1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, New York City
Where Sustainability Meets the Skyline
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● One of the world’s finest examples of sustainable luxury, where environmental responsibility enhances rather than compromises the guest experience.
● Spectacular waterfront location overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan, and the East River from nearly every angle.
● A masterclass in biophilic design, combining reclaimed materials, living greenery, and thoughtful craftsmanship into one of New York’s most distinctive urban retreats.
An Urban Sanctuary on the Waterfront
At the edge of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where old industrial Brooklyn meets the East River, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has quietly redefined what luxury can look like in a modern city. Opened in 2017 as the flagship of Barry Sternlicht’s sustainability-focused hospitality brand, the hotel was never conceived as simply another five-star address. Instead, it set out to prove that exceptional design, environmental responsibility, and genuine comfort could exist together. Few urban hotels have succeeded so convincingly.
Nature in the City
Designed by INC Architecture & Design, the hotel immediately establishes its identity through nature. The soaring lobby is anchored by a spectacular 25-foot living wall, while natural daylight, native plants, reclaimed timber, and tactile materials replace the polished marble and glossy surfaces traditionally associated with luxury hotels. Throughout the building, reclaimed wood from the Domino Sugar Factory, salvaged Coney Island boardwalk timber, walnut sourced from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and recycled steel create interiors rich in texture and authenticity. Every material carries a previous life, adding warmth and character that cannot be manufactured. Large floor-to-ceiling windows constantly reconnect guests with the surrounding landscape—the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and the greenery of Brooklyn Bridge Park becoming natural extensions of the interiors.
Luxury with a Smaller Footprint
Sustainability isn’t presented as marketing—it forms the foundation of the hotel. The property operates entirely on wind-generated electricity, harvests rainwater for irrigation throughout Brooklyn Bridge Park, and integrates energy-efficient lighting, smart climate systems, and low-impact construction throughout the building. Even the smallest details reflect the philosophy: organic cotton mattresses, sustainably sourced linens, refillable amenities, reclaimed furnishings, and locally produced products demonstrate that environmental responsibility can feel every bit as luxurious as traditional indulgence.
Wellness Inspired by Nature
The connection to nature continues throughout the guest experience. The Bamford Wellness Spa offers holistic treatments using certified organic products inspired by botanical traditions, while the rooftop swimming pool has become one of New York’s most coveted viewpoints—floating above Brooklyn with uninterrupted panoramas across Lower Manhattan and the East River. The Osprey celebrates seasonal ingredients through a contemporary farm-to-table approach, while Neighbors Café showcases independent Brooklyn producers. Upstairs, Harriet’s Rooftop serves cocktails against one of the city’s most dramatic skylines. Everything encourages guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect.
Rooted in Brooklyn
Despite its international reputation, the hotel remains deeply connected to its neighbourhood. Guests can explore Brooklyn using complimentary electric Audi house cars, discover local makers through curated experiences, or participate in initiatives such as “1 Less Thing,” encouraging clothing donations to nearby charities. The hotel celebrates Brooklyn not simply as a destination, but as a community.
Why It Matters
Many hotels now talk about sustainability. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge demonstrates what happens when sustainability becomes the starting point rather than an afterthought. Every design decision, every material, and every guest experience reinforces a philosophy that feels authentic instead of performative. For travellers who believe great design should leave lasting memories—not lasting environmental impact—few urban hotels are as thoughtfully conceived as this remarkable waterfront retreat.
