Circular Quay Sydney, Australia
Opened
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Design HeritageOutside the door
The house
CapellaRestored sandstone salon
Aperture’s courtyard atrium hums beneath DRIFT’s kinetic blooms, where afternoon tea and botanical drinks unfold beside weeping figs and living greenery.
“There’s a lobby laid with marble, a sunny inner courtyard with weeping fig trees and a towering wall of plants...”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Dedicated culturists craft bespoke itineraries, backed by custom Frette linens, evening scent rituals, and complimentary pressing.
Remarkable
Contemporary interiors blend with original sandstone architecture, crowned by a kinetic floral lighting sculpture in the atrium.
Remarkable
A meticulously restored 1912 Edwardian Baroque sandstone landmark, formerly the state Department of Education headquarters.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
It’s impressively localized, full of tributes to Australian Aboriginal culture and history.
“The design itself makes the most of the building’s existing features, such as the majestic marble-clad entrance, while celebrating contemporary Australia with modern details.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Positioned in the historic Sandstone Precinct, the hotel sits four hundred metres from Circular Quay ferries and Sydney Harbour.
The rooms
Warm walnut and natural stone frame standalone deep soaking bathtubs, illuminated by arched windows in the heritage rooms.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated 20-metre lap pool rests beneath restored heritage skylights on the sixth floor, beside a mineral vitality pool.
The spa
Auriga Spa offers moon-cycle treatments and hot stone massages using stones gathered with permission from First Nations elders.
The gym
The 24-hour fitness centre includes Technogym equipment, a yoga platform, and on-site pilates with Fluidform.
McRae Bar
Murals by Otis Hope Carey line this Victorian-inspired cocktail lounge, serving drinks infused with native Australian botanicals.
Luxury meets lineage in enrapturing fashion at the Capella Sydney. Housed in a renovated Baroque-style government building from the early 20th century, the thoughtful stay embraces the city’s complicated past.
Restaurant
Brasserie 1930
The dining room serves charcoal-grilled regional produce and rotisserie dishes alongside a 400-bottle boutique wine list.
At the table
Light meals and morning coffee are served around communal tables beneath the atrium's living green wall.
How it began
Opened in 2023 after a seven-year conservation, the 1912 Edwardian Baroque government building was revitalised with a contemporary four-storey rooftop crown.
“The soothing sandstone exterior of the four-story, 192-key Capella Sydney reflects the property’s tranquil ambience.”
Good to know
Stay here
Capella Sydney
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Sydney
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.