From the outside, 1 Hotel Melbourne is a gleaming new edifice on the banks of the Yarra River in Docklands. But step inside and you’l find a tranquil eco-conscious luxury hotel, an ideal retreat from the busy city. Even better, dogs are welcome to join you at 1 Hotel Melbourne. Find out more about their pet policy and the facilities on offer…
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Pet Policy of 1 Hotel Melbourne
The warm, friendly welcome at 1 Hotel Melbourne extends to four-legged members of the family. Up to two dogs are welcome to stay per room, up to about 22kg each. Other pets can also be considered – it’s best to contact the hotel in advance to discuss.
Dogs beds and both food and water bowls are available for use during your stay. A one-time Pet Welcome Fee of $150 is charged per stay, with additional fees applying if your room is left dirty at the end of your stay. Add on your pet when booking directly with the hotel, or contact the hotel to let them know you have a pet.
Rooms at 1 Hotel Melbourne
During my stay at 1 Hotel Melbourne I stayed in a River Reserve King room. This spacious room also has a lounge area and comes with views of the Yarra River below. Both City and River rooms are available when staying with pets.
The room is gorgeously kitted out and very homely. Throughout the whole hotel there are countless plants, and this extends to inside the room. You’ll also discover locally crafted furniture, sustainable bed linen and non-toxic, organic mattresses, plus a water filtration tap instead of single-use water bottles.
Some of the more unexpected sustainable touches are a sand timer in the walk-in rain shower, plus a “1 Less Thing” token to leave on top of clothing you wish to donate. Hidden behind the scenes are energy efficient and green systems.
Facilities at 1 Hotel Melbourne
You’ll find multiple restaurants and bars onsite at 1 Hotel Melbourne. On the ground floor is From Here by Mike Restaurant and Crane Bar & Lounge, while hidden away up the stairs is the Upstairs Lounge.
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted inside any of the restaurants and bars, only service animals, due to government regulations. At the time of my visit the outdoor section of the From Here by Mike Restaurant was not in use, but hopefully this will change in the upcoming summer months.
Instead, the best option for dining with your pet onsite at 1 Hotel is to head to the Crane Terrace. There’s a large lounge area extending along both sides of the exterior of the bar, although there isn’t any shelter from inclement weather. But when the weather is sunny and warm, it’s a great spot to enjoy a drink and meal next to the Yarra River.
Food options on the bar menu include Marinated Mount Zero Cerignola Olives, a Cape Grim Cheeseburger, multiple gourmet pizzas and a Charcuterie Platter, with ingredients sourced from local artisan producers. My Fried Calamari was very tender and lightly spiced with Sichuan pepper and salt bush.
Another option is to order room service directly to your room, available through a QR code. There’s even the option to order a three-course dinner or a package with pizzas and drinks to enjoy while watching a movie. Note that a service fee applies for room service.
Each morning, an a la carte breakfast is offered in From Here by Mike Restaurant, overflowing into Crane Bar. I didn’t confirm this, but if you’re with a dog you’re likely able to dine outside on the terrace.
Another option if you don’t have breakfast included is to grab takeaway from Neighbour Cafe, with granola with yoghurt and egg and bacon rolls among the choices available, plus naturally coffees and teas.
1 Hotel Melbourne is also home to a beautiful swimming pool, along with a sauna and steam room. While naturally dogs aren’t allowed inside and can’t be left alone in your room, if there’s two of you it’s a welcome retreat. I recommend visiting after 6pm when it changes to adults only.
Dog-Friendly Parks Near 1 Hotel Melbourne
Right outside the front door of 1 Hotel Melbourne is the recently developed Seafarers Rest park. With plenty of grassy beds, it’s an ideal spot for early morning and late night bathroom breaks with your dog – just bring your own bags and keep your dog on a leash.
If you’re after a nearby off-leash dog park, the closest option is Point Park. This expanse of grass ia about a 15 minute walk away on the opposite bank of the Yarra River. Note that dogs are only allowed off-leash after 6pm and before 8am from 1st November to 31st March, extending to after 5pm and before 9am for the rest of the year.
Highlights of a Stay with Your Pet
- Gorgeous homely rooms, some with river views
- Genuine friendly welcome
- Sustainable features, from water filtration taps to green systems
- Onsite restaurants and bars, including a dog-friendly terrace
- Central location, close to public transport connections
- An on-leash park on your doorstep
Note: The author received a media rate at 1 Hotel Melbourne, although unfortunately Schnitzel wasn’t able to make it to Melbourne this time
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.