One of the greatest joys about travel is experiencing the destination like a local. Strolling down a hidden side street to the best cafe in town. Or discovering a cocktail bar off the beaten track, soaking up the atmosphere sitting alongside residents. Even staying with a friend and experiencing all the home comforts that usually you’re relieved to return home to! Typically, not knowing where to begin and living without those home comforts are compromises we make whilst travelling the world. But what if it’s possible to live like a local in a city you’re visiting for the first time? Locke Living is redefining what’s possible when it comes to travel, creating this experience for guests in their expanding portfolio of aparthotels across Europe.

One of the pioneers of the aparthotel world, Locke Living offers travellers the opportunity to stay for anything from a couple of nights to a year if they choose. The fully serviced luxury aparthotels – combining a boutique hotel with a serviced apartment – can be found in central locations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany. Inspired by their city location, each Locke aparthotel offers unique accommodation, with signature Locke elements providing a dedicated service for the ultimate home away from home experience. Visitors can immerse themselves as much or as little as they want in the city of their choice. This stylish boutique accommodation alternative is great for hosting any length of stay. Aparthotels aren’t a new concept, yet Locke Living is elevating market standards by offering this luxurious hybrid as a desirable lifestyle option for the discerning traveller.

Since its launch in 2016, the home-meets-hotel lifestyle brand has rapidly expanded, proving popular with travellers for its innovative combination of design-led living space and hotel-level service and experience. Originally opening locations in the United Kingdom with Leman Locke in East London, the brand quickly grew with its focus on providing a new kind of travel experience. Locke Living works closely with leading international architects and designers to create unique spaces to live in whilst also engaging with the local community through events. The range of accommodation offers comfortable living spaces with everything needed for day-to-day life, from washer dryers to dog-friendly apartments. In addition, public spaces at Locke Living offer activities from yoga to exclusive exhibitions and locally inspired event programmes. What makes it work is the attention to detail both in the buildings – no plug socket or extra pillow is forgotten – and the local knowledge when it comes to providing what customers require. Without trawling through endless city guides online, guests can speak to hosts for ideas tailored to their specific interests, and benefit from additional suggestions for the most immersive local experience.

Located at the beating heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities, Locke at Broken Wharf is situated on the banks of the river Thames, with unrivalled walking access to some of London’s cultural highlights, acclaimed restaurants, and speciality shops. Staying at Locke Living allows guests an insight into London living, with expert knowledge on hand to explore the city like a Londoner. Art, history, culture – it’s all on the doorstep. Stroll to the Southbank Centre to see what’s on at this prominent arts venue, or head to Borough Market for a selection of delectable food options, then take in a performance at Shakespeare’s renowned Globe Theatre. When it comes to historic buildings, St Paul’s Cathedral is only a short walk away, or stroll along the river to enjoy magnificent views of Tower Bridge and the iconic London skyline.

The city’s contrasts inspired New York-based architecture studio Grzywinski+Pons, who designed the stylish yet comfortable interior at Locke at Broken Wharf. Formerly a 1970s office building, the riverside retreat still retains its urban character with a chic, modern twist. Gun metal lamps and heavy chainmail curtains contrast with pastel walls, furniture in neutral tones and airy social spaces adorned with throws, coffee table books and leafy plants. Upstairs the tastefully designed apartments have been designed to create an inviting space with an earthy green palette and soft furnishings. The visual aesthetic throughout adds to the warm and vibrant atmosphere when walking around a Locke Living space, instantly welcoming guests after a busy day in the city.

Once inside, guests have a wide range of options to choose from whether working, exercising, or dining with friends. In the communal area, there is space to work and use high-speed Wi-Fi, take down time, or savour a coffee at Shaman Café. In addition, Solstice restaurant offers a seasonal menu inspired by British and Mediterranean cuisine. Locke Living also has an exclusive fitness brand – the Locker Gym – with regular classes available. For those who prefer heading outside, there is a range of riverside running routes offering panoramic views of the cityscape and a dose of fresh air.

The hotel has 113 apartments with a variety of different sizes available from the Micro Studio to the River Suite, many with sweeping views of the city’s famous skyline overlooking the Thames and Southbank. The top-spec Smeg kitchen tempts guests to cook and dine in, whilst the apartment’s integrated technology with high-speed internet offers peace of mind when connecting with the outside world.

The key to Locke Living’s success is the range of options available for guests to enjoy the experiences that travel provides without compromising on home comforts. Guests define every element of their travel experience, with the host city on hand with inspired ideas to make the best use of their time. Living like a local – in style – has never been easier.