1 Hotel Melbourne

Overview

In an era rife with greenwashing, marketing buzzwords like 'sustainable' or 'eco-friendly' are readily thrown around (and rarely mean much). That makes Australia's first 1 Hotel special: an inside with a palpable connection to the outside. The 1 Hotels brand began in Miami in 2015 and was founded by Barry Sternlicht, the current chairman of Starwood Capital Group. Sternlicht's vision was a luxury hotel constructed from reclaimed materials and with nature-led design in mind — a place where comfort and sustainability walk hand-in-hand.

A decade later, the franchise comprises 19 locations across North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region — the latest addition being a heritage-listed site along Melbourne's Yarra River. "We've created a waterfront destination that immerses guests in nature while celebrating the city's rich legacy and forward-thinking spirit," says Sternlicht of the Melbourne site. "This hotel [is about] 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 facade of 1 Hotel Melbourne.

1 Hotel Melbourne is housed inside (and on top of) the heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5, the last of the unrenovated 1800s goods sheds that once made up Melbourne's busiest port. The hotel's industrial elements — bluestone pavers, steel trusses, timber doors salvaged from the original build — are juxtaposed against natural materials used throughout. Wicker, wood and tactile textiles like bouclé and jute make up the furnishings on the riverfront deck outside and in the Crane Bar & Lounge, From Here by Mike restaurant and Upstairs bar. 4,500 square metres of reclaimed timber is used in the cladding and furnishings.

Beyond the interior design choices, living elements breathe a sense of tranquillity into 1 Hotel Melbourne — the vaulted ceilings of the shed allow for indoor trees (already impressive in their infancy), while real moss adorns the frame of each of the hotel's room doors. There are more than 7,000 plants inside the venue, reinforcing the hotel's biophilic approach.

Crane Bar & Lounge.

Inside the rooms, careful choices have been made to encourage, but not demand, that guests make sustainable choices. There's filtered water on tap, complete with a carafe and glasses made from recycled wine bottles, an hourglass timer in the shower, and a plaque for the 1 Hotel's 1 Less Thing program — simply place it on top of any unwanted items to ensure they're donated to a local charity store.

Instead of a typical synthetic room key and a cardboard 'Do Not Disturb' sign, you'll instead receive a circular wooden token key and a rock to place outside your door if you'd like some privacy.

The 1 Hotel pool, sauna and steam room.

The commitment to being eco-friendly extends to the Bamford (a sustainable skin and body care brand) products throughout the hotel, including in the Bamford Wellness Spa — a haven of wellness, tranquillity and self-care hidden on level three. In addition to the spa, all guests also have access to a full gym, pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Though you'll be within walking distance of some of Melbourne's best drinking and dining at 1 Hotel Melbourne, the hotel's From Here by Mike restaurant is a must-visit. Chef Mike McEnearney has constructed a seasonally rotating menu that champions ethically sourced, hyperlocal produce — complemented by a similarly intentional drinks list featuring over 40 Victorian winemakers. Expect an exciting fusion menu, spanning the full gamut of European to Asian culinary influences.

The vintage five-year ribeye at From Here By Mike.

Images: 1 Hotel