Kathryn Streeter Reports on 1 Hotel Austin Opening

In a travel feature for Condé Nast Traveler (cntraveler.com), writer Kathryn Streeter reports on the debut of the new 1 Hotel Austin, occupying the lower 16 floors of the 1,025-foot Waterline tower along Waller Creek and the Historic Rainey Street District. Streeter writes that the 252-room luxury property integrates sustainability and nature into its downtown footprint through thousands of plants, reclaimed wood accents, and on-site culinary concepts.

Design and Sustainable Features of the Austin Skyscraper

The hotel occupies the first 16 floors of Texas’s tallest building, incorporating 4,000 plants managed by a dedicated full-time team, according to Streeter’s reporting for Condé Nast Traveler. The ground floor features Texas limestone and reclaimed wood around a fireplace. In the 252 guest rooms—which include 60 suites—accommodations feature muted oat-colored fabrics, recycled wine bottle glassware, and bedside chalkboards replacing traditional paper notepads. Streeter notes that her one-bedroom suite included a dedicated living room and a stone sink, while showers feature a built-in five-minute hourglass designed to encourage water conservation.

Alteño and Watr Dining Concepts

Dining options at the property are anchored by Alteño, a restaurant helmed by James Beard Award–nominated chef Johnny Curiel, who designed the menu as an homage to the Jalisco Highlands of Mexico. Streeter writes that the property also features the all-day Neighbors Café and Wine Bar for breakfast egg bites and casual drinks. On the 16th-floor rooftop, the Japanese-concept kitchen Watr serves sushi and small plates alongside sunset views over Lady Bird Lake, operating as a lounge space that hosts DJ-led sets on weekends.

Rooftop Amenities and Bamford Wellness Spa

The sixth-floor Bamford Wellness Spa offers treatments that incorporate honey from the hotel’s on-site apiary alongside touchless services like the 25-minute Soundwave Therapy by Welnamis. Sharing the rooftop level is an outdoor pool overlooking the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake, flanked by lounge seating. For fitness, guests have access to a 24-hour gym, yoga classes, and meditation sessions.

Outdoor Access Along Waller Creek and Rainey Street

The property opens directly to the Waterloo Greenway, a system of paved trails connecting guests to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake. Streeter notes that the hotel offers complimentary Audi Q6 e-tron electric vehicles for excursions to city landmarks such as the Texas Capitol. Immediately outside the doors, the Rainey Street District provides access to neighborhood venues including Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden and Half Step.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Hotel Austin

When was the 1 Hotel brand established?

The 1 Hotel brand was founded in 2015 by Barry Sternlicht with a mission to connect guests with nature, Condé Nast Traveler reports.

Are pets allowed at the property?

Yes, the hotel is Fido-friendly, and dogs stay for free.

What vehicle does the hotel provide for guest excursions?

The property offers complimentary Audi Q6 e-tron cars for curated trips around city landmarks.