1 Hotel Melbourne marks the brands’ highly anticipated entrance into the Australian market, bringing its award-winning blend of sustainable luxury and nature-inspired design to the heart of Melbourne, in collaboration with industry-leading developer Riverlee…
1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, has announced an opening date for June 2025 for its Australian debut. The centerpiece of the remarkable building housing the hotel, is the heritage listed Goods Shed No. 5, the last of the unrenovated goods sheds in what was once Melbourne’s busiest port. The property will redefine luxury hospitality in the region with a philosophy that combines sustainability, style, and rejuvenation to create a transformative guest experience.
Image credit: Mikkel Vang
“At 1 Hotels, we believe that luxury and sustainability can – and should – go hand in hand,” commented Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. “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.”
“Opening reservations for 1 Hotel Melbourne is an exciting milestone as we bring our mission-driven hospitality to Australia,” added Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. “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.”
Located on the southwestern edge of Melbourne’s CBD, 1 Hotel Melbourne offers prime access to some of the city’s most celebrated attractions, including Marvel Stadium, the Royal Botanic Gardens, top shopping districts, and world-class theatres. Guests can explore the city via the world’s largest tram network – just two minutes away. The hotel is also adjacent to a 3,500-square-meter native-planted park and offers direct access to Melbourne’s serene riverfront and an extensive network of walking and biking paths.
Image credit: Mikkel Vang
1 Hotel Melbourne is a showcase of architectural innovation and sustainable design. The striking asymmetric façade features floor-to-ceiling windows with lower glazing that echoes the panels of Goods Shed No. 5 and upper panels that reflect the rippling surface of the Yarra River, while more than 2,000 living plants throughout the property blur the line between indoors and out. The lobby’s reception desk – from fallen trees, reclaimed timber furnishings, and restored elements from Goods Shed No. 5 – underscores a deep commitment to adaptive reuse and circular economy principles. Commissioned art reflects the city’s rich creative scene.
The property is on the path to achieving LEED Silver certification and is prioritising recycled and reclaimed materials throughout the design. Timber sourced from abandoned local rail bridges and wharfs, nearly 2,000 bluestone pavers reinstalled as pathways, and restored steel trusses and window frames preserve the building’s industrial character while celebrating Melbourne’s rich history. As part of the development, 1 Hotel Melbourne also includes 114 exclusive 1 Homes residences, seamlessly integrating sustainable luxury into private living spaces.
“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 David Lee, Development Director at Riverlee. “This project perfectly embodies Riverlee’s commitment to creating visionary developments that respect our city’s past while building for its future.”
Image credit: Mikkel Vang
Sheltering 277 guest rooms, including 36 suites, each has been designed as a peaceful sanctuary that merges natural beauty with modern comforts. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with natural light and frame serene views of the Yarra River or the Melbourne skyline. Sustainability is at the forefront, from energy-efficient smart thermostats and low-VOC materials to collaborations with local artists and the use of heritage architectural elements.
There are bedheads made from reclaimed timber railway bridges, live-edge furniture, and doors featuring preserved moss panels alongside room numbers carved from salvaged wharf timber, delicately etched by long-gone naval worms—an unexpected nod to the site’s maritime history. Rooms also have thoughtfully curated amenities like Bamford Wellness Spa products created in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living.
Dining at 1 Hotel Melbourne is also inspired by nature. The soon-to-be-revealed signature restaurant, will offer menus that showcase the freshest seasonal produce, with a focus on ingredients sourced from local farmers, fishers, and artisans. Neighbours grab-and-go café will feature organic bites and artisanal products, perfect for a quick snack or thoughtful gift. Guests can sip on foraged cocktails and boutique Victorian wines in the lobby bar, a social hub with breathtaking river views.
Wellness is integral to the 1 Hotel Melbourne experience. Guests can recharge at the Field House Gym, the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness centre, equipped with world-class, cutting-edge equipment, personal trainers, and a variety of fitness experiences including mindful programming such as yoga and meditation. Guests can unwind in the indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a Jacuzzi-style spa. And Bamford Wellness Spa is introducing holistic wellness treatments inspired by local therapies, setting a new benchmark for well-being in Australia.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the property’s operations. Biophilic design creates spaces where guests can connect with nature through abundant natural light, living greenery, and organic materials. The hotel also utilises advanced air quality management systems and innovative water conservation technologies. Through a partnership with Foodprint Group, 1 Hotel Melbourne aims to divert over 90 per cent of waste. Single-use plastics are eliminated in favour of sustainable alternatives like reusable glassware and compostable materials. Thoughtful touches throughout the hotel inspire guests to reflect on their environmental impact and embrace sustainable living long after they leave.
Main image credit: Mikkel Vang
