The List

Capella Sydney
Capella Sydney
Capella Sydney

12

Capella Sydney

Sydney

50Best Accolades
  • The Best Hotel in Oceania 2025, sponsored by Bocktailed

Modern Australian luxe meets restored heritage grandeur

What's the story? Capella's first and, for now, only Australian property occupies an ornate Edwardian sandstone pile a short downhill walk from Sydney's iconic harbour and Opera House. Completed in 1915 to house the Department of Education, the building's impressive bone structure has been augmented by a meticulous renovation, a masterclass in combining sleek state-of-the-art modernity with vibrantly restored heritage flourishes.

And the vibe? Whether you're talking the spacious calming minimalism of the 192 guest rooms and suites (the latter housed in the four-storey glass-walled addition capping the building) textured with timber floors and art from local makers or the period exuberance of the ground floor with its stunning art collection of kinetic sculpture and works by luminaries like Waayni artist Judy Watson, Capella Sydney speaks with a distinctly Aussie accent. It's also there in the friendly, unpretentious service and the products used in the guest-only spa that lean into the unique scents of the Australian bush.

Eating and drinking: In a city with no shortage of excellent dining options, Capella Sydney makes a compelling case for staying in-house. The signature restaurant, Brasserie 1930 presents a portrait of excellent Australian dining sketched with local oysters, fish, beef, poultry, vegetables and wine while the central Aperture offers all-day dining and an Australian version of high tea (teas blended with bush ingredients) under an expansive skylight. In the McRae Bar, cocktails have a local accent too via native ingredients like Davidson Plum and aniseed myrtle.

Insider knowledge: Capella Sydney offers the group's excellent Capella Curates programme, bringing a wealth of insider expertise in everything from aboriginal culture and theatre to dining, art and outdoor activities like boating, cycling and hiking that will have you traversing the city like a well-informed local. A Capella Culturista can craft a bespoke itinerary before you arrive, or you can chat with one over cocktails and canapés in the hotel's Living Room. And, yes, they can arrange for you to get up close and personal with a koala.

What about wellness? Capella Sydney's wellness centre keeps it serene with its central sun-splashed 20-metre pool, occupying the building's former art gallery space, where you can recline on a lounge pre-or-post visit to the Auriga Spa, yoga platform, gym, steam room, sauna or ice fountain. 

Key Information