Since Time Out Melbourne first heard whispers that 1 Hotel – the eco-driven, luxury hotel juggernaut with a focus on blending sustainability with beautiful biophilic design touches – was coming to Melbourne, it’s safe to say that we were pretty excited. And now, after a $600 million redevelopment of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5 in the North Wharf precinct along the Yarra River, it has finally opened its doors to the public.
The launch of 1 Hotel Melbourne heralds the brand’s debut in not only Australia, but the wider Asia Pacific region. Melbourne was chosen to join the stable of global locations because it understands and celebrates the importance of sustainability – a notion that aligns with the brand’s mission of creating spaces where nature, culture and innovation can connect in meaningful ways. So, does it live up to the hype? Read on for our full review.
Why stay at 1 Hotel Melbourne?
From the minute you walk through the doors of 1 Hotel Melbourne and into the lobby, it’s impossible not to feel charmed by the laid-back luxury. A cute little farm stand stocked with fresh apples is set up to the side (handy for hungry kiddies), while a large board has information on the restaurant opening hours, spa treatments and ‘happenings’ – aka activities like DJ sessions, full moon readings, cheese and wine nights, and yoga classes.
The entire space itself is special, too. Goods Shed No. 5 is Melbourne’s last remaining goods shed and provides a link to the city’s fascinating maritime past. There’s a deep reverence for this storied history – more than 2,000 original items have been salvaged and repurposed, including reclaimed timber, bluestone pavers, window frames and the large steel trusses you’ll find in the lounge. Anyone with a view out to the Yarra River should also be able to see the Malcolm Moore crane, a relic from 1942 that has been restored as a sculptural tribute.
Seamlessly blended throughout these industrial elements is an abundance of greenery. In a dedicated move to bring the outdoors in, more than 7,000 plants have been dotted throughout the property. And if that wasn’t enough nature for you, right out the front is a brand new 3,500-square-metre park filled with native trees and flowers. 1 Hotel Melbourne is also on track to achieve LEED Silver certification, so other sustainable practices that have been adopted include smart thermostats, timers in the showers, energy saving switches and solar power.
What are the rooms like at 1 Hotel Melbourne?
There are 277 rooms, including 36 suites, spread across the first ten floors of the 18-storey building (the upper levels consist of private residences). I’m staying in a River Suite on level six, which boasts a heavenly king-sized bed, rain shower, spacious lounge area and huge floor-to-ceiling windows that offer five-star views of the Yarra and adjacent South Wharf area.
More peaceful sanctuary than standard hotel room, it’s the little touches here that make the stay so special: the robes are made from a fluffy cotton tracksuit material, so it feels like you’re wearing a giant hoodie; there’s a yoga mat and cork roller to stretch out your muscles post-workout or swim; and there’s no paper or plastic at all – instead, you can use a cute mini blackboard to leave notes, while a beautiful engraved stone acts as a Do Not Disturb marker.
Other luxury amenities include filtered water taps, a Delonghi coffee machine, Bamford Wellness spa products and a mini bar stocked with yummy goodies. But my two favourite features are an extension of 1 Hotel’s steadfast biophilic approach: the preserved moss panels cocooning each room number in the hallway and the four plants per room quota.
From a design perspective, the colour palette is a blend of earthy, neutral tones that invoke a sense of calm – there are no jarring pops of colour here. And there’s added warmth thanks to the wood panelling and comfy furniture; the bedhead is actually made from reclaimed timber sourced from discarded railway sleepers. With a lovely turndown service available, I’d wager it’s impossible to have a bad night’s sleep here.
What is the service like at 1 Hotel Melbourne?
Warm, friendly and informative. Upon arrival the staff at reception noticed me admiring the enormous wool tapestry on the wall, and explained it was by Portuguese artist Vanessa Barragão, who was inspired by Victoria’s coastal landscape of seaweed, corals and rockpools (fun fact: it was made using 60 kilograms of upcycled textile waste). At every touchpoint – the lobby lounge, restaurant, spa and reception – everyone I encountered was super helpful, and genuinely excited to be sharing their knowledge of the property and its offerings with me.
Which are the best restaurants and bars at 1 Hotel Melbourne?
Acclaimed Sydney chef Mike McEnearney makes his Melbourne debut with From Here By Mike – 1 Hotel Melbourne’s signature all-day restaurant. It marks McEnearney’s first hotel partnership, but with a low-waste approach and ingredient-first ethos, it’s a natural fit for the chef. The menu is a love letter to Victoria’s local producers, growers and farmers – everything is seasonal, sustainably sourced and transformed into a dish that sings on the plate.
Highlights include the twice-baked Meredith Dairy goat’s cheese soufflé (this is gasp-out-loud good), house spaghettini with white anchovies (light, delicate and oh-so-salty) and Valenca free-range porchetta (I would go back for this plate of food alone). And I would’ve ordered the dark chocolate mousse with Davidson plum if I had room. Brekkie is also served here, and you can kick-start your day with classics like bircher muesli and avo on toast, or get adventurous with the chicken and ginger congee or bougie croissant burger – which, you guessed it, features bacon, eggs, Wagyu haché, caramelised onions and tomato relish loaded into the layers of a perfectly flaky croissant.
There are plenty of spots for a cheeky bev, too. Crane Bar and Lounge on the ground floor is a gorgeous spot for a pre-dinner drink – especially at golden hour, when the dappled sunlight pours through the enormous windows. For something cosier, head to Upstairs, a speakeasy-style den where you can settle in for biodynamic vino or an excellent cocktail.
What is the gym and pool like at 1 Hotel Melbourne?
If you’re lacking some serious fitspo motivation, the Field House Gym on level six is just the cure. Boasting state-of-the-art weight and cardio equipment by Technogym, you can also book in for personal training or group fitness classes. The adjoining space is home to a Finnish sauna, aromatherapy steam room, spa and 18-metre heated indoor pool. There are pool-side beds to lounge in, and it’s open until 10pm – I highly recommend popping up for a relaxing pre-snooze dip to really unwind.
On the same level you’ll also find the ultra-luxe Bamford Wellness Spa. Founded by wellness pioneer Carole Bamford, it’s another exclusive Australian launch. The spa offers a holistic menu of treatments, ranging from restorative massages to rejuvenating facials, plus light therapy, reflexology and binaural vibro-acoustic experiences.
What's the area like around 1 Hotel Melbourne?
The hotel is located at the southwestern edge of Melbourne’s CBD, directly across the river from the bustling South Wharf precinct – perfect if you’re in need of some retail therapy at the DFO. It’s also just a ten-minute walk from Marvel Stadium, making it the ideal accommodation for anyone heading to a footy match or concert. And Melbourne’s free tram line is a two-minute walk away, giving you easy access to the city’s restaurants, bars, theatres and main shopping hubs. Plus, if you’re in the mood for a walk, run or cycle, there’s an extensive network of riverfront trails right at 1 Hotel Melbourne’s doorstop.
Why should you book a stay at 1 Hotel Melbourne?
There’s nothing quite like it in Melbourne right now. With world-class drinking and dining options, a nature-first approach and unrivalled dedication to eco-friendly practices that are rightly being applauded – 1 Hotel Melbourne feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s proof that sustainability can be chic, and that elevated luxury doesn’t have to be loud and in your face.
The key details
Address: 9 Maritime Place, Docklands, Victoria, 3008.
Price per night: Starting from $350 per night.
Closest transport link: Southern Cross Station is a ten-minute walk from the hotel, while the city's free tram line is a two-minute walk away.
Book now: Click here.
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