This hotel is a stylish option for exploring Australia’s coolest city

On the banks of the Yarra River, Daisy Lester beds down at the stylish and sustainability-led 1 Hotel Melbourne

May 1, 2026 - 19:15

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This hotel is a stylish option for exploring Australia’s coolest city

With locally-sourced cuisine, nature-inspired design details and high-end wellness facilities, 1 Hotel’s debut opening in Australia offers eco-conscious, riverside luxury

Location

Located in the docklands area, 1 Hotel Melbourne looms over the Yarra River. A stone’s throw from the hectic Central Business District, the hotel is a great base from which to explore Australia’s arguably coolest city. The botanical gardens, State Library Victoria and National Gallery of Victoria are all within walking distance.

The engrossing Immigration Museum is 10 minutes up the river from 1 Hotel, while foodie hotspots – including Hector’s Deli, Cutler and Gimlet – are all less than 20 minutes away on foot.

Trams from near the hotel take you into Fitzroy, Carlton, Brunswick and Northcote. Watch an AFL game at the nearby Marvel Stadium, or browse the vintage clothing, fresh produce and antiques at the Queen Victoria Market via the Free Tram Zone (an initiative allowing free travel across the CBD area and Docklands).

The airport can be reached by car in half an hour, or by the Sky Bus (the nearest stop is 10 minutes from the hotel).

The vibe

Opened in 2025, 1 Hotel is a restored 1930s cargo building turned eco-luxury property. Built using repurposed materials from the original structure and reclaimed timber, it’s a sustainability-led project, like its sister properties in Europe and the US.

The hotel’s industrial look is contrasted by more than 7,000 plants throughout the public areas and bedrooms, which boost air quality. Other initiatives include solar power and a rain harvesting system – Melbourne is a drought-prone city – that reuses water for its thousands of plants. Other water-saving drives include a timer in the shower to discourage over-use.

The lobby and bar area is like a jungle with plenty of greenery and living walls. It’s a serene space in the daytime, with an all-day cafe serving pastries, fresh fruit and coffees. On sunny days, floor-to-ceiling windows open to reveal a riverside terrace area. It’s busy most evenings, with a DJ and mood lighting. Melbourne locals are regulars, but hotel guests span businessmen and women, solo travellers, families, couples and groups of friends.

There are more than 7,000 plants throughout the hotel

There are more than 7,000 plants throughout the hotel (1 Hotel Melbourne)

Service

The reception staff’s denim uniform reflects the relaxed, youthful feel of the hotel. The laidback, unstuffy service continues in the Crane Bar and Lounge, but things feel more elevated and formal in the restaurant From Here by Mike – a sommelier suggests wine pairings, chef’s specials are broken down by the maître d' each evening and waiters are full of suggestions on how best to use your time in the city. Throughout the hotel, service is warm, attentive and affable.

Bed and bath

1 Hotel Melbourne offers various room types, from guest rooms with lounge areas to connecting accommodations, suites and entry-level spaces. There are 277 rooms, but the property has the laidback feel of a boutique hotel.

Either looking out over the river or the city, all room types feature thoughtful details – think soft, eco-friendly mattresses and bedding, filtered water taps and pod coffee machines. There are Bamford toiletries, soft cotton robes and yoga mats, with plants brightening up the room’s earthy, neutral colour palette. Timbered wall panelling nod to the structure’s past, while hanging egg chairs, freestanding baths and coffee table books add character.

The bathrooms are a highlight, with a large stone basin, plenty of surface space and a huge rainfall shower room. There’s glass separating the shower from the bedroom, but linen curtains provide some privacy.

The bedrooms are modern and spacious

The bedrooms are modern and spacious (1 Hotel Melbourne)

Food and drink

1 Hotel’s Melbourne’s restaurant From Here by Mike is the latest dining spot from Gourmand World Cookbook Award-winning Aussie chef Mike McNearney, who brings his signature farm-to-fork ethos to the hotel collaboration. Focusing on local ingredients and low-waste cooking, the menu encourages sharing.

Reflecting the city’s identity as a cultural melting pot, the dishes have European and Asian influences. Try the ricotta and mushroom flatbread or chargrilled octopus and scallops, followed by the lion's mane trottole or roasted lamb saddle. In true Aussie style, the portions are generous.

Breakfast is also served in the industrial chic restaurant – the crab omelette and miso avocado sourdough are highlights.

The Crane Bar and lounge is busy throughout the day, spilling out onto the riverside terrace before turning into a DJ music-filled spot in the evening. Cocktails use local spirits (order the Seafarer’s Martini or Rhubarb “Ruby” Negroni), and accompany bites including charcuterie and cheese platters, shucked oysters and pizza.

The Neighbours Cafe in the lobby is a communal addition, offering coffees-to-go, cold-pressed juices and pastries. Throughout the dining spaces, dietaries are clearly labelled on the menu with dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options.

The From Here By Mike restaurant is helmed by Aussie chef Mike McNearney

The From Here By Mike restaurant is helmed by Aussie chef Mike McNearney (1 Hotel Melbourne)

Facilities

1 Hotel Melbourne’s Bamford spa is beautifully done, with a plant-filled lounge, dry sauna, steam room and an 18-metre heated indoor pool. There’s an adjacent jacuzzi and cushioned sunbeds for relaxing, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows flooding the space with light. The relaxation room, complete with loungers, sofas and soft lighting, is a generous size and never feels too busy.

Treatments span holistic facials and hot stone massages, as well as LED therapies and hydrafacials. In-room kit including compression boots, Therabody smart sleep masks and weighted blankets can also be booked for self-administered treatments. The workout space has weights and Technogym cardio equipment, but guests can also enjoy complimentary group fitness, meditation and yoga classes.

The hotel’s weekly “happenings” include personalised horoscope readings, sunset DJ experiences every Friday and Saturday, breathwork classes, pickleball lessons and seed planting workshops.

The swimming pool is flooded by light

The swimming pool is flooded by light (1 Hotel Melbourne)

Friendly friendly?

The hotel has family-size rooms, two-bedroom and interconnecting accommodations. Children are allowed in the indoor pool if monitored by an adult. The hotel puts on special events for young guests, including seed planting, cosmic story times, cinema screenings and pickleball. The restaurant offers a dedicated children’s menu.

Pet policy

1 Hotel Melbourne welcomes up to two dogs or cats per room for a $150 (£78) fee – this includes amenities like beds and bowls, but a $400 (£210) cleaning fee may apply if the room is left dirty. Pets must be on a lead in public areas and are excluded from dining and fitness areas.

Accessibility

1 Hotel Melbourne was designed with accessibility in mind. There is step-free access throughout the property – including the meeting rooms, fitness centre, spa, restaurant and bars – with accessible toilets and entrance doors with wide openings. Features in the accessible guest rooms include audio-visual door alerts for hearing-impaired guests, a roll-in shower, grab bar in the shower, low-level towel rack and vanity, and low-level peephole.