1 Hotel Seattle – a sustainable sanctuary in the heart of Seattle

1 Hotels, the nature-inspired luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is preparing to introduce the brand to the Pacific Northwest, in anticipation of its April opening in Seattle…

1 Hotel Seattle studio suite

Set in the buzzy South Lake Union neighbourhood at the cross-section of Seattle’s emerging biotech and big-tech industries, 1 Hotel Seattle is a world-class urban retreat, blending sustainable luxury with the restorative beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

“Seattle has always been a city that values sustainability, innovation, and connection to nature,” said Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts (soon to be Starwood Hotels). “With 1 Hotel Seattle, we’ve created a property that not only reflects the city’s natural surroundings but also champions our mission to redefine what luxury hospitality can be through sustainable practices.”

Plants and natural materials in lobby lounge of 1 Hotel Toronto

Image caption: 1 Hotel Toronto | Image credit: Brandon Barre

“Opening reservations for 1 Hotel Seattle marks an exciting step forward as we introduce the 1 Hotels brand to the Pacific Northwest,” added Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts (soon to be Starwood Hotels). “We’ve designed this property to be a sanctuary for travellers and locals alike — combining thoughtful luxury, biophilic design, and experiences that celebrate Seattle’s innovative spirit.”

The moment guests step into 1 Hotel Seattle, they are transported into a tranquil haven that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest. The spacious, light-filled lobby has a striking living wall of cascading greenery. A huge fireplace, framed with tiles made by a local ceramics studio, anchors the space, creating a cosy zone for relaxation and conversation.

Adjacent to the lobby, a lushly landscaped outdoor terrace invites guests to unwind and soak in the beauty of their surroundings. The seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces embodies the biophilic ethos at the heart of 1 Hotels.

natural colours and surfaces, plants on the table and elements of nature as art on the walls in the guestroom at 1Hotel Mayfair

Image caption: 1Hotel Mayfair | Image credit: SH Hotels & Resorts

1 Hotel Seattle features 153 guest rooms including 45 suites — personal sanctuaries where nature and luxury coexist. Large windows flood the spaces with natural light and offer sweeping city views. Drawing inspiration from the region’s majestic landscapes, each space reflects the imperfections of nature, with reclaimed wood finishes, stone-clad millwork, moss-inspired art installations, and live-edge furniture showcasing the craftsmanship of Seattle’s artisans. Amenities are thoughtfully curated to enhance guest comfort while minimizing environmental impact.

Dining at 1 Hotel Seattle offers a modern take on sustainability and global cuisine. Led by celebrated Chef Oscar Amador Edo, the hotel’s signature restaurant, La Loba, combines the rich culinary traditions of Barcelona, the Mediterranean, and Japan with Seattle’s dynamic energy and top-quality ingredients. The name La Loba — Spanish for ‘the she-wolf’ — symbolises resilience and independence, reflecting the restaurant’s bold, adventurous approach to cuisine. The warm, tactile design of the space features natural, earthy elements that foster social connection and discovery. The lobby bar and lounge, with its illuminated art wall, serves as a social hub for both guests and locals from day to night.

penthouse bathroom with surfaces in stone, wood and brass and steps up to giant bath

Image credit: 1 Hotel Mayfair

For events and celebrations, 1 Hotel Seattle offers a range of versatile spaces, including the Rainier Ballroom — complete with an outdoor terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows framing stunning views of the Space Needle — and multiple meeting and event rooms, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

At 1 Hotel Seattle, wellness and sustainability are not just values — they are integral to the guest experience. Guests can recharge in The Field House, a state-of-the-art fitness centre equipped with Peloton bikes, resistance treadmills, and a curated selection of fitness experiences. Every room features custom 1 Hotels Signature Bath Products, an exclusive line of conscious products formulated by Bamford Wellness Spa.

The hotel’s design and operations reflect a deep commitment to the environment, incorporating innovative practices such as energy-efficient smart thermostats, low-VOC materials, and advanced air quality management systems. Through a partnership with Foodprint Group, the property will aim to divert over 90 per cent of waste from landfills, further reinforcing its dedication to sustainability. Across the hotel, single-use plastics are being replaced with sustainable alternatives like reusable glassware and compostable materials. Thoughtful touches, such as quotes on hangers and chalkboards in guest rooms, provide educational moments to inspire guests to reflect on their own impact on the planet.

Main image credit: Kelsey Bumsted / 1 Hotel Seattle