Capella Sydney

Capella Sydney opened in March 2023 inside the former Department of Education building, a heritage-listed sandstone landmark in the city's Sandstone Precinct, between Circular Quay and the business district. The building was designed in the early 1900s by Government Architect George McRae, who also designed the Queen Victoria Building, and its renovation by Make Architects kept much of its original character while adding contemporary interiors. It is the first Australian hotel of the Capella group.

There are 192 rooms and suites spread through the heritage building, whose golden sandstone façade gives it a presence quite different from the glass towers around it. Room categories and outlooks vary, so compare them on the official website before booking.

The ground floor houses three dining and drinking venues: Brasserie 1930, the signature restaurant, the McRae Bar, a cocktail bar inspired by the Victorian era, and Aperture. The Living Room, a feature of all Capella hotels, is a lounge for in-house guests where the hotel hosts daily rituals and displays local artefacts. On level six, the wellness floor includes a spa, a fitness centre and a heated indoor swimming pool. Having a restaurant, two bars and a lounge on site means guests can spend a whole evening without leaving the building, and the McRae Bar is a natural place for a drink before dinner.

Capella suits travellers looking for a quiet, design-focused luxury hotel with a strong sense of place, as well as couples on special trips. Its meeting and event spaces cater for groups of 10 to 80 people. As with other luxury hotels in the city, rates are high, so compare options on the official website.

The location is one of the most convenient in the city. Circular Quay, with its trains and ferries, is a few minutes' walk away, and the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Museum of Contemporary Art and The Rocks can all be reached on foot. The light rail on George Street links the hotel with the rest of the city centre. The surrounding streets of the Sandstone Precinct contain several other restored government buildings from the same era.

For visitors who appreciate historic architecture and calm, carefully designed spaces, Capella offers a distinctive alternative to Sydney's waterfront towers. The hotel has disabled access; contact it ahead of your stay to discuss any specific requirements.