Melbourne opening: 1 Hotels unveils ‘nature-inspired’ property
Described as a “nature-inspired property”, delivered in partnership with Melbourne-based developer Riverlee, the 277-room hotel features biophilic design principles, including more than 7,000 plants, reclaimed timber and materials and sustainable features such as shower timers and operable windows.
“The opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne marks a powerful moment for our brand as we expand in the Asia Pacific region,” says 1 Hotels Founder and Starwood Hotels Chairman, Barry Sternlicht.
“As we grow our global footprint, we’re focused on markets that reflect our values – places where nature, culture, and innovation converge in meaningful ways. Melbourne is a city that not only understands the importance of sustainability, it celebrates it.”
Starwood Hotels CEO, Raul Leal, said the brand ethos centres around “luxury rooted in purpose, impact, and authentic experiences”.
“1 Hotel Melbourne brings sustainability and style into harmony, with a focus on wellness, local connection, and day-to-night programming that creates a tangible sense of place,” he said.
“From the moment you arrive, you feel like you’re part of the city.”
Designed to reflect the Victoria’s rugged landscape, the hotel welcomes guests with a dramatic rock wall in the lobby constructed from split-faced granite, an industrial by-product that reflects Victoria’s coastal geology.
More than 4,500 square meters of reclaimed timber (the equivalent of 18 tennis courts) has been used in the hotel, with the reception desk carved from repurposed elm trees from Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel works. In the lounge, decommissioned railway bridges have been transformed into a sweeping staircase.
The hotel’s guest rooms, including 36 suites, have floor-to-ceiling windows displaying the city skyline or Yarra River, feature walls made from discarded railway sleepers, and door numbers made from reclaimed timber panels.
“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’s 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.”
1 Hotel Melbourne also offers 114 hotel-branded waterfront homes, with exclusive services such as chef-catered private dinners and in-residence spa treatments. An 18th-floor penthouse, designed by Riverlee founder Clement Lee OAM, in collaboration with Fender Katsalidis, features a private outdoor terrace, lounge, library, and dining space.
A site-specific art program, Regeneration: The Art of Renewal, has been curated for the property by One Design Office in collaboration with DarkLab, a subsidiary of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). The collection brings together Indigenous and contemporary pieces on resilience, culture, and environmental healing through reclaimed and natural materials, from suspended glass eel forms to towering plant-infused concrete sculptures.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, From Here by Mike, is a collaboration with renowned Australian chef and author Mike McEnearney – recognised for his acclaimed Sydney restaurant Kitchen by Mike. Crane Bar and Lounge serves up botanical cocktails made with locally distilled spirits and a soundtrack of live DJ sets, while Neighbours Café offers barista-made coffee, nutrient-dense meals, smoothies and energy shots. A speakeasy-style cocktail bar, Upstairs, serves up artfully crafter cocktails and snacks.
The hotel features over 1,000 square meters of event space and a wellness offering including a state-of-the-art fitness centre and Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with holistic living leader, Carole Bamford, featuring an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a Jacuzzi-style spa.
A curated calendar of Happenings, from wellness and fitness to food, art, and culture, will include sunrise river runs, guided breathwork, tarot card readings, and experiences like a DIY salt-blending workshop.