Australia's first luxury pet hotel set for Melbourne

Australia’s first luxury pet-friendly hotel is set to be built in Melbourne.

1 Hotel Melbourne will form part of private-developer Riverlee’s $450 million mixed-use​ Northbank project and is expected to feature 280 room five-star rooms, 130 luxury residences, and an ​800-seat function hall. 

1 Hotels has operates four hotels in the United States, including New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, South Beach, Miami and newly opened 1 Hotel West Hollywood.

Pets will be allowed to stay free of charge.

"Dogs are part of the family and we would never ask you to leave a family member behind," they advise.

1 Hotel Melbourne will offer plush in-room dog beds, treats available to purchase from the minibar, ​doggy-​day-care ​and​ dog-walking services, inbuilt doggy-doors and food bowls, and a dog-friendly concierge team with knowledge of dog parks, grooming salons and pet stores.

“1 Hotels is renowned across the US for its commitment to sustainability and offering guests a truly memorable experience; one that fuses luxury with nature. Further to this, they also invite guests to bring their four-legged friends along with them, which we felt was a missing piece in Melbourne’s luxury hotel market and one that we are proud to pioneer” said Riverlee Development director David Lee.

The complex will be designed by Melbourne-based interdisciplinary design firm ODO, who will aim to utilise recycled materials in the construction, including the salvaged timber from the wharf restoration works, as well as native greenery and industrial steel.

The hotel is expected to open in 2022.