I slide into the silky waters of the indoor heated pool at 1 Hotel Melbourne, late afternoon sun slanting in through floor-to-ceiling glass. For a blissful few minutes, I’m a solo swimmer, ploughing up and down its 18-metre length, as the shadows cast by lush foliage fall across me.

When other guests, in search of a pre-dinner dip, begin to make their way into this sanctuary, I adjourn to the Finnish-style sauna and mist-filled steam room. And because no visit to the pool deck would be complete without time in the jacuzzi, I slide in there last, letting the furious jets of water pummel tender pressure points in my back. When my fingertips are wrinkled like prunes, I climb out again and collapse onto one of the softly cushioned day beds, to sip a glass of cool, filtered water.

The other facilities at 1 Hotel Melbourne are also superb. On the same level, but located outside the pool deck, there’s the Field House Gym, containing Technogym weights and cardio equipment. Group fitness classes, meditation and yoga are free for guests. And, if you’re keen, there’s the option to add on a personal training session.

Then there’s the Bamford Wellness Spa, with its holistic approach to mind, body and spirit. Skin and body care products are natural and organic. I left it too late to book in on this visit, but next time, I’m opting for the 90-minute Bamford Signature Ritual which blends shiatsu and Swedish massage, warm chakra stones, facial and scalp acupressure, and yogic breathwork.

First glance at 1 Hotel Melbourne

My first glance of 1 Hotel Melbourne is from the back seat of a taxi. From street view, this five-star property seems surprisingly small and understated. It’s not until you step into the soaring lobby anchored by a dramatic rock wall constructed from split-faced granite that its true spaciousness is revealed.

1 Hotel Melbourne is set along 220 metres of uninterrupted Yarra River footage. Later, when I view the hotel from the other side of the river, l wonder how I could have missed its glassy, rippling, reflective presence.

From river views to the restored and repositioned Malcolm Moore crane (an industrial relic turned sculptural feature) there are ample reminders of the area’s rich maritime past.

Open since June 2025, 1 Hotel Melbourne contains 277 guest rooms, including 36 suites, as well as 114 hotel-branded homes.

1 Hotel Melbourne’s design highlights its storied past

1 Hotel Melbourne occupies the site of the circa-1855 Seafarers Wharf. The architectural centrepiece of the hotel is the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5, which processed massive amounts of cargo until the 1970s.

The property has been designed with sustainability in mind, using more than 4500 square metres of reclaimed timber. Around 2000 other original elements from Goods Shed No. 5 have also been salvaged and reincorporated, including bluestone pavers, steel trusses, doors, and window frames.

The reception desk, too, is hewn from repurposed elm trees from Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel works. In the lounge, decommissioned railway bridges have been converted into a sweeping staircase.

What was my room at 1 Hotel Melbourne like?

My City King Room on the fifth floor (Room 509, published rate $382 if purchasing the non-refundable rate) had floor-to-ceiling windows framing city skyline views. In keeping with the rest of the property, the door number, framed by preserved moss, was displayed on a salvaged timber pier.

1 Hotel Melbourne’s promise of sustainable luxury was amply fulfilled, with a generous and unfussy space of 36 square metres containing king bed dressed in cotton, a chaise longue by the window, a stripped-back work desk, and plenty of natural fabrics and materials. The calm, textural space had a muted, earthy colour palette that was soothing, grounding and restful.

The well-lit bathroom area contained a spacious shower (with a timer to discourage excessive water use), a sink, and toilet with separate door. A glass carafe and cups recycled from old wine bottles are provided for guests to fill with filtered water on tap.

What can you eat and drink at 1 Hotel Melbourne?

Soon after I sauntered into From Here By Mike, one of four spots within the hotel, to drink and dine. Staff were slow to greet and seat me, but things quickly improved after I got settled.

I ordered from the Spring Set Lunch Menu ($55 for 2 courses; $65 for 3 courses) selecting the excellent burrata salad topped with pickled radicchio and crispy chilli vinaigrette, followed by trottole (a corkscrew-shaped pasta) with green chicory and pickled oyster mushrooms.

There’s a room service menu that operates from 6am to midnight. The star of the show here is the plant-based set menu, comprising either house pasta or roasted cabbage, sides such as grilled broccoli or roasted turnip, and a single dessert (on the night I ordered, sticky date and almond frangipane tart).

But wait, there’s more. Neighbours Café offers coffee, snacks and light meals, while the Crane Bar and Lounge, and Upstairs cocktail bar are perfect for guests in search of a tipple.

My favourite thing about 1 Hotel Melbourne

Few things are worse than being dive-bombed by small fry when you just want to swim lazy laps or relax poolside. The indoor pool here becomes adults-only after 6pm, with a sign urging guests to ‘helping to keep this space calm and restorative for all’. Bravo!

Some small gripes about 1 Hotel Melbourne

I occasionally found attention to detail lacking, yielding a series of small frustrations. For instance, my room service dessert (served, as described above, as part of a three-course affair) included gelato which had well and truly melted by the time I got around to eating it. An attractive river stone was placed in my room, with no explanation as to its purpose. (I later read another review suggesting that this stone, placed outside one’s room, would signal ‘Do Not Disturb’ to hotel staff.) Also, there was no grabbing something quick to go for breakfast when a single staff member in Neighbours Café was charged with both taking orders and making coffee.

What’s with all the … PLANTS at 1 Hotel Melbourne

You might start to think you’ve stumbled into a jungle, given all the lush greenery that greets you. That’s because 1 Hotel Melbourne has around 7000 plants on the property, in line with its biophilic design principles.

What’s the neighbourhood around 1 Hotel Melbourne like?

You’re within easy reach of walking and cycling trails – perhaps book one of the hotel’s electric bikes. Melbourne’s CBD, along with arts, culture and sporting venues are located close by, and there’s direct access to Melbourne’s free tram line. Want to explore by car? The Audi Electric Vehicle Experience can take you around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron. However, this wasn’t something I experienced during my stay.

Sustainability matters at 1 Hotel Melbourne

Sustainability considerations guide every aspect of the property from the 50kW solar array to 50kl rainwater harvesting to the 3500 square metres of native-planted green space outside.

At the guest level, there are recycled paper hangers, soft sustainable linens, and 85% of the windows can open, allowing access to fresh air rather than air-conditioning (if that’s your preference).

Is there parking at 1 Hotel Melbourne?

Valet parking is charged at a day rate of $60 and an overnight rate of $75. You can also charge an electric vehicle.

How else do I get to 1 Hotel Melbourne?

The hotel is located about 30 mins from both Tullamarine and Moorabin airport by car. My taxi cost me $73.73. Didi, Uber and public transport options are also available.

Book 1 Hotel Melbourne here.