You’ve probably seen the photos. Sunlight hitting pale stone, a pool that looks like it belongs in a Slim Aarons shoot, and interiors so curated they make your own living room look like a cluttered attic. That’s Locke de Santa Joana. It’s the kind of place that’s been blowing up on social media since it opened in mid-2024, but honestly, most of the hype misses the point.
People call it a "lifestyle hotel." Boring.
What it actually is, is a massive, 17th-century puzzle box. Most tourists walking down the Avenida da Liberdade have no clue they’re passing a former convent that once housed cloistered nuns who lived in total silence. Now? You’ve got digital nomads drinking $15 Negronis where a library used to be. It’s a weird, beautiful collision of history and the "work-from-anywhere" culture that has reshaped Lisbon over the last few years.
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The Real History (No, It Wasn't Always a Fancy Lobby)
The site of Locke de Santa Joana wasn't built for tourists. It was the Convento de Santa Joana, established in 1699. It’s named after Joana, Princess of Portugal. She was the daughter of King Afonso V and, frankly, a bit of a rebel. She turned down marriages to Kings (including Richard III of England!) just so she could live a simple, religious life.
She eventually joined a convent in Aveiro, but her legacy in Lisbon is what gave this building its soul.
The convent survived the 1755 earthquake—barely—and was later used as everything from a police station's traffic division to a storage space. When the hospitality group edyn (who owns the Locke brand) took it over, it was a wreck.
It took seven years to fix.
They didn't just slap on some paint. Because of Portugal’s strict preservation laws, architects from Saraiva + Associados and designers like Lázaro Rosa-Violán had to work around the original arches and stone columns. If you look closely at the walls in the "Convento" wing, you’ll see centuries-old azulejos (tiles) that haven't moved an inch.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Design
Most "design hotels" feel like they were ordered from a catalog. This one doesn't.
Locke de Santa Joana is actually the brand's largest project to date. We're talking 370 rooms. That’s huge for a boutique-style spot. Usually, that many rooms means a "cookie-cutter" feel, but they split the property into different buildings:
- Arte
- Beato
- Convento
- D. Álvaro
The "Beato" wing is the new build, named after Saint Anthony (Lisbon’s patron saint). It’s modern. Crisp. But the rooms in the "Convento" wing? Those are the ones you want. They’ve got these massive lightwells and split-level layouts that feel more like a chic Lisbon apartment than a hotel.
Brooklyn-based Post Company did the rooms, and they used a ton of local materials. Think Portuguese cork, local stone, and heavy fabrics that feel expensive but not "stuffy." It’s basically a masterclass in how to make 2026 luxury feel grounded.
Eating and Drinking at Santa Joana
Food is where this place gets "kinda" intense. They didn't just open a hotel restaurant; they opened a whole ecosystem.
Santa Marta is the main spot. It’s a Mediterranean brasserie where they’ve literally hung the original cutlery used by the nuns on the walls. It sounds creepy, but it works. Then there’s The Kissaten. If you like whiskey, this is your temple. It houses one of the largest whiskey collections in Lisbon and features a sound system curated by Spiritland from London.
Honestly, the vibe in there at 11 PM on a Tuesday is better than most clubs in the city.
Why the Location Matters
You’re near Marquês de Pombal.
For the uninitiated: this is the "uptown" part of the center. You’re not in the middle of the noisy, tourist-trap bars of Bairro Alto. You’re a short walk from Avenida da Liberdade, which is Lisbon’s version of the Champs-Élysées. It’s where the high-end shops are.
It’s convenient. It’s also a bit quieter, which is a blessing when you’re trying to recover from a 7-hour flight.
The Practical Side (The "Aparthotel" Secret)
Most people don't realize that Locke de Santa Joana functions as an aparthotel.
Many of the studios and apartments have full kitchens. If you're staying for a week, being able to cook a meal or at least keep some local cheese and wine in a real fridge is a game changer. It bridges the gap between a sterile hotel room and a sketchy Airbnb.
They’ve also leaned hard into the coworking thing. The lobby isn't just for checking in; it’s filled with people on MacBooks. The Wi-Fi is fast (I’ve tested it), and there are actual meeting rooms you can rent. It's built for the way people actually live and travel now.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Pick your wing wisely: If you want history, ask for the Convento wing. If you want a balcony and more sun, the newer wings are better.
- Don't skip the pool: It’s in a central courtyard and feels totally hidden from the city noise. Go early before the "see and be seen" crowd wakes up.
- Check the event calendar: They do a lot of DJ sets and "listening sessions" at The Kissaten. It’s a great way to meet locals who actually live in Lisbon, not just other tourists.
- Walk to Príncipe Real: It’s about a 15-minute uphill walk. It’s the coolest neighborhood in the city for independent boutiques and small wine bars.
If you’re looking for a place that feels like "old Lisbon" but has 2026 amenities, this is it. It’s not cheap, but for the history you’re sleeping in, it’s a fair trade. Just remember to look at the tiles—some of them have been there longer than your home country has probably existed.
To make the most of your trip, try booking a "Locke Studio with Balcony" in the Beato wing to get the best of the Lisbon sun while staying close to the historic communal areas.