“An exceptional luxury hotel housed in a striking Edwardian building with immaculate contemporary interiors. Think sophisticated cream & white tones with black accents, clean lines and crisp linens in rooms with superb city views — plus a serene spa, gourmet eateries & a courtyard garden. Exquisite.”

Hotel review

Stomp too quickly through the financial district of Sydney and you may just miss a hidden gem. Occupying an entire city block, luxury hotel Capella Sydney is set within a heritage sandstone building that was once the Department of Education and Agriculture in the early 30s. Opened in 2023, the design-forward 5-star hotel is one-of-a-kind in Australia and spaces are everything here. There is a glass courtyard with robotic light installations which doubles-up as a lounge and reception area, a “living room” for hotel guests to retreat to post-Sydney day-tripping and also a high- tech gym with techno-music blaring out of speakers at all hours of the day. Wellness can be found in the adjoining indoor pool which also features a sauna and steam room. Rooms are widely spacious, elegantly designed and very well-polished with floor-to-ceiling windows, but be sure to opt for a room that does not face the inner courtyard with views of other rooms or this feature is wasted and rather dark at all hours of the day.

Like all Capella Hotels around the world, highly personalized services come in the form of an energetic “culturist” team of concierges – make the most of their local knowledge and access to great Sydney experiences beyond the guidebooks. Meanwhile, some staff take themselves a little too seriously - avoid them and you will see the Capella Sydney at its best. Views of famous Sydney landmarks are rare from most rooms, however, you are well positioned for the National Art Gallery, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the harbour.

Recommended for

  • Honeymoons

    • An exceptional romantic city hotel, ideal for magical honeymoons with fabulous suites, candlelit dinners & a serene spa
  • Historic

    • Housed in the Sydney Department of Education’s stunning Edwardian Baroque building, dating back to the 19th Century
  • Other Activities

    • The 'Capella Curators' can craft fantastic private experiences — including guided walks, art tours & yacht trips
  • Local exploring

    • Situated right in the centre of Sydney's CBD, so all the city's highlights are easily accessible
  • Weddings

    • An enchanting wedding venue with gorgeous private spaces, a dedicated team & cracking cuisine
  • Artworks

    • An impressive art collection showcasing a spectrum of Australian artists & including a piece by Amsterdam’s Studio Drift
  • Museums

    • Delve into Sydney's history at the Museum of Sydney, Customs House, Hyde Park Barracks & other nearby landmarks
  • Restaurant

    • Feast on top-notch Australian produce from small-batch farmers at the sophisticated Brasserie 1930
  • Yoga

    • Take expert-led yoga classes in the dedicated yoga space within the well-equipped gym
  • Kids Club

    • The Little Stars programme offers wonderful workshops and classes for little ones
  • Spa

    • The fabulous Auriga Spa is housed in the building's former gallery space
  • Conference facilities

    • Fabulous private events spaces for meetings and celebrations
  • Sailing

  • Family Suites

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Lively

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Opulent

  • Local markets

  • Lively area

  • Good wine list

  • Full of character

  • Hotel Entertainment

  • Designer

  • Views

  • Watersports

  • Sights nearby

  • Business Hotel

  • Child friendly

  • Gym

  • 5* Luxury

  • Chic

  • Golf

  • Landmark

  • Cycling

  • Great walks

  • Grand Hotel

  • Disabled access

  • Wellbeing

  • Traditional

  • Designer Shopping

  • Contemporary

  • Luxury

  • Close to nightlife

  • Romantic

  • Air conditioning

  • Gourmet

Facilities

  • Rooms

    192 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    Feast on top-notch Australian produce from small-batch farmers at the sophisticated Brasserie 1930
  • Bar

    Sip cocktails at the Victorian-inspired McRae Bar or the light-filled Aperture bar
  • Kids Club

    The Little Stars programme offers wonderful workshops and classes for little ones
  • Spa

    The fabulous Auriga Spa is housed in the building's former gallery space
  • Conference facilities

    Fabulous private events spaces for meetings and celebrations
  • In room music system

    LG soundbar and Bose speaker in each guest room
  • Satellite / Cable TV

    55-inch TV with streaming services
  • Swimming Pool

    Indoor swimming pool in the spa
  • Outdoor dining

  • Parking

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Airport transfer

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Bicycles available

  • Family Suites

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • EV Charging Station

  • Lift

  • Good wine list

  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

  • Private dining room

  • No pets

  • Massage

  • Cots available

  • Meeting Room

  • Room service

  • Sitting Room

  • Child friendly

  • Gym

  • Concierge

  • Safe

  • Business Centre

  • Air conditioning

  • Wifi

  • Bath robes

  • Hot Tub

  • Suites

  • Disabled access

Activities

  • Other Activities

    • The 'Capella Curators' can craft fantastic private experiences — including guided walks, art tours & yacht trips
  • Museums

    • Delve into Sydney's history at the Museum of Sydney, Customs House, Hyde Park Barracks & other nearby landmarks
  • Theatre

    • Moments from the Sydney Opera House, perfect for catching a world-class performance at an iconic venue
  • Yoga

    • Take expert-led yoga classes in the dedicated yoga space within the well-equipped gym
  • Sailing

  • Local markets

  • Hotel Entertainment

  • Watersports

  • Sights nearby

  • Golf

  • Cycling

  • Great walks

  • Close to nightlife

  • Designer Shopping

Map & Location

Other reviews

Capella Sydney - Hotel Review

"Luxury hotel group Capella's first Australian outpost is a triumph. Following a seven-year restoration, the ideally located heritage-listed building has opened its polished iron doors, welcoming guests to enjoy peerless hospitality. If you can afford it, make this your Sydney address."

Originally published by Telegraph Travel

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