As published on: www.broadsheet.com.au
Aesthetically beautiful, eco-conscious and with wellness at its core – these are the philosophies that luxury resort chain 1 Hotels has become known for since launching in South Beach, Miami in 2015.
Since then, it’s opened outposts in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York – the latter a distinct, greenery-clad structure built with reclaimed materials, with views across the East River to Manhattan from the rooftop pool – and more recently a hotel in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, designed to capture the Californian sunshine with floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive rooms, each one decorated in earthy tones, with organic linens and ornate marble bathrooms.
Now, the company is moving into Australian territory for the first time. And, as at its other locations, it’s not just for humans.
When it opens on the northern banks of the Yarra in 2022 (opposite the Melbourne Convention Centre), 1 Hotel Melbourne will be a 280-room five-star hotel that shares plenty of DNA with its siblings. The design is by interdisciplinary firm One Design Office (Jamu, Secret Sneaker Store, July) and Fender Katsalidis (St Regis Hotel, New Chinatown). Their brief is to bring nature inside. The end result will come together using recycled, locally sourced materials such as timber and steel, and an abundance of native greenery to take the edge off. And the hotel will not only will it allow pets, it’ll welcome them.
There’ll be no charge for four-legged friends, which the hotel currently defines as dogs (it doesn’t rule out other animals, but a spokesperson said they’d be considered on a case-by-case basis). Expect plush in-room dog beds, a minibar stocked with dog treats, dog-walking services and day care, and a dog-friendly concierge team with knowledge of local pet shops, dog parks and groomers.
A few rules apply. Owners are responsible for any damage their best mate causes, pets must be on a leash in public spaces, and they can’t be left alone. Hotel 1 Central Park currently only allows dogs weighing up to 12 kilograms, and it’s likely the Melbourne hotel will follow suit.
There’ll also be a pool inspired by natural waterways, a spa and gym, and a soon-to-be announced dining venue that will use local Victorian produce, and – if anything like the group’s other hotels – will take a farm-to-table approach.
Operated by SH Hotels & Resorts, 1 Hotel will form part of the Seafarers precinct, a $450 million waterside development by private developer Riverlee. The precinct will also include residential apartments, a new park and transformation of the existing heritage-listed Berth No. 5 shed into a 1000-capacity function space.
Learn more: 1hotels.com
