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The Independent UK

Daisy Lester

This heritage-listed hotel is perfect for first-time visitors to Sydney

Sydney Daisy Lester aperture Australia Luxury Department of Education Metro

Following a meticulous restoration project, this urban sanctuary now matches a prime location with luxurious spa facilities, a family-friendly offering and a packed cultural programme

Location

Capella is located in Sydney’s Central Business District, less than 30 minutes on the Metro from Sydney Airport to the nearest station, Circular Quay, and moments from Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House.

The heritage-listed, former Department of Education building is in a neighbourhood which dates back to the early 20th century – making the hotel stand out among the newer skyscraper hotels.

Close to the Sydney Botanical Gardens, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Hyde Park Barracks and the Museum of Sydney, you’re less than five minutes on foot from the ferry terminal, where you can reach Manly, Watson’s Bay and Taronga Bay.

Bondi Beach is around 30 minutes away by Metro. If you’re a first-time visitor to Sydney, you couldn’t be in a better location.

The vibe

Capella’s magnificent Edwardian Baroque building served as a government post for more than a century, before beginning life as a hotel in 2023. The thoughtful refurbishment retains many of the building’s historic details, including the “Department for Education” signage on the facade, original direction boards – now framing contemporary Australian art – and restored monochrome staircases.

The Aperture courtyard restaurant features a hypnotic light installation (Capella)

Underneath a four-storey roof extension, the tranquil garden courtyard, Aperture, sits at the heart of the hotel. Highlights include a living green wall and hypnotic light installation, where lanterns inflate, deflate and fall like jellyfish.

Capella engages guests with Aboriginal culture, from commissioned indigenous artworks to walking tours of Sydney’s Aboriginal heritage.

The hotel is a popular stay among families, though you’ll also spot guests on business trips, older couples and culture-loving solo travellers.

Service

Storytelling is clearly a part of Capella’s positioning and the hotel calls its concierges “culturalists”. Based in the ground floor “Living Room” – where guests enjoy all-day complimentary snacks, coffee and soft drinks – these experts are on hand for any questions and to make suggestions.

The guides and culturalists are all eminently knowledgeable, while service in the restaurant and at the front desk is warm and attentive.

Bed and bath

The 192 rooms span eight floors with guest rooms, suites and premium “Prestige Suites” available. All feature high ceilings, bespoke furnishings and bedside controls for lights and blinds, while tablets provide access to dining, wellness and the “Capella Moments” programme. Aside from alcohol, the minibar is complimentary.

Capella’s rooms are minimalist but characterful (Capella)

Suites boast expansive living and dining areas, walk-in wardrobes, kitchens for private chefs and some of the hotel’s best views, overlooking either Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Botanical Gardens.

Even entry-level rooms feel spacious, with small living areas and large bathrooms featuring freestanding tubs, Bamford toiletries and separate shower and toilet rooms.

Super-king beds are dressed in Italian linens and paired with cloud-like pillows, while thoughtful touches include Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso pod machines, Bose speakers, keepsake aluminium water bottles and nightly turn-down treats.

Indigenous artworks and historical photographs add warmth and character throughout, while clever mirror placement gives the illusion of extra space.

Food and drink

Dining options include Brasserie 1930 – named after the opening year of the Department of Education’s southern wing – and Aperture, the hotel’s all-day courtyard spot.

Brasserie 1930 is the flagship dining option (Capella)

Brasserie 1930 is an elegant Art Deco space with marble, checked floors, leather banquettes and curated artwork, serving modern Australian fare with a French twist. The breakfast buffet is a smorgasbord of delicate pastries, artisan breads and fresh fruits that look too good to eat, alongside a la carte dishes such as truffle eggs benedict.

For dinner, starters range from crowd-pleasing olive and cherry tomato focaccia to burrata with black olive crumb and citrus-dressed scallops. Mains include wood-fired grill plates (think cod fillet, wagyu sirloin or pork cutlet and mushrooms) or spaghetti alla chitarra, duck breast and Humpty Doo Barramundi. The menu accounts for most dietary requirements.

Aperture’s menu is familiar but satisfying – get the club sandwich or tofu noodle salad. The courtyard restaurant also serves brunch, lunch and afternoon tea.

The McRae bar, with a heritage-inspired cocktail menu, is named after the building’s architect. A moody and glamorous space, the checked floor is lifted by bespoke leather seating, antique mirrors and a hand-painted mural. Elsewhere, an evening “welcome ritual” encourages mingling in the Living Room, and Capella’s signature cocktail is served, made from spirits and liqueurs from Sydney producers.

Facilities

”Capella Moments” include art or architecture tours, walks through Paddington, the Sandstone Precinct or Sydney harbour, visits to Carriageworks Farmers Market visits and the “Little Stars” children’s programme.

The 20-metre heated pool is bathed in natural light (Capella)

Capella’s Auriga spa centres around a serene 20-metre heated indoor pool, lined by glass mosaic tiles and flooded with natural light from overhead skylights. Facilities include a steam room, sauna, ice fountain and sensory showers with varied water pressures and meditative soundscapes.

Treatment rooms feature living green walls and low lighting, offering massages inspired by lunar cycles, alongside facials and healing rituals. The LED light therapy facial is the just the ticket after a long-haul flight.

The 24-hour gym is equipped with TechnoGym machines, while in-room Pilates and stretching sessions are available through the hotel’s partnership with Fluidform.

Family-friendly?

Capella Sydney caters to families with interconnecting rooms and spacious suites. The Little Stars programme includes educational activities for children, the pool is child-friendly and babysitting is available at request. There is a kid-friendly menu available at Brasserie 1930.

Accessibility

Capella offers nine accessible rooms – including the entry-level Deluxe Accessible Room, which measures 61-square-metres, and Premier Accessible accommodations – with wide doors, turning space and step-free access. Bathrooms are designed with roll-in showers, grab rails, shower benches and toilets with backrests, alongside lowered tower rails and accessible basins.

The entrance located on Loftus Street has flat access while the Living Room and Brasserie 1930 are both accessible. The Auriga spa features a lift to the pool, an accessible pool seat, tailored treatments and an accessible bathroom.