The countdown is on to the Australian debut of the highly anticipated 1 Hotel Melbourne, with the property now taking reservations for a June opening.
The mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand, founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, brings its sustainable luxury and nature-inspired design to life at a waterfront Riverlee property on the southwestern edge of Melbourne’s CBD.
“At 1 Hotels, we believe that luxury and sustainability can – and should – go hand in hand,” said 1 Hotels Founder and Starwood Hotels Chairman, Barry Sternlicht.
“With 1 Hotel Melbourne, we’ve created a waterfront destination that immerses guests in nature while celebrating the city’s rich legacy and forward-thinking spirit.
“This hotel isn’t just about where you stay – this is about how you feel, how you connect, and how travel can inspire a deeper commitment to the world around us.
“The water inspires calm and serenity, which is what our brand is meant to convey: an oasis for travellers to escape the rigours of travel.”
The 277-room hotel is a showcase of architectural innovation and sustainable design, according to Starwood Hotels CEO, Raul Leal.
“From reclaimed materials and immersive biophilic design to thoughtfully curated wellness offerings, this property is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and the extraordinary guest experiences that define 1 Hotels,” Leal said.
The centrepiece of the building is the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5 – the last of the unrenovated goods sheds in what was once Melbourne’s busiest port.
The hotel’s biophilic and sustainable design elements include more than 2,000 living plants, a reception desk crafted from fallen trees, reclaimed timber furnishings, and restored elements from Goods Shed No. 5.
Timber has been sourced from abandoned local rail bridges and wharfs to make bedheads, nearly 2,000 bluestone pavers have been reinstalled as pathways, and steel trusses and window frames have been restored.
“Through our partnership with 1 Hotels, we have reimagined this heritage waterfront site into a sustainable luxury destination that honours Melbourne’s maritime past while setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship,” said Riverlee Development Director, David Lee.
“This project perfectly embodies Riverlee’s commitment to creating visionary developments that respect our city’s past while building for its future.”
Each of the guest rooms, including 36 suites, feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Yarra River or the Melbourne skyline, and energy-efficient smart thermostats.
The hotel also features a signature restaurant, grab-and-go café, state-of-the-art fitness centre, including indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a Jacuzzi-style spa, and Bamford Wellness Spa which will offer holistic wellness treatments inspired by local therapies.
As part of the development, there are also 114 exclusive 1 Homes residences.
The Seafarers Event Space, a 1,000-square-meter riverside venue, can accommodate up to 900 guests, and additional meeting rooms, including a boardroom and lounge, can cater to corporate and social gatherings.
Through a partnership with Foodprint Group, 1 Hotel Melbourne aims to divert over 90% of waste and the property is on the path to achieving LEED Silver certification.