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Capella Sydney

Sydney • Circular Quay • SPLURGE

avg. $409 / night

Includes $22 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

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Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

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PB hotel design editorial

George McRae's 1912 Edwardian Baroque sandstone building spent most of its life housing NSW's Department of Education before Make Architects and BAR Studio transformed it into Capella Sydney, which opened in 2023 as one of the most considered heritage conversions Australia has produced. The warm honey-coloured sandstone facade — arched windows, ornamental cornicing, a confident civic presence on the corner near Circular Quay — gives nothing away about the four-storey contemporary rooftop extension above it, clad in fluted anodised metal fins that catch the light without competing with what McRae built. Inside, BAR Studio navigated the tension between preservation and contemporary hospitality with real intelligence. The reinstated central courtyard anchors the building's public life, while the 192 rooms and suites split between two distinct registers: heritage rooms in the original structure carry arched fanlight windows, black-framed joinery, and a palette of warm linen and dark timber that lets McRae's bones breathe; tower rooms in the extension open onto full-height glazing with Sydney's civic skyline laid out below. The bar strikes a different mood entirely — harlequin marble floors, brass-trimmed counters, and suspended feather-and-glass chandeliers bring a nocturnal theatricality that sits closer to a Mayfair members club than a hotel lobby. The spa pool, set beneath restored coffered ceilings and original arched colonnades, feels like a Roman bath that simply waited a century for the right brief.

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About

For generations, the Department of Education building in Sydney’s Sandstone Precinct has stood quietly, its golden facade forming an unassuming backdrop to the rhythm of the city. Reawakening as Capella Sydney in March 2023, the heritage-listed icon will welcome guests inside its walls for the very first time, setting a global benchmark for luxury accommodation, cuisine and cultural immersion. Embedding visitors in the beating heart of the city’s commercial, cultural and hospitality precinct, Capella Sydney also marks the first property under the Capella Hotels and Resorts constellation to open in Australia. Balancing storied architectural features with a contemporary design aesthetic, Capella Sydney celebrates the Australian panorama through its interiors, location and experiences. Spanning eight levels, the 192 guestrooms and suites are anchored by three ground-level food and beverage outlets, with spaces throughout the hotel unfurling to reveal commissioned and collected artworks, sophisticated furnishings and intriguing objet d’art – all within footsteps of the glistening harbour foreshore, the famed Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Occupying an entire city block, encircled by Loftus, Bridge and Young Streets, the building was originally designed by architect George McRae in the Edwardian Baroque style. It first opened for government use in 1915. More than 100 years later, the meticulous restoration sees the building ready to write a new chapter in its history.

Amenities

Suites

Room service

Wheelchair Access

Restaurant

Spa

Free Wifi

Breakfast Included

Dry cleaning

Meeting rooms

Hot Tub

Capella Sydney Reviews

153 reviews

"This is a five star amazing hotel"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 21, 2026

"I just checked into the Capella Sydney and I must say it’s not a great start. I booked the tower room. I arrived at 130 pm and was led to the “living room” and given a welcome drink. After that, I was left totally alone. At 3 pm I had to approach the reception and check on the status of my room. And yes it was ready. I also requested for a change in reservation of my dinner at the hotel restaurant during check in but unfortunately it was not done, and I had to call guests services to assist me on this The room had a nice view of the tower and it is well designed and appointed but quite small. But for the amount it costs and the service thus far, there are far better options like Park Hyatt Sydney. The status of GHM Titanium may be a dime a dozen and so it means nothing here. No upgrades, no early check in or great service. Compared to the other Capella I have stayed in, this one falls short."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 10, 2026

"2 nights in the Oasis that is Capella Sydney leaves me feeling like I have been away for a week. Once again absolutely faultless"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 28, 2026

"Capella Sydney is not simply a hotel—it’s a destination. We loved it so much that we even canceled a day of touring just to enjoy the property. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. We were warmly greeted by name and checked in while seated, which immediately set the tone. Peter, the Assistant Front Office Manager, welcomed us and gave us a thoughtful introduction to both the hotel and our room. Our room was stunning, with a luxurious soaking tub, rain shower, an exceptionally comfortable bed, and automatic curtains that opened to the morning light. The hotel’s “Living Room” is another wonderful touch—a welcoming space where guests can relax with drinks or snacks at any time. The food was a highlight throughout our stay. The breakfast buffet was one of the most extensive and beautifully presented we’ve experienced, with everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to pastries, cheeses, hot dishes, and more. Dinner was equally impressive. We dined both in the main dining room and the lobby area—both excellent—but the main dining room is not to be missed. Our server, Jack, was outstanding—professional, warm, and attentive—and his recommendation of the fish was perfect. We also appreciated the cultural elements of the hotel, including the artwork throughout and the beautiful bar featuring Aboriginal art. Since we missed the scheduled tour, Peter kindly arranged a private one for us with Luke, the Culturalist, which was a memorable experience and well worth doing. What stood out most was the consistency of the service—every interaction felt thoughtful and genuine. The hotel is also ideally located, just minutes from the Sydney Opera House and the ferry. If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Sydney that truly delivers on every level, Capella Sydney is worth it."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 24, 2026

"A stunning hotel that almost delivers perfection but lets me down on a very important area for me: the gym. Capella Sydney is genuinely one of the most beautiful Sydney hotels I have stayed in. The heritage building is magnificent, a sensitively restored Edwardian sandstone landmark right in the heart of the city, steps from Circular Quay, the Opera House and the Botanic Gardens. The location could not be better. The rooms are elegant and thoughtfully designed, with high-end finishes, curated artwork and a real sense of calm. Service throughout the hotel is warm and attentive, and Brasserie 1930 is excellent: a proper restaurant worthy of the property. The gym, however, is a serious disappointment and frankly not acceptable for a hotel of this calibre. The equipment is sparse and poorly maintained, the space was not cleaned during my visit and there was no staff on hand to assist. Worst of all, the air conditioning was non-existent or so inadequate as to make exercise unbearable. A five-star property charging these rates has an obligation to provide a proper gym, and Capella Sydney falls well short of that standard. It is the one area where the hotel genuinely lets itself and its guests down, and I would strongly encourage management to treat it as a priority rather than an afterthought. A world-class address in almost every respect, but the gym needs a complete rethink."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 17, 2026

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