Centrally located in a beguiling landmark and a hallmark building that occupies an entire block off Farrer Place, this latest luxury addition is situated on Bridge Street, just a short walk from the harbour and forms part of the historic sandstone precinct buildings clustered around the Circular Quay waterfront. This may not be what you’d expect to find in bustling Sydney, even if, being familiar with the Capella hotel group portfolio, you’ve prepared yourself for something different - exuberant, austere or something in between, but above all modern - chances are Capella Sydney will give you a bit of a jolt.
The former heritage listed 1912 Edwardian style Department of Education building on Bridge Street is now the luxury accommodation of Capella Sydney which is probably a once-in-a-generation project that has revived the story of an important local historical figure. Capella Sydney has gone through a painstaking transformation after an extensive multi-million dollar renovation over 7 years. As a new pillar of the Sydney heritage hotel scene, Capella Sydney is the latest to add to the city’s luxurious accommodation, transforming a historic building into an urban oasis. Yes, they are multiple types of marble and pillars, and is unquestionably an Australian hostelry with a distinct POV of its own that’s expressed in myriad ways, but is firmly entrenched in the city’s sandstone precinct that has its roots in historical Sydney.
If the walls could talk, they would tell a tale of notoriety and prestige. The opulent Capella Sydney continues to welcome the domestic and international elites since its opening in March 2023. To celebrate the noble beauty that has been refined with a modern touch, the arrival experience takes your breath away and what lies within has a new story to tell in tandem with keeping so many historical flourishes that have been lovingly restored because they should be given a new lease of life and enjoyed by a new generation of culturally curious guests.
While at the same time creating one of the most beautifully renovated buildings in Sydney as of 2023 - the facade is Unesco protected no less! In the mesh of traditional and current aesthetic elements, style collaborates with design to give a fresh new look. The meticulous restoration and re-imagining has been done in partnership with Make Architects and they have created light and airy interiors that dispose of that old-fashioned fussiness to create a youthful vibe, cast in a warm palette and suffused with natural light. There is a genuine warmth to this sensitive renovation and comfort and style with great design dominates the interior of Capella Sydney that is exactly what the brand has in spades.
The facade is especially photogenic, it is undoubtedly chic and with a great sophisticated charm here. The lobby is elegant and chic with dimmed lighting that suits the cozy mood and ambience.
Being a new edition for the Capella brand it is in a class of its own. Capella Sydney has put the country on the map for a new luxury-accommodation tourism market, as it excels at this prime and alluring location in a neighbourhood that is never short of charm.
The privilege to be welcomed as their guest is to discover hidden gems and insider knowledge and there is no shame in asking the friendly Culturists about the historical re-installment by “testing” their knowledge to discover the unknown - as everyone has their own story to tell - and to possibly inspire you or brighten your horizon.
Jonathan Fambart, the hotel’s Chief Culturist has more than the off-the-beaten-track insight of this vibrant city for you to explore. Bespoke Capella history journey experiences such as local culture tours and adventures, and architecture walk are designed and curated to enjoy at a leisurely pace, giving you more time to discover the captivating cultural experiences so that you can truly be immersed in the memorable destinations.
While the rooms on levels one to six are in the heritage-listed part of the building - all connected by lifts and the magnificent original marble staircases with iron scroll work balustrades, the rooms on levels seven to eleven are in the new build that sits on top of the 1912 original.
We were upgraded and assigned a Skyline Suite on level seven with a view overlooking the urban flow and skyscrapers on Bent Street. The aesthetic is sleek and uncluttered, the 77sqm Skyline Suite is significant in size and style, separates the bedroom and living area and is beautifully detailed and designed to celebrate the building’s heritage.
The indulgent accommodation features elegant furnishings and modern amenities with modern and intuitive technology that has been used inventively throughout and allows you to control lighting that has “art light” to highlight the gorgeous works or “bed light” for a more mellow mood together with multi-layered curtains and temperature. From the touch of the provided tablet next to the bed, 24-hour in-room dining and other useful information is just a touch away. Not forgetting the curated mini-bar with locally sourced products that comes complimentary with all the non-alcoholic beverages.
The modern touches and comforts allows you to curl up in the comfort of the heavenly bed and Frette sheets before tomorrow brings another grand experience and soak up the city skyline from the giant king bed without the worry of preying eyes. Experience the epitome of luxury and be immersed in the history and culture of Capella Sydney as you experience unforgettable moments, inaccessible to the ordinary traveller of this sanctuary in the bustling city. Housekeeping arrives twice daily and does an impeccable job and ensures there is heaps of hygge in returning to this cocooned comfort, a cozy contentment of some sort.
Otherwise, pop your head over to The Living Room, with the daily complimentary refreshments and snacks over the cocktail hour which begins at 5pm for all in-house guests.
Breakfast serves daily also at Brasserie 1930 which is transformed to a graceful buffet setting with a yummylicious Continental spread from local sourced produce. Hot dishes are presented on a curated menu and cooked a-la-minute and be hungry to sample the wide selections from the classic Eggs Benedict to even some Asian best such as the meatball congee. Just to name a few.
If you appreciate the dream of fulfilling, boundless wanderlust and lifelong immersive learning, Capella Sydney makes this a reality. A luxury, unique staycation journey of incomparable exploration awaits. This Capella group’s first foray outside of Asia is a triumph. The whole hotel is committed to an artistic feel and doubtless it has turned into an Instagrammer’s dream. The stunning embodiment of modern architecture and design excellence taking the benchmark for luxury down-under to new heights. Be ready to embark on an epic and boundless exploration.
Design & Decor: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 5/5
Housekeeping: 5/5
Room Amenities: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Experience: 5/5
































.jpg)





.jpg)








