1 Hotel Austin officially opened in September 2026, becoming the brand’s first property in Texas. It is located within the 74-story Waterline tower, the tallest building in the state, in Austin’s Rainey Street District. The hotel contains 252 rooms, including 60 suites, and is part of the mixed-use Waterline development, a project by Lincoln and Kairoi Residential.
Architecture and Natural Design Elements
The Waterline tower was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, with HKS Architects as the architect of record. Interior collaborations involved Studio MAI and the Starwood Hotels design team. Landscape design was created by TBG Partners. The hotel incorporates nature-led design using materials such
as locally quarried limestone, oak, and reclaimed wood. It also integrates over 4,000 plants from more than 30 species and includes a living plant wall. The location places guests steps away from the Waterloo Greenway, Lady Bird Lake trail, and Waller Creek.
Guest Accommodations and Wellness Facilities
The 1 Hotel Austin’s 252 accommodations offer views of Lady Bird Lake, Waller Creek, or Austin’s downtown skyline. The wellness floor features a fitness center, yoga studio, and the Bamford Wellness Spa, which includes six private treatment rooms, a couples suite with a steam shower, locker rooms, relaxation areas, and a retail boutique. In-room amenities emphasize sustainability with
filtered water taps, reusable glassware from recycled wine bottles, cotton robes, yoga mats, and Bamford organic bath products.
Dining Options Featuring Chef Johnny Curiel and Rooftop Venue
The hotel offers three food and beverage venues. Alteño is the first Austin restaurant by James Beard Award nominee Chef Johnny Curiel, showcasing fire-cooked meats and seafood inspired by his Jalisco Highlands heritage. Neighbors Café and Wine Bar serves Mediterranean wines from biodynamic and sustainable producers and hosts local music events. On the 16th floor, watr offers Japanese-inspired cuisine, inventive cocktails, and a social calendar with DJ sets and Full Moon parties, featuring views of the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake.
Community Engagement and Local Partnerships
1 Hotel Austin hosts community events including a Sunday three-mile run club, journaling and vision boarding workshops named “1 Reset,” cocktail-making classes, sound baths, and natural clothing-dye sessions. The hotel collaborates with Monroe, an Austin private members club, to offer personal training and wellness services. First-time guests receive a complimentary three-day pass to Monroe’s facilities, including sauna and cold plunge options.
Leadership Statements on Austin Opening
Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels, said, “Opening in Austin is a milestone for 1 Hotels.” He cited Austin’s creativity, independent spirit, and natural beauty as key to the brand’s identity and perfect for
their nature-focused ethos. Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels, described the hotel as bringing “a new energy to the city, one rooted in community, wellness, sustainability, and unforgettable experiences.” Chef Johnny Curiel stated, “Opening a restaurant in Austin has been a dream for a long time,” adding that Alteño aims to welcome guests as if into his family home.
