7 Reasons Why 1 Hotels Is The 'One' To Watch: A Deep Dive Into The 2025 Global Expansion

The One Hotel is not a single destination but a revolutionary concept in luxury hospitality, better known globally as 1 Hotels. As of late 2025, this mission-driven brand has firmly established itself as the world's leading pioneer of sustainable luxury, blending refined, high-touch hotel experiences with an unwavering commitment to environmental consciousness. The brand's rapid global expansion, particularly with three major openings in 2025, signals a pivotal shift in what modern, conscious travelers expect from a high-end stay.

Founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, the 1 Hotels philosophy is simple yet profound: "The world is beautiful, and we want to keep it that way." The brand's name itself is a constant reminder that we are all part of one world. This platform for change is woven into the very fabric of every property, from the use of reclaimed wood and natural materials to its advanced water and energy conservation initiatives. The latest properties in Tokyo, Copenhagen, and Seattle showcase how this eco-luxury vision is being adapted to diverse urban environments in the current year.

The Visionary Behind The Brand: Barry Sternlicht and SH Hotels & Resorts

The foundation of the 1 Hotels movement lies with its creator, Barry Sternlicht, Chairman of Starwood Capital Group. Sternlicht launched the brand with a desire to create something that "stands for something" and protects the environment.

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He saw a gap in the market for a luxury hotel experience that didn't compromise on sustainability. This vision has been executed by his company, SH Hotels & Resorts, which manages the brand.

The first properties, 1 Hotel South Beach and 1 Hotel Central Park, opened in 2015, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly design that felt aspirational, not ascetic.

The brand's success is rooted in its ability to harmonize a refined experience with a responsible ethos, making it a favorite for the globally conscious traveler.

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Five Pillars of Sustainable Luxury That Define 1 Hotels

The unique appeal of 1 Hotels stems from its five core operational and design principles, which elevate the concept of eco-luxury from a trend to a fundamental standard. These pillars ensure that every stay is high-touch, low-impact, and deeply connected to the local environment.

• Nature-Inspired Design: Interiors are characterized by organic textures, raw materials, and an abundance of living plants. Materials like reclaimed timber, stone basins, and woven textiles are used extensively to bring the outside in.
• Responsible Sourcing: The brand is committed to using local and sustainable materials. In the new 1 Hotel Copenhagen, for example, interiors feature locally sourced oak, linen, and limestone.
• Water & Energy Conservation: Every property implements systems to minimize consumption, including dedicated bottle-fill stations with filtered water in every room, and low-flow fixtures in all rainfall showers and bathrooms.
• Farm-to-Table Dining: Restaurants prioritize seasonal, local, and organic ingredients, often partnering with local farmers and artisans. The upcoming Copenhagen property is set to feature a signature restaurant led by a Green Michelin-starred chef.
• Mission-Driven Culture: The brand emphasizes a platform for change, even launching a loyalty program called Mission Membership in late 2025 that links guest stays to environmental action and rewards.

The 2025 Global Triumvirate: New Openings in Seattle, Tokyo, and Copenhagen

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for 1 Hotels, with three distinct and highly anticipated urban retreats opening their doors. Each property is a testament to the brand’s ability to weave its nature-first philosophy into the unique cultural fabric of its location.

1. 1 Hotel Seattle: A Calm Counterpoint in the Tech Core

The 1 Hotel Seattle officially opened in the spring of 2025, transforming the former Pan Pacific building in the bustling South Lake Union district.

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This urban retreat offers a serene escape from the city’s technological rush, featuring 153 guestrooms, including 45 expansive suites.

The design focuses on the Pacific Northwest's natural ruggedness, providing a high-touch, low-impact experience tailored for both business and leisure travelers.

2. 1 Hotel Tokyo: Wabi-Sabi and Urban Elegance

Set to debut in 2025, 1 Hotel Tokyo is one of the brand's most ambitious projects, representing a collaboration with Japan’s leading property developer, Mori Trust.

Located in the vibrant Akasaka district, the hotel's design beautifully integrates the Japanese aesthetic concept of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence.

The property will house 211 spacious guest rooms and suites, blending traditional Japanese design with modern luxury. Guests can expect sweeping, iconic views of the city, including the illuminated Tokyo Tower.

3. 1 Hotel Copenhagen: Scandi-Inspired Sustainable Flagship

The opening of 1 Hotel Copenhagen in 2025 marks the brand's exciting entry into Northern Europe.

This property features 282 rooms, including 30 suites, designed as a Scandi-inspired urban retreat.

The interiors are a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism and sustainability, featuring a warm palette of natural materials like oak, linen, and limestone, complemented by thoughtfully curated lighting design.

Beyond the rooms, the hotel is a flagship for the brand’s environmental initiatives, from its low-flow water fixtures to its commitment to sourcing local, sustainable produce for its dining venues.

The Future of Eco-Luxury Hospitality

The success and expansion of 1 Hotels confirm that sustainability is no longer a niche market but a core expectation for luxury travelers. The brand’s ability to deliver a world-class experience while actively reducing its environmental footprint has set a new global standard.

By focusing on genuine, measurable initiatives—like the elimination of single-use plastics, the use of mineral-based paints, and a dedication to conserving the natural environment and culture of its settings—1 Hotels is pioneering the next generation of hospitality.

The three 2025 openings serve as powerful examples of how eco-luxury can be adapted to diverse global locales, from the tech hub of Seattle to the cultural depths of Tokyo and the minimalist elegance of Copenhagen. As the brand continues to grow, it promises to be the definitive "One" for travelers seeking a luxurious stay that truly gives back to the planet.