1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is thrilled to announce that reservations are now being accepted for 1 Hotel Melbourne, a landmark waterfront property set to debut in June 2025. This marks 1 Hotels’ highly anticipated entrance into the Australian market, bringing an award-winning blend of sustainable luxury and nature-inspired design to the heart of Melbourne, in collaboration with industry-leading developer Riverlee.

The centerpiece of this remarkable building is the heritage listed Goods Shed No. 5, the last of the unrenovated goods sheds in what was once Melbourne’s busiest port. The property will redefine luxury hospitality in the region with a philosophy that combines sustainability, style, and rejuvenation to create a transformative guest experience.

“At 1 Hotels, we believe that luxury and sustainability can—and should—go hand in hand,” says Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. “With 1 Hotel Melbourne, we’ve created a waterfront destination that immerses guests in nature while celebrating the city’s rich legacy and forward-thinking spirit. This hotel isn’t just about where you stay—this is about how you feel, how you connect, and 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 travelers to escape the rigors of travel.”

“Opening reservations for 1 Hotel Melbourne is an exciting milestone as we bring our mission-driven hospitality to Australia,” says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. “From reclaimed materials and immersive biophilic design to thoughtfully curated wellness offerings, this property is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and the extraordinary guest experiences that define 1 Hotels.”

“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,” 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.”

Located on the southwestern edge of Melbourne’s CBD, 1 Hotel Melbourne offers prime access to some of the city’s most celebrated attractions, including Marvel Stadium, the Royal Botanic Gardens, top shopping districts, and world-class theaters. Guests can explore the city via the world’s largest tram network—just two minutes away. The hotel is also adjacent to a 3,500-square-meter native-planted park and offers direct access to Melbourne’s serene riverfront and an extensive network of walking and biking paths.

1 Hotel Melbourne is a showcase of architectural innovation and sustainable design. The striking asymmetric façade features floor-to-ceiling windows with lower glazing that echoes the panels of Goods Shed No. 5 and upper panels that reflect the rippling surface of the Yarra River, while more than 2,000 living plants throughout the property blur the line between indoors and out. The lobby’s reception desk—crafted from fallen trees, reclaimed timber furnishings, and restored elements from Goods Shed No. 5—underscores a deep commitment to adaptive reuse and circular economy principles. Commissioned art reflects the city’s rich creative scene.

The property is on the path to achieving LEED Silver certification and is prioritizing recycled and reclaimed materials throughout the design. Timber sourced from abandoned local rail bridges and wharfs, nearly 2,000 bluestone pavers reinstalled as pathways, and restored steel trusses and window frames preserve the building’s industrial character while celebrating Melbourne’s rich history. As part of the development, 1 Hotel Melbourne also includes 114 exclusive 1 Homes residences, seamlessly integrating sustainable luxury into private living spaces.

starwoodhotels.com