Latest news with #1Hotels
Sydney Morning Herald
05-08-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
When it comes to hotel design, a few pot plants don't cut it any more
Biophilic design is the new catchword in hospitality, where buildings overflow with plants and sunlight, turning them into jungles of vines, palms and water features. Forget plush sofas, gilded mirrors and other artificial symbols of luxury and comfort; natural fabrics and materials, clustered vegetation and vertical gardens are the new luxury as architects weave the patterns and forms of nature into their designs, to strengthen guests' connection to the natural world and sense of wellness. The 1 Hotel group, which has 15 hotels (soon to be 20) in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific, is leading in terms of nature-based design and sustainability, with organic materials and greenery at the core of every hotel. 1 Hotels is a relatively new company, started by Barry Sternlicht, founder of Starwood Hotels and the buzzy W Hotels, who sees the new brand as a platform for change. 'I wanted to capture the beauty of nature in a hotel and commit to safeguarding it as best as I can, a responsibility that I believe we all share,' he says. The flagship hotel at Brooklyn Bridge opened in 2017. One of the latest additions is the new 1 Hotel Melbourne, which positions itself as a sustainable sanctuary with an indoor garden and plant-filled public spaces. At 1 Hotel in Mayfair, London, instead of a ritzy chandelier in the lobby, there's an amazing four-metre-diameter vegetal chandelier installation, Rainforest by Studio Patrick Nadeau, which is covered with 50,000 strands of Spanish moss. I've just been in Singapore, where biophilia has really taken root, quite literally. Famously dubbed the 'garden city' in the 1960s by the country's founding father and former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, it's long been a leading example of how greenery can be brilliantly integrated into urban spaces. At Gardens by the Bay, landscape design includes lakes, two conservatories with separate biodomes and a forest of 18 Supertrees that serve as vertical gardens, observatories and engines for essential shading and water collection.
The Age
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Age
When it comes to hotel design, a few pot plants don't cut it any more
Biophilic design is the new catchword in hospitality, where buildings overflow with plants and sunlight, turning them into jungles of vines, palms and water features. Forget plush sofas, gilded mirrors and other artificial symbols of luxury and comfort; natural fabrics and materials, clustered vegetation and vertical gardens are the new luxury as architects weave the patterns and forms of nature into their designs, to strengthen guests' connection to the natural world and sense of wellness. The 1 Hotel group, which has 15 hotels (soon to be 20) in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific, is leading in terms of nature-based design and sustainability, with organic materials and greenery at the core of every hotel. 1 Hotels is a relatively new company, started by Barry Sternlicht, founder of Starwood Hotels and the buzzy W Hotels, who sees the new brand as a platform for change. 'I wanted to capture the beauty of nature in a hotel and commit to safeguarding it as best as I can, a responsibility that I believe we all share,' he says. The flagship hotel at Brooklyn Bridge opened in 2017. One of the latest additions is the new 1 Hotel Melbourne, which positions itself as a sustainable sanctuary with an indoor garden and plant-filled public spaces. At 1 Hotel in Mayfair, London, instead of a ritzy chandelier in the lobby, there's an amazing four-metre-diameter vegetal chandelier installation, Rainforest by Studio Patrick Nadeau, which is covered with 50,000 strands of Spanish moss. I've just been in Singapore, where biophilia has really taken root, quite literally. Famously dubbed the 'garden city' in the 1960s by the country's founding father and former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, it's long been a leading example of how greenery can be brilliantly integrated into urban spaces. At Gardens by the Bay, landscape design includes lakes, two conservatories with separate biodomes and a forest of 18 Supertrees that serve as vertical gardens, observatories and engines for essential shading and water collection.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
1 Hotels launches new property in Australia's Melbourne
Starwood Hotels-operated luxury lifestyle brand 1 Hotels has expanded its presence with the launch of a new property in Melbourne, Australia. Situated along 220m of the Yarra River frontage in the revitalised North Wharf precinct, the property is established in collaboration with Riverlee. The property offers 277 guest rooms, encompassing 36 suites, featuring sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies. Guest rooms are equipped with smart thermostats, energy-saving switches, and low-VOC materials while the walls are curated from discarded railway sleepers from New South Wales and Victoria. 1 Hotels founder and Starwood Hotels chairman Barry Sternlicht said: "The opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne marks a powerful moment for our brand as we expand in the Asia Pacific region. "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." The property also includes 114 hotel-branded homes, providing residents with private dinners, in-residence spa treatments, a private outdoor terrace and communal spaces with views. The 18th-floor penthouse is designed by Clement Lee OAM, founder of Melbourne-based Riverlee, in partnership with Fender Katsalidis. The hotel's design pays homage to the historic Seafarers Wharf. The hotel also provides more than 1,000m² of flexible event space, including the riverside Seafarers Event Space that can house up to 900 guests. Developed in collaboration with Carole Bamford, the Bamford Wellness Spa features a wellness area with an indoor pool and a fitness centre called The Field House Gym. The hotel aims to garner LEED Silver certification, featuring a 50kW solar array and a rainwater harvesting system. Additional eco-friendly features include shower timers and operable windows in 85% of the rooms. The opening of the Melbourne property follows the launch of 1 Hotel Mayfair in the UK, in November 2023, the brand's first European property, developed in collaboration with Crosstree Real Estate Partners. "1 Hotels launches new property in Australia's Melbourne" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Korea Herald
18-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open
Redefining sustainable luxury in Australia's cultural capital with a landmark debut MELBOURNE, Australia, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, proudly announces the official opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne. This nature-inspired property marks the brand's long-anticipated debut in Australia, redefining the future of luxury hospitality in the heart of one of the world's most forward-thinking cities. Developed in partnership with Melbourne-based Riverlee, the hotel is set along 220 meters of uninterrupted Yarra River frontage in the revitalized North Wharf precinct. The building is a celebration of Melbourne's storied past and a blueprint for a more sustainable future, brought to life through biophilic design principles and a commitment to living in harmony with nature. The architectural centerpiece of the project is the restored Goods Shed No. 5, Melbourne's last remaining heritage goods shed from the city's shipping heyday. The hotel is also designed to foster connection, creativity, and community, buzzing from day to night with chef-led dining, wellness experiences, and a dynamic lineup of Happenings—from sound baths and DJ sets to zero-waste cocktail workshops. "The opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne marks a powerful moment for our brand as we expand in the Asia Pacific region," says Barry Sternlicht, 1 Hotels Founder and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. "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." "At 1 Hotels, we've always believed that true luxury is rooted in purpose, impact, and authentic experiences," said Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. "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. From the moment you arrive, you feel like you're part of the city." "Through our partnership with 1 Hotels, we have reimagined this heritage waterfront site into a sustainable luxury destination that honors Melbourne's maritime past while setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship," says 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." Design Shaped by Nature and History 1 Hotel Melbourne's design narrative is anchored in the brand's nature-first ethos and commitment to biophilic design—an approach that taps into the untamed landscapes of Victoria, from the rugged cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the lush canopies of the Dandenong Ranges. Here, nature isn't an escape from the city—it's a dialogue with it, creating an urban sanctuary that blurs the boundary between built and natural environments, with a deep and immersive sense of place. At the heart of the design is the site itself: the historic Seafarers wharf, in continuous use since 1855. Its centerpiece is the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5. Originally built in 1895, the shed was once a vital part of Melbourne's maritime economy, processing massive amounts of cargo before falling into disuse in the 1970s. More than 2,000 original elements have been salvaged, catalogued, and reincorporated, including bluestone pavers, steel trusses, timber doors, and window frames. The adjacent Malcolm Moore crane, a 1942 industrial relic and the last of its kind in Victoria, has been restored and repositioned as a sculptural tribute to the area's shipping past. From the moment guests enter 1 Hotel Melbourne's soaring lobby—anchored by a dramatic rock wall constructed from split-faced granite, an industrial by-product that echoes Victoria's coastal geology—they are immersed in a story of regeneration and renewal. Reclaimed timber is a defining feature, with more than 4,500 square meters (the equivalent of 18 tennis courts) used in the hotel. The reception desk is made with repurposed elm trees from Melbourne's Metro Tunnel works. In the lounge, decommissioned railway bridges were transformed into a sweeping staircase. And in the signature restaurant, From Here by Mike, the original support beams from the Goods Shed have been repurposed as dramatic portals. Throughout the property, more than 7,000 plants bring Victoria's biodiversity indoors, reinforcing the hotel's biophilic approach. The hotel features 277 tranquil guest rooms, including 36 suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame skyline or Yarra River views. Guest rooms feature walls made from discarded railway sleepers across Victoria and New South Wales. Guest room door numbers are displayed on reclaimed timber panels crafted from original subaquatic piers salvaged during the site's wharf restoration, featuring distinctive marine worm markings and accented with preserved moss above and below. Smart thermostats, energy-saving switches, and low-VOC materials reinforce the hotel's light-touch approach. In addition to the rooms and suites, 1 Hotel Melbourne offers 114 hotel-branded homes. Residents in these luxury, waterfront homes will enjoy exclusive services such as chef-catered private dinners and in-residence spa treatments. The crowning jewel is the 18th floor penthouse designed by Riverlee founder Clement Lee OAM, in collaboration with Fender Katsalidis. Residents have access to a private outdoor terrace, lounge, library, and dining space with sweeping views of the river and the skyline. The debut of 1 Hotel Melbourne also marks the launch of Regeneration: The Art of Renewal, a site-specific art program curated for the property by One Design Office in collaboration with DarkLab, a subsidiary of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Works have been commissioned from Vanessa Barragão, Jamie North, and Indigenous Australian artists Naminapu Maymuru-White and Yhonnie Scarce. The collection brings together Indigenous and contemporary perspectives on resilience, culture, and environmental healing through reclaimed and natural materials. From suspended glass eel forms to towering plant-infused concrete sculptures, it's a sensory journey. Dining and Celebrations, Reimagined 1 Hotel Melbourne's food and beverage experiences are guided by the same philosophy that defines the property itself. Every detail—from the sourcing of ingredients to the design of the spaces—has been carefully considered to nourish guests and respect the planet. From Here by Mike, the signature restaurant, marks the first hotel collaboration for renowned Australian chef Mike McEnearney, the force behind the acclaimed Sydney restaurant Kitchen by Mike and the author of two celebrated cookbooks. Known for his produce-driven cooking, low-waste approach, and menus that champion hyper-local sourcing, McEnearney has built a reputation for food that connects people and place. From Here by Mike's dishes are designed for sharing and range from Freshly Shucked Oysters with Pickled Daikon & Finger Lime Vinaigrette to Twice Baked Goat's Cheese Soufflé with Rosemary Cream. The beverage program includes a 40% local wine list with biodynamic selections and cocktails built around repurposed ingredients. The space itself is moody and textural—designed to reflect the raw beauty of the natural world. Additional venues at 1 Hotel Melbourne expand on the brand's approach to conscious hospitality. Crane Bar & Lounge serves up botanical cocktails made with locally distilled spirits and a soundtrack of live DJ sets. Neighbours Café is a light, plant-filled space for barista-made coffee, nutrient-dense meals, smoothies, and power-packed energy shots. And then there's Upstairs, a cocktail bar hidden away on the first floor that trades in word-of-mouth magic. It's the kind of speakeasy-style place you hear about from a friend, where artfully crafted cocktails, elevated bites, and spontaneous conversations create a night to remember. 1 Hotel Melbourne is also set to become a go-to destination for gatherings that are both beautiful and low-impact, with over 1,000 square meters of flexible event space. The riverside Seafarers Event Space accommodates up to 900 guests and features expansive river views and cutting-edge AV capabilities. Additional meeting suites—including a boardroom and lounge—can be used individually or combined for larger functions. Spaces have been designed using biophilic principles and daylighting strategies, with reclaimed materials and lush greenery. The thoughtful programming includes locally sourced catering menus and zero-waste event planning in collaboration with the in-house sustainability team. The Certified Sustainable Gatherings program ensures each event aligns with 1 Hotels' sustainable mission. Immersive by Nature 1 Hotel Melbourne's signature programming invites guests to connect deeply—with the city, with nature, and with themselves. The curated calendar of Happenings touches nearly every facet of the guest experience, from wellness and fitness to food, art, and culture. Days are filled with moments of movement and mindfulness—sunrise river runs, guided breathwork, tarot card readings, and experiences like a DIY salt-blending workshop. In the evening, the energy shifts with full moon sound healing sessions, seasonal tastings, wine and cheese pairings, and cocktail events that spotlight local makers and ingredients. The calendar evolves with the seasons, from Wellness Month in August to Melbourne Fashion Week in October. Much of the programming is co-created with local talent—from chefs and herbalists to musicians and artists—ensuring a constantly evolving lineup that feels authentically Melbourne. It's all part of the brand's vision to make 1 Hotel Melbourne a true gathering place that's as welcoming to locals as it is to travelers. Wellness is woven into every element of the 1 Hotel Melbourne experience. At the heart of the offering is Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living. The spa offers a range of all-natural treatments, as well as a stunning wellness area with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a Jacuzzi-style spa. Guests also have access to The Field House Gym, a state-of-the-art fitness center outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, personal trainers, and a variety of movement and mindfulness experiences including yoga and meditation. The gym features locally sourced timber, Troldtekt acoustic panels made from certified wood, and Danish cement—materials selected for durability, performance, and low environmental impact. Sustainability that Goes Beyond the Surface At 1 Hotel Melbourne, sustainability is the foundation that guides every aspect of the property—not just within operational systems, but with the guest experience. While the hotel is on track to achieve LEED Silver certification with efficient systems like a 50kW solar array and 50kl rainwater harvesting, what makes this property unique is how sustainability becomes experiential. Guided by nature, guests are immersed in greenery, texture, and tone that celebrate Melbourne and create an urban sanctuary where the city feels like an island retreat. Thoughtful details like shower timers and operable windows in 85% of the rooms make mindful living effortless, without compromise. The sustainable ethos continues outside. The adjacent Seafarers Rest Park offers 3,500 square meters of native-planted green space. Created in accordance with the Yarra River Protection Principles, the park enhances biodiversity and public access to the waterfront while honoring the site's maritime history. It's part of a broader vision to make the North Wharf precinct a more livable, walkable, and inclusive destination. 1 Hotel Melbourne also invites guests to explore the city mindfully: The property is just steps from iconic arts, culture, and sporting venues and has direct access to Melbourne's free tram line. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron. A New Kind of Stay 1 Hotel Melbourne is built on the idea that where you stay should reflect how you want to live: with style and purpose. It's not just about checking in, it's about tuning in to the city, to nature, and to what truly matters. For more information, visit or follow @ ABOUT 1 HOTELS As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. With properties among some of the first to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, 1 Hotels is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South Beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River in February 2017; West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in June 2019; Sanya (China) in 2020; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; in 2023, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand's first European property; and Seattle and Melbourne (Australia) in 2025. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico). Additional information can be found at ABOUT STARWOOD HOTELS Starwood Hotels, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach (Miami) and Manhattan and now includes Brooklyn Bridge (New York City), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), Sanya (China), Toronto, San Francisco, Nashville, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property, the brand's first European property in Mayfair (London), Seattle, and Melbourne (Australia), with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York, with projects under development in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Brickell (Miami), and Maldives; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and now includes Manchester (UK) and Silicon Valley (California), with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Adelaide (Australia), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Leveraging its marketing, design, operational and technological expertise, Starwood Hotels is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world. Additional information can be found at ABOUT RIVERLEE Riverlee is a Melbourne based, privately owned property group specializing in development and asset ownership and management across the commercial, residential, and retail sectors. Established in 1993, Riverlee is known for delivering visionary projects that lead the industry, both creatively and commercially, while always honoring the region's heritage, environment, and community.
Business Insider
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
I spent a night in a brand-new luxury hotel in Seattle. I wasn't familiar with the chain, but now I'll book it worldwide.
The luxury 1 Hotel Seattle opened on May 6. I stayed there four days later. The 1 Hotels chain has been around since 2015 and operates worldwide. It has locations in the US, the UK, and China, among other places. Nearly a dozen locations are open and running, and more are coming soon to Texas, Mexico, Copenhagen, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. Every 1 Hotel is centered on nature and sustainability, according to the company's website. The newest location in Seattle opened on May 6 and has a starting rate of $400 a night, a hotel representative told Business Insider. The hotel is located on the southern edge of South Lake Union, Seattle's tech neighborhood. It's less than a mile from the waterfront and Pike Place Market. "All 1 Hotels are rooted in their surroundings, so what sets 1 Hotel Seattle apart is how deeply it channels the spirit of the Pacific Northwest," general manager Rob Brandenberg told BI. The natural vibe of the hotel was clear upon entering. I was greeted with a driftwood sculpture of the brand's signature No. 1. Organic textures filled the space, from the floors to the walls. "The hotel draws from the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with reclaimed wood, natural stone, moss-inspired art, and live-edge furnishings woven throughout the design," Brandenberg said. I stepped inside a hotel lobby unlike any other I'd seen before. The lobby brought the outside in with furniture resembling tree trunks, potted plants of all sizes, and what Brandenberg calls a "living wall of greenery" climbing two stories behind a reclaimed timber and stone staircase. As I stepped inside, a soothing soundtrack made me feel like I was in some kind of sanctuary. I was listening to the Sounds of 1, the chain's signature playlist curated by Michaelangelo L'Acqua, the global entertainment director for 1 Hotels' parent company, Starwood Hotels. "Acoustic instrumentation and soulful vocals are balanced with select electronic elements, creating a sound that transitions seamlessly from the energy of the day into the moodier tones of night," a hotel representative told BI in an email. "The music ebbs and flows with the rhythm of the property, complementing the natural materials and calming atmosphere found throughout the space." With a calming soundtrack inspired by nature, an array of organic textures to touch, and greenery surrounding me, I thought the lobby was a great place to practice mindfulness. The hotel had a restaurant and a lobby bar. Brandenberg said the on-site restaurant, La Boba, fuses Spanish, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisine using local ingredients. "And at Drift, the lobby bar, guests can expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients and Pacific Northwest-distilled spirits — an elevated yet easygoing take on modern mixology," he added. Brandenberg said the hotel works with local farmers and offers zero-waste mixology classes. Across from the lobby, there was a gift shop. The 1 Hotels gift shop, Good Things, has a sustainable clothing collection with youth and adult sizes, accessories, scents, and other small items. Six event spaces were spread out on the second floor. On the same floor, there was an outdoor terrace. The patio, which is open year-round, was surrounded by towering buildings and trees with a stellar view of the iconic Space Needle. Brandenberg called it a "quiet spot to connect with nature." The second floor also housed the gym. Known as the Field House, the on-site gym had free weights and cardio machines, like resistance treadmills and Peloton bikes, as well as group classes and personal training sessions. A basket of green apples and a filtered water tap were also near the entrance. My room calmed me with warm lighting and natural hues. The hotel has 153 rooms, 45 of which are suites. I stayed in a 327-square-foot City King room. The room had a king-sized bed with organic linen sheets across from a 55-inch TV. It also had a cozy sitting area, a wardrobe, and a full bathroom. I found many amenities, from an espresso machine and a mini bar to a yoga mat. Nods to the natural environment were everywhere. The reclaimed wood headboard was anchored above a tree-trunk nightstand. A tree-like coat rack hung on the wall next to a potted plant with draping vines on the console table. The bathroom blended nature and modern luxury. The bathroom surfaces were a mix of natural materials, from wood bases to Chiara quartzite counters. A rainfall shower with pebble stone flooring was on one side of the room. On the other side was a large bathtub with a sliding door opening to the rest of the room, so I could watch TV while soaking in the tub. Inside the bathroom, I found Bamford toiletries, a hairdryer, slippers, and a robe that felt like a giant sweatshirt. The standout parts of the room were the sustainable amenities. I found amenities I'd never seen in a hotel room before. Rather than a greeting printed on cardstock, my welcome message was written on a textured chalkboard. Instead of disposable water bottles, my room had a filtered water tap and glassware sourced from recycled wine bottles. There was also a small, wooden plaque detailing the hotel's "1 Less Thing" program, where guests can leave clothing to donate to Mary's Place, a local family shelter the hotel partners with. These details set 1 Hotel Seattle apart from other luxury accommodations I've booked around the world. "This isn't just another hotel," Brandenberg said. "It's a place for travelers who care about where they stay, how they stay, and the impact they leave behind." The natural vibe of the hotel was so alluring that it made me want to be a more sustainable traveler. Now I'll stay in a 1 Hotel every chance I get.
