Seattle’s 1 Hotel is now open, bringing a new level of sustainable luxury to the city’s South Lake Union neighborhood.
The property marks the latest opening for the mission-driven 1 Hotels brand, founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht. Designed to reflect the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, the hotel is a retreat infused with purpose, craftsmanship, and a deep reverence for the environment.
Design Rooted in Nature and Innovation
Set at 2125 Terry Avenue, 1 Hotel Seattle merges green design with the city’s tech-forward ethos. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a driftwood sculpture from Seattle-based artist Alison Stigora and a dramatic living wall. The lobby showcases reclaimed Douglas fir beams, a stone staircase, and leather-stitched railings that nod to the region’s maritime and industrial heritage.
Throughout the hotel, materials are thoughtfully sourced from the region. Wall coverings honor Coast Salish tribal traditions, while handmade ceramic tiles and local artwork reinforce the property’s Pacific Northwest identity. A plant-filled terrace, open year-round, creates a biophilic connection to Seattle’s evergreen surroundings.
Tranquil Rooms and Thoughtful Touches
The hotel features 153 guest rooms, including 45 suites, that evoke forest canopies and mountain landscapes. Interiors include reclaimed wood walls, pebble stone floors, and live-edge furniture crafted locally. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Seattle skyline or the iconic Space Needle from select rooms.
Eco-friendly features include:
- In-room water filtration and carafes made from recycled wine bottles
- Organic cotton linens and bamboo-based tissues
- Nespresso machines with recyclable pods
- Energy-saving smart thermostats
- Bamford bath products with essential oils
Guests can also participate in the 1 Less Thing initiative by donating gently used clothing to Mary’s Place, a Seattle-based nonprofit supporting women and families.
“Seattle is a city where nature and innovation coexist beautifully—and that’s exactly what we aimed to capture with this property,” says Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels.
“This city has long been a pioneer in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and progressive thinking. With 1 Hotel Seattle, we wanted to create a haven that not only pays homage to its forests, waters, and creative spirit, but also reflects the city’s deep-rooted commitment to living in harmony with the planet. It’s a place where conscious design meets the soul of the Pacific Northwest.”
“We’re proud to open our doors in one of the country’s most forward-thinking cities,” says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. “From the locally crafted furnishings to the reclaimed materials and moss art installations, every detail is designed to inspire both comfort and consciousness.”
Culinary Experiences With Regional Soul
The hotel’s signature restaurant, La Loba, is led by Chef Oscar Amador Edo, a James Beard Award finalist known for reimagining tapas. His Seattle menu blends Spanish tradition with Japanese techniques and Northwest ingredients. Dishes include wood-fired seafood, inventive crudos, and plant-forward small plates. The ever-evolving menu follows seasonal availability and supports local producers.
An award-winning wine list curated by sommelier Joseph Mikulich complements the bold, earthy cuisine. Low-intervention wines from the Pacific Northwest and global regions are featured, including rare bottles and locally harvested blends.
In the lobby, Drift café and bar transitions from morning espresso and pastries to evening cocktails made from reclaimed ingredients. The bar emphasizes low-ABV options, biodynamic wines, and a zero-waste approach using upcycled herbs, citrus, and coffee grounds.
Events, Sustainability, and Smart Design
1 Hotel Seattle includes six flexible event spaces, all designed with natural light and sustainability in mind. The standout venue, the Rainier Ballroom, opens to a landscaped terrace with views of the Space Needle. Ideal for weddings, meetings, and social gatherings, these spaces feature responsibly sourced furnishings and seasonal catering options.
| Hotel Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South Lake Union, Seattle |
| Total Rooms | 153 (including 45 suites) |
| Dining | La Loba restaurant, Drift café & bar |
| Event Spaces | 6 venues, including Rainier Ballroom |
| Sustainability Goals | Targeting LEED Silver, 90% waste diversion |
| Transportation | Walk Score 98, Audi EV Experience |
With a Walk Score of 98 and Transit Score of 100, the hotel is positioned for car-free exploration. For those who prefer to drive, guests can take advantage of the complimentary Audi Electric Vehicle Experience, which includes house car rides and test drives of the new Audi Q6 e-tron.
The hotel uses low-VOC materials, compostable packaging, wooden keycards, and upcycled in-room items. Its partnership with Foodprint Group supports a TRUE Zero Waste program aiming for 90% diversion of all operational waste.
Whether enjoying rooftop views, forest-inspired design, or low-impact amenities, visitors to 1 Hotel Seattle are invited to reconnect—with nature, with community, and with a better way to travel.
