1 Hotel Seattle Debuts in South Lake Union as a Luxury Sustainability Flagship

Source: 1 Hotels

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

Seattle’s hospitality scene has a new leader in conscious design with the arrival of 1 Hotel Seattle, the latest opening from 1 Hotels, the sustainability-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by Barry Sternlicht. Officially opened on May 20, 2025, this thoughtfully designed sanctuary in South Lake Union delivers a high-touch, low-impact experience tailored to both design enthusiasts and eco-minded travelers.

Positioned steps from the waterfront, the Space Needle, and Amazon’s headquarters, the hotel brings together reclaimed materials, hyper-local dining, and biophilic architecture to reflect the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Every detail, from moss-covered walls to electric vehicle test drives, is a nod to the region’s deep-rooted connection to nature and innovation.

Located at 2125 Terry Avenue, guests enter to the visual poetry of a driftwood sculpture by Seattle artist Alison Stigora, paired with a living wall and a sculptural staircase constructed from reclaimed timber and stacked stone, stitched with domestic leather. Overhead, Douglas fir beams pay tribute to Seattle’s maritime heritage.

The aesthetic draws on local artisanship and Pacific Northwest landscapes, with textiles honoring the Coast Salish Tribes, ceramic fireplace tiles crafted nearby, and an art program curated in collaboration with local galleries. Every space feels rooted—geographically, culturally, and emotionally.

1 Hotel Seattle’s 153 guest rooms and 45 suites are designed to evoke the area’s rugged coastline and forested terrain. Walls of reclaimed wood, pebble stone flooring, and live-edge furniture by Seattle-based Tirto Furniture blend warmth with refinement. Details like moss art, handpicked plantings, and Space Needle views imbue the rooms with a strong sense of place.

Sustainability is embedded in the experience:

• Organic linens, Bamford bath amenities, and yoga mats enhance comfort without compromising ethics.
  

• Recycled wine bottle carafes replace plastic water bottles, while chalkboards eliminate the need for paper.
  

• Energy-efficient smart thermostats, Nespresso machines with recyclable pods, and bamboo tissue signal that no convenience is offered without conscience.

The hotel’s “1 Less Thing” program invites guests to leave gently used clothing behind for donation to Mary’s Place, a local nonprofit supporting families in need.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, La Loba (Spanish for “the she-wolf”), is a commanding expression of Pacific Northwest ingredients through a global, soulful lens. James Beard Award finalist Chef Oscar Amador Edo leads the kitchen, merging Spanish tapas traditions with Japanese techniques and Mediterranean flavor profiles.

Expect crudos layered with foraged mushrooms, wood-fired seafood, and rotating dishes that move with the seasons. The restaurant’s interior mirrors its cuisine—moody, tactile, and quietly transportive.

Sommelier Joseph Mikulich, formerly of Napa Valley acclaim, curates a boutique wine list that celebrates low-intervention producers and rare bottles such as Muga Aro from Rioja, paired with Washington-grown house wines like Pursued by Bear.

Adjacent to the lobby, Drift Café and Bar is a day-to-night social hub. Mornings begin with FONTE coffee, TEALEAVES from Vancouver, and fresh pastries. By afternoon, the space shifts into a cocktail lounge with a fireplace, serving zero-waste cocktails, low-ABV drinks, and biodynamic wines.

The cocktail program leans hyper-local—featuring ingredients like Rainier cherries, wild blackberries, and house infusions made from citrus peels and herbs that would otherwise go to waste.

Upstairs, six light-filled event spaces—including the Rainier Ballroom with panoramic views—provide space for weddings, creative workshops, and corporate retreats. Each room features natural wood furnishings, airy design, and sustainable catering menus rooted in the region’s bounty.

Outdoors, the ballroom opens onto a landscaped terrace framed by native plants, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to nature at every touchpoint.

1 Hotel Seattle is actively targeting LEED Silver certification, boasting a 37% reduction in water use, UV-filtered water systems, and air quality upgrades. More than 70% of construction waste was diverted from landfills, and a True Zero Waste partnership with Foodprint Group aims for 90% operational waste diversion.

From recycled cork coasters and paper hangers to glassware in place of plastics, nothing is ornamental—everything has purpose. Even transportation options are future-facing: guests can explore the city in a fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron, offered as a complimentary house car or guided test drive.

With a Walk Score of 98 and Transit Score of 100, the hotel promotes car-free exploration of Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the city’s parks and greenways.

1 Hotel Seattle isn’t just a new address—it’s a recalibration of what luxury hospitality can look like in 2025: immersive, intentional, and local to its core. For travelers seeking substance with style, and serenity with sustainability, this Pacific Northwest haven offers a stay that’s as mindful as it is memorable.