Capella Sydney occupies the former Department of Education building, a heritage-listed sandstone landmark from 1912 on Loftus Street, a short walk from Circular Quay in the city centre. The restoration keeps the building's character while bringing in contemporary design, with more than 1,500 commissioned works of art that draw on Aboriginal culture and Australia's ancient past. There are 192 rooms and suites over eight levels, among them 23 suites and four Prestige Suites. Brasserie 1930 is the main restaurant, cooking with produce from small Australian farms and growers, and McRae Bar sits beside it on the ground floor. Auriga Spa, on Level Six, has an indoor pool, a sauna and steam rooms, with treatments inspired by native traditions. A team of Capella Culturalists, local guides and well-connected concierges, runs storytelling sessions with historians and guided market tours for guests. In 2026 a leading international hotel ranking placed it 16th in the world and first in Oceania.
- Nearest airport
- Kingsford Smith (SYD), 5 Miles / 8 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 192 rooms and suites
Insider tip Join one of the hotel's complimentary sessions with a historian or a guided market walk with the Capella Culturalists early in your stay: it frames the city well.
Why I choose it It is Sydney's most accomplished city hotel, in a heritage building close to the harbour, and a strong start or finish to any Australia journey.