary fittings and custom furniture.
The hotel was formerly open for essential stays, but is now welcoming leisure guests.
Each of the 160 studio apartments include fully fitted kitchens and living space and range from 25 sqm City Studios to 50 sqm River Suites, designed for shorter and longer stays respectively. Facilities also include a gym, a locally inspired cultural programme and a restaurant from Dublin hospitality company NolaClan.
Locke has worked with Irish partners and suppliers including sustainable fashion brand Grown, and DJ and founder of creative collective Gxrl Code, Mona Lxsa, to create a hotel which “is deeply embedded in the social fabric of its neighbourhood”.
Baraza, the aparthotel’s dining venue, is located on the mezzanine floor and will serve coffee and light snacks in the morning, and seasonal small plates and craft cocktails during the day. Restrictions in Ireland currently only permit indoor dining for hotel guests.
Stephen McCall, CEO of Edyn group, commented:
“We are very excited to finally be welcoming leisure travellers into our first property outside of the UK. It has been a great experience familiarising ourselves with the local Dublin market – and early indications show that our unique aparthotel concept is something new and exciting that the city needs at this pivotal moment. With a second opening in Dublin later this year, we are delighted to be able to welcome all guests in time for summer.”
Osgur O Ciardha, Country General Manager, added:
“Locke’s forward-thinking aparthotel concept has shown resilience throughout the pandemic. In an exceptionally challenging year for Irish hospitality, we were able to remain open throughout the national lockdown to house essential stays largely enabled by the self-contained apartments. We are looking forward to welcoming back leisure travellers.”
The Locke brand was launched in 2016, and is named after 17th century English philosopher and physician John Locke. Zanzibar Locke joins four existing London properties, Eden Locke in Edinburgh, and Whitworth Locke in Manchester. A second Dublin property will open in August in the city’s Docklands area, along with a property in Cambridge in October, and two forthcoming aparthotels in Munich.
