Best for: Romantic escapes, milestone group celebrations, wellness seekersLocation: Along Waller Creek and bordering Austin’s downtown Historic Rainey Street District with views over Lady Bird LakeCan’t-miss feature: The rooftop pool and dining area surrounded by glassy high-rises with water views and dazzling sunsetsIn a nutshell: Bordering the Historic Rainey Street District, Austin’s 1 Hotel fills the first 16 floors of Texas’s tallest building, the 1,025-foot Waterline. Sensory rich, the luxury property incorporates nature throughout with 4,000 plants, a James Beard Award–nominated chef’s restaurant overlooking the Waterloo Greenway, a spa (which uses honey from its on-site apiary), and a rooftop pool with Lady Bird Lake views.
Kathryn Streeter
Kathryn Streeter
Rooms
The hotel’s 252 rooms, including 60 suites, offer a prevailing sense of calm, with muted oat-colored fabrics and woven textiles. In 1138, my one-bedroom suite allowed for room to spread out with a dedicated living room and spacious, spa-like bathroom, including a separate enclosed room with the toilet and a gorgeous stone sink.
As with all 1 Hotels, themes of sustainability and reuse are woven throughout—starting with a cheery “Welcome” message on an adorable bedside chalkboard instead of the conventional notepad. Glass tumblers are made from recycled wine bottles, and a dispenser with cold, filtered drinking water is a standard feature (one of my favorite amenities). Coffee maker instructions were cleverly printed on napkins to serve a dual purpose, and a built-in five-minute hourglass in the shower kept me honest about water use.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the skyline or the lake and creek. I had views of the latter and relished late nights on my balcony feeling “in” the city, yet surrounded by nature.
Kathryn Streeter
Kathryn Streeter
Food and drink
Anchoring the property, Alteño is Austin’s first restaurant by James Beard Award–nominated chef Johnny Curiel, whose Denver restaurants both enjoy Michelin stars. Alteño is a love letter to Jalisco Highlands, where he was raised, showcasing modern Mexican fare using heritage flavors, fired meats, and seafood. My tip: Start with the queso fundido with wild mushroom, then follow with arroz con pollo—and peruse the extensive mezcal menu, which is sure to have your favorite.
For breakfast, try the healthy egg bites, as I did at the all-day Neighbors Café and Wine Bar—a bustling casual spot I noticed attracts nearby residents. It’s also the go-to spot for ordering a drink to take back to your room.
For dinner, I dolled up and headed to the 16th-floor rooftop Watr, a Japanese concept kitchen with exceptional sunset views that Austinites can’t stop talking about. I bellied up to the bar and indulged in tuna carpaccio, seasoned edamame, and some rolls—with a side of people watching.
Kathryn Streeter
Kathryn Streeter
Amenities and experiences
Dimly lit, the ground floor feels like a cozy living room with Texas limestone, reclaimed wood, and comfy seating by a fireplace—a nice contrast to Austin’s persistently bright outdoors. The thousands of lush plants—many native to Texas—bring nature’s therapy indoors and are cared for by a full-time team. In the lobby, I caught sight of the team watering and dusting leaves—fascinating!
Wellness took on a different form at the six-room Bamford Wellness Spa, with a new-to-me touchless treatment: the 25-minute Soundwave Therapy by Welnamis. The experience uses binaural sound and vibration, pulling me into a deeply restorative power nap with a warmed blanket and weighted eye mask.
Sharing the rooftop with Watr, the pool setting is enchanting, surrounded by gleaming high-rises and overlooking the lake. With a book in one hand and a margarita in the other, I claimed a lounge chair in the shade and took in the energy—especially the laughter of kids playing in the pool.
Kathryn Streeter
Kathryn Streeter
What to do nearby
In a walkable area, the property opens to Waterloo Greenway, a network of winding paved paths that connects the hotel to surrounding nature and links guests to the popular Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail encircling Lady Bird Lake. Tip: As a regular user of this trail, I highly recommend reserving a hotel bike to explore it.
Steps away, Rainey Street is a compact strip freshly reimagined with towering residential high-rises, plus bars, music, and bites. It’s a lively scene, especially on weekends and during Austin’s festivals. Check out Bangers, with 200+ beers on tap, and Half Step for late-night live music. For further-flung city landmarks—like the Texas Capitol—the hotel offers complimentary Audi Q6 e-tron cars for curated excursions.
The backstory
By snagging the coveted hotel space in Austin’s flashy new skyscraper Waterline, 1 Hotel Austin is causing a stir; it’s also the brand’s first Texas location. Operated by Starwood Hotels, the 1 Hotel brand was founded in 2015 by Barry Sternlicht with the mission to connect guests with nature. Interior design architects Studio MAI collaborated with Starwood on the Austin property, while TBG Partners managed the landscape design.
Kathryn Streeter
Kathryn Streeter
Insider tip
Arrive at Watr early to claim the west-facing bar seats overlooking Lady Bird Lake for unforgettable sunset views. On the weekends, reservations are highly recommended—Watr turns up the volume and throws a party with DJ-led sets going late into the night.
Final considerations:
Family friendly: Yes; the property is Fido-friendly, too—dogs stay for free.Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms are available; more information available hereWellness: Bamford Wellness Spa; 24-hour gym; yoga and meditation classes; weekly run clubLoyalty program: 1 Hotels Mission Membership