1 Hotel Austin officially opened on September 17, 2026, inside the 74-story Waterline tower in Austin, Texas. The building is the tallest in the state. The hotel offers 252 rooms, including 60 suites, and occupies a key position within the Waterline mixed-use development in the Rainey Street District. The project was developed by Lincoln and Kairoi Residential. Architecture responsibilities were led by Kohn Pedersen Fox, with HKS Architects as architect of record. Interior design is by Studio MAI in collaboration with the Starwood Hotels design team, while landscaping was created by TBG Partners.
1 Hotel Austin’s design centers on sustainable
and nature-inspired principles. The hotel features materials such as locally quarried limestone, oak wood, and reclaimed wood salvaged from historic American buildings. Over 4,000 plants representing more than 30 species are incorporated indoors, including a living plant wall that connects the interior with Austin’s natural environment. These features embody 1 Hotels’ DNA of celebrating nature and eco-conscious living.
Guest rooms at 1 Hotel Austin offer floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lady Bird Lake, Waller Creek, or the downtown Austin skyline. Rooms provide in-room wellness amenities including filtered water taps, reusable glassware made from recycled wine bottles, and cotton robes and
slippers. Yoga mats are provided for guest use, along with Bamford organic bath products. The minibars contain local Austin snacks and beverages, featuring items such as chocolates from Desnudo and treats from Austin Pretzel Company.
The hotel includes three food and beverage venues. Alteño is the first Austin restaurant by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Johnny Curiel, featuring fire-cooked meats, seafood, and a large selection of Mexican spirits including over 40 mezcals. Neighbors Café and Wine Bar offers Mediterranean wines, cocktails, and hosts community events. Located 16 stories above the city, watr rooftop bar serves Japanese-inspired cuisine alongside a low-waste cocktail
program that repurposes ingredients to reduce waste.
Wellness facilities occupy a dedicated floor at the hotel, which includes a fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the city. A yoga studio offers classes to guests and the local community. Bamford Wellness Spa provides six treatment rooms with organic skincare products and treatments inspired by Texas Hill Country bathhouse traditions. Personal training is offered in partnership with Monroe, an Austin private members club with facilities including sauna and cold plunge. The hotel also hosts a three-mile Sunday run club along the nearby Lady Bird Lake trail.
Art installations throughout 1 Hotel Austin draw from Austin’s natural surroundings and architectural heritage. They feature works from regional artists and incorporate materials reflecting the city’s ecosystems and Rainey Street history. Notably, artist Nate Page created a large installation inspired by a historic Rainey Street bungalow that spans all guest room floors.
Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels, described opening the Austin property as a milestone and praised its location amid natural and urban landscapes. Starwood CEO Raul Leal said the hotel introduces a new energy to Austin focused on community, wellness, and sustainability. Chef
Johnny Curiel called opening Alteño in Austin a long-held dream centered on hospitality and sharing heritage. These statements underline 1 Hotel Austin’s mission to blend eco-conscious luxury with Austin’s creative and natural spirit.
