.png)
Capella Sydney – A New Benchmark for Luxury in the Heart of the City
- Deb Carr
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Housed within Sydney’s former Department of Education building, Capella Sydney is both a heritage restoration and contemporary luxury. Designed by acclaimed architect George McRae in the early 1900s, the landmark sandstone building has been meticulously reimagined, reopening in March 2023 as one of Australia’s most celebrated luxury hotels.
Capella Sydney Location
Located in the city’s historic Sandstone Precinct, Capella Sydney places guests within walking distance of Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, while offering a sense of calm and refinement rarely found in the CBD.
Heritage Architecture Meets Contemporary Design
The transformation of this heritage-listed building balances original architectural features with a sophisticated modern aesthetic. High ceilings, grand proportions and restored sandstone details sit alongside curated artworks, custom furnishings and thoughtfully designed interiors that reflect the Australian landscape and cultural identity.
The result is a hotel that feels quietly confident — rich in history, yet unmistakably modern.
Refined Accommodation with Thoughtful Inclusions
Capella Sydney offers 192 generously sized guestrooms and suites, each designed to feel more like a private residence than a traditional hotel room. Accommodation ranges from elegant guestrooms to expansive suites and prestige suites, all featuring custom Italian Frette linen, spacious ensuites, and in-room technology that allows guests to control lighting, curtains and temperature at the touch of a button.
A standout detail is the hotel’s complimentary hospitality inclusions, including non-alcoholic beverages from the personal bar, refreshments in The Living Room, garment pressing, and access to the wellness facilities — a level of generosity that feels increasingly rare in luxury accommodation.
Dining and Social Spaces Worth Visiting in Their Own Right
The ground floor of Capella Sydney is home to several destination dining and bar venues. Brasserie 1930 anchors the corner of Young Street with modern brasserie classics and an extensive wine list, while Aperture offers a more tranquil setting beneath a striking kinetic sculpture, blending art, hospitality and seasonal cuisine.
For evening drinks, McRae Bar — named after the building’s original architect — channels the elegance of a Victorian-era drinking den through a contemporary Australian lens.
Wellness Elevated Above the City
Hidden on the sixth floor, Auriga Wellness is one of Capella Sydney’s most impressive transformations. Once an informal art gallery, the space now houses a serene wellness sanctuary featuring a heated indoor pool, vitality pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa facilities inspired by the phases of the moon.
It’s a genuine retreat from the city below — quiet, restorative and beautifully executed.
Cultural Connection Through The Living Room
Exclusive to in-house guests, The Living Room is a signature Capella experience designed to foster connection with the local neighbourhood. Here, Capella Culturists curate personalised itineraries, cultural experiences and insider recommendations, adding depth and context to a Sydney stay beyond the usual tourist highlights.
Award-Winning Recognition
Since opening, Capella Sydney has quickly established itself on the global stage, earning accolades including Best Hotel in Oceania and a place among the World’s 50 Best Hotels — recognition that reflects both its design excellence and guest experience.
Phone: +61 9071 5000
24 Loftus Street, Sydney 2000
@capellasydney
