My husband Jamie and I are savouring our final night in California – the culmination of a road trip down the newly reopened Highway 1 – and, since arriving at lunch time, have already squeezed in a trip to Alcatraz, walking to and from the embarkation pier with ease thanks to the 200-key 1 Hotel San Francisco’s enviable location directly opposite the famous Ferry Building in city’s historic nautical heart.
The mission of the eco-luxury 1 Hotel brand – which has grown to 13 properties (with the 14th due to open in Austin in August) – is apparent as soon as we step into the foyer, where we’re calmed by the Northern California-inspired décor of reclaimed redwood lumber sourced from The Old San Francisco Bay Bridge, native greenery and organic textures and materials. It feels like a real haven in the heart of bustling San Francisco.
Our room follows a similar eco-luxury theme, equipped with energy-saving thermostats, low-flow water fixtures, sustainably-sourced linens, and personal care items made from natural and post-consumer recycled materials. Even the large window through which we look in awe at the bay view, are made dual glass – drastically improving energy efficiency.
The LEED Gold Certified property also features a wellness spa, fitness centre, meeting spaces and outdoor terraces – not to mention the bijou rooftop chef’s garden, growing seasonal herbs and edible flowers used by its farm-to-table restaurant and bar, Terrene, to provide local, sustainable garnishes and flavours. Nearby, beehives aid organic, on-site honey production.
Terrene showcases the seasonality of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and creative zero-waste initiatives, and tonight I order my cocktail off the Earth Month Cocktail menu, whereby for every cocktail sold a tree is planted. We take our time eating baba ganoush with pita, harissa chicken skewers made with seasonal market vegetables, burrata with heirloom tomatoes and seared scallops with green lentils, washed down with more intriguing cocktails. It’s one of the best meals I’ve had in California.
After falling asleep with the curtains open, so we can watch the bridge twinkling in the distance, we finish off our stay with breakfast – al fresco fresh smoothies as we watch the farmers market come to life across the road.
1 Hotels has partnered with Foodprint Group to develop and implement a True Zero Waste programme across all of its F&B outlets and its general operations. The programme is designed to eliminate waste across the property and “lead the hotel industry forward in its approach to materials sustainability”.
Other sustainability practices on-site in the include a water filtration station on each floor to encourage guests to refill bottles; carafes made from reclaimed wine bottles, recycling receptacles in all guest rooms and educational moments on sustainability.
1 Hotels also recently announced its “Mission Membership” loyalty programme, whereby for every qualifying stay, 1% of the spend is donated to one of three leading environmental non-profits. Members choose the cause and all donations are managed by GlobalGiving, “ensuring transparency and compliance”.
For every new membership, 1 Hotels will also plant a tree. Members will also be able to access exclusive rates, personalised touches, and benefits designed to reflect their values and travel styles.
We leave 1 Hotel rested and revived, sure in the knowledge luxury hospitality, city living, and sustainability can exist in harmony.
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Rates for a standard room start from $500.
