1 Hotel Austin officially opened on September 17, 2026, occupying the 74-story Waterline tower, the tallest building in Texas. The hotel contains 252 rooms, including 60 suites, and is part of the mixed-use Waterline development in Austin’s Rainey Street District. Developed by Lincoln and Kairoi Residential, the building features architecture by Kohn Pedersen Fox with HKS Architects as architect of record. Interiors were designed by Studio MAI in collaboration with the Starwood Hotels design team, while landscaping was created by TBG Partners.
Eco-Friendly Design and Natural Elements
The hotel incorporates nature-led design using natural materials such as locally quarried limestone, oak, and reclaimed wood salvaged
from historic American structures. Over 4,000 plants representing more than 30 different species bring Austin’s Central Texas landscape indoors, including a living plant wall. The lobby is designed with a residential feel, featuring soaring wood ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the surrounding environment.
Guest Rooms and Amenities Focused on Wellness
The 252 guest rooms, including 60 suites, offer views of Lady Bird Lake, Waller Creek, or the downtown Austin skyline. Rooms feature woven textiles, oat-colored fabrics, and handcrafted textures for a relaxed atmosphere. In-room amenities prioritize wellness and sustainability, including filtered water taps, reusable glassware made from recycled bottles, cotton robes and slippers, yoga mats,
and Bamford bath products formulated with organic ingredients. The minibar showcases local Austin snacks and beverages.
Dining Venues Highlight Local and Seasonal Cuisine
1 Hotel Austin houses three food and beverage venues. Alteño, led by James Beard Award nominee Chef Johnny Curiel, is Austin’s first restaurant from the chef and focuses on fire-cooked meats, seafood, and Mexican distilled spirits with over 40 mezcals. Neighbors Café and Wine Bar opens to both the hotel lobby and street, serving Mediterranean wines and hosting local community events. The watr rooftop bar sits 16 stories above the city, offering Japanese-inspired cuisine, inventive cocktails, and social events including DJ sets and Full
Moon parties.
Wellness Facilities and Local Partnerships
The hotel includes a wellness floor with a fitness center equipped with cardio and strength equipment, a yoga studio, and an outdoor terrace overlooking Austin. Bamford Wellness Spa has six treatment rooms, a couples suite with steam shower, and a retail boutique with organic skincare products. The hotel partners with Monroe Austin private club to provide personal training and extended wellness amenities. Local experiences offered include a Sunday run club with a three-mile route around Lady Bird Lake and natural clothing-dye workshops.
Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels, said, “Opening in Austin is
a milestone for 1 Hotels,” emphasizing the city’s connection to nature and sustainable living. Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels, stated, “At 1 Hotel Austin, we’re bringing a new energy to the city, one rooted in community, wellness, sustainability, and unforgettable experiences.” Chef Johnny Curiel expressed, “Opening a restaurant in Austin has been a dream for a long time,” highlighting the home-like dining experience at Alteño.
The hotel integrates art inspired by Austin’s environment, with installations by artists Nate Page and Christian Kasperkovitz incorporated throughout. Situated near natural attractions like Waller Creek, Waterloo Greenway, and the Lady Bird Lake trail,
1 Hotel Austin positions itself as an urban retreat aligned with the city’s creative and outdoor culture, enhancing Austin’s hospitality landscape.
