International hospitality group edyn will expand its lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke outside of the UK for the first time with the opening of Zanzibar Locke in Dublin.
Slated to open this December, the project draws on its rich architectural heritage to inform its design. Developed on the site of the legendary Zanzibar Nightclub, the Georgian building has been restored by local contractors, joiners and artists to retain its original character, while combining the aspirational design, living space and custom furniture synonymous with Locke.
Situated on Ormond Quay, overlooking the River Liffey, Zanzibar Locke comprises 160 studio apartments equipped with fully-fitted kitchens and living areas, as well as access to complimentary co-working, meeting and events space, food and drink outlets, workout studio and a varied cultural programme.
Parent group edyn – which also operates serviced apartment brand SACO, Wittenberg in Amsterdam, and The Moorgate in London – demonstrated resilience during the COVID pandemic. From March to October 2020, edyn properties maintained an average occupancy of 60% across the group. The latest addition to the Locke portfolio, Bermonds Locke, retained an average occupancy 75% since opening in September.
“We have been incredibly fortunate that the extended-stay sector has performed comparatively well throughout the pandemic,” comments Stephen McCall, CEO, edyn. “While this year has been challenging for us all, at edyn we have benefited from the resilience and adaptability of our business model, combined with the financial strength and long-term outlook of our investors. This allowed us to push forward with our expansion plans in a time when very few hotel were opening.”
He adds: “Our portfolio has never felt more relevant and we look forward to further Locke opening across Europe in 2021, along with exciting transformation and growth plans for other edyn brands.”
Having established itself as a serious contender in the long-stay market, edyn plans to expand Locke across Europe in 2021. The brand’s fourth London property, Kingsland Locke, is slated to launch in the new year, followed by further European openings with a second location in Dublin and two openings in Munich.
