Of course, you can’t go to Australia without a stop at Bondi in Sydney, and at least a snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. But, the real insider destination to watch is Melbourne, and the 1 Hotel just opened in what may become your fav Aussie city.
Who said luxury hotels had to have glittering chandeliers, priceless art works, Persian carpets, and angular designer furniture? A hotel can be simple, yet extremely chic. Case in hand: the 1 Hotel Melbourne, which opened on June 18, 2025. Like all the other 1 Hotel properties (there are currently 12 of them), 1 Hotel Melbourne opted for a more pared-back, natural approach to decor. Think reclaimed wood instead of Swarovski crystals, and lush, live plants instead of Old Masters paintings.
Overview and Decor
The 1 Hotel Melbourne is on the banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River in the now-revitalized North Wharf precinct, the site of a former shipping port. And while that does not seem like the best spot for a luxury hotel, hear us out. Despite its location and the fact that it incorporates parts of a now-restored warehouse (Goods Shed No. 5), there’s nothing of the harshness and bleakness of industrial decor about this hotel. On the contrary, the property and its 277 guest rooms and 114 residences exudes an inviting and calming, sanctuary-like vibe. That’s likely because of the abundance of soft, neutral shades, natural materials, comfortable furnishings, beautiful lighting, and a lot of plants. Yes, there are more than 7,000 plants in this hotel.
What Makes Hotel 1 Melbourne A Sustainable Hotel?
While there’s a lot of green washing out there from hospitality brands, Hotel 1 does take sustainability seriously. The property was built using reclaimed material from Goods Shed No. 5, including nearly 2,000 bluestone pavers, steel trusses, window frames, and 18 tennis courts’ worth of timber. Because why get something new when the old materials still have a lot of life left in them? Not only that, but Hotel 1 Melbourne responsibly manages its water, thanks to a water reuse system, water filtration taps that prevent the need for bottled water, and a smart irrigation scheme for all the aforementioned plants.
The property’s commitment to sustainability is far reaching. The hotel’s cloth hangers are made of recycled paper, the food and drink venues source locally grown ingredients and wines, and the place is filled with smart thermostats and energy-saving switches to lower energy consumption.
Perhaps the most surprising part of Hotel 1 Melbourne’s dedication to zero waste is its daily farm stand. There, you’ll find imperfect seasonal fruit from local businesses that were destined for the trash can. We bet you’ve never seen one of those in a hotel before.
Food and Drink Venues at 1 Hotel Melbourne
There are four dining venues at 1 Hotel Melbourne. Here by Mike Restaurant has a farm-to-table approach and serves refined cuisine with ingredients from local farms and wines from nearby wineries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Crane Bar & Lounge is the spot for fancy cocktails, glasses of Australian wines, and light snacks. There’s also a sort of speakeasy, Upstairs, for cocktails in a more intimate atmosphere.
If you know anything about Melbourne, it’s probably musings about the coffee scene — and it’s definitely the case at the on-site Neighbours Café. There, the baristas work with fair-trade, organic coffee beans to make your beverage of choice.
Wellness Offerings
It goes without saying that a hotel of this caliber has a wellness area, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The Bamford Wellness Spa offers a large variety of treatments, ranging from the usual massages and facials to the less-common sound wave therapy and dry body brushing. There’s also a gym, packed with all-the-rage Technogym equipment. There, you can work out on your own or enjoy group classes and personal training sessions. There’s also an indoor pool, a sauna, and steam room at your disposal for when you want to relax.
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FAQs
Q: What is the address of 1 Hotel Melbourne?
A: The address of 1 Hotel Melbourne is 9 Maritime Place, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia.
Q: How many 1 Hotel properties are there in the world?
A: There are currently 12 1 Hotel properties in total, with eight of them in the US. More properties will open soon, including in Denmark and Mexico.
Q: How many restaurants and bars are there at the 1 Hotel Melbourne?
A: There are four dining options at the 1 Hotel Melbourne: Here by Mike Restaurant, Crane Bar & Lounge, Neighbours Café, and Upstairs Lounge.
