Capella Sydney Luxury Hotel Review by Mel Healy – Discover if this 5-star stay is worth it, from luxury rooms to top-tier amenities.
Capella Sydney could well be the city’s best hotel.
Not only does it make a remarkable first impression with its grand heritage façade, but it elevates that further with its resplendent interiors, offering guests an ultra-luxe stay within walking distance of Circular Quay.
Location and accessibility
The 192-key luxury hotel is ideally positioned just a short uphill stroll from Sydney Harbour.
Guests don’t have to wait long to get a sense of the hotel’s pride of place. From the doorstep, they’re treated to a glimpse of the Harbour Bridge, which for international tourists is wonderful.
Capella Sydney stands proudly on Loftus Street in a reimagined sandstone building that once housed the Department of Education and Lands staff. Today it welcomes domestic and international visitors, both business and leisure clientele, with a taste for sophisticated luxury.
Guests have 24/7 access to public transport and can walk to attractions, including The Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Martin Place, and Circular Quay train station.
Capella Sydney Luxury Hotel Review – First impressions
On-point. Upon arrival, I’m greeted by three smartly dressed doormen, my luggage whisked into the foyer as I’m led to the check-in counter where the friendly desk staff swiftly set about getting me settled.
The ground-floor lobby and atrium are spacious and refined, but it’s the majestic floating art installation that draws my eye. It’s reminiscent of dozens of flowers of all sizes opening and closing ever so slowly.
The kinetic pendant light artwork, Meadows, by Dutch company Studio Drift, is captivating and well-positioned alongside a lush living green wall. I’m told its Studio Drift’s first work in the Southern Hemisphere.
Combined with Capella Hotels’ signature scent that envelops you and is enchanting with its combination of bergamot, green tea leaves, peony, freesia, vetiver, and cedarwood, it’s certainly a sensory experience.
Luxury accommodations
There are five room categories to choose from within the hotel, from the 50 sq m Premier rooms to the Skyline offerings.
I have to tell you though that room is an understatement at this establishment, no, the accommodation has more of a modern inner-city apartment vibe with amenities to match.
The generous bed is a dream to sleep on, and the turndown service includes a lavender pillow spritz, which is just divine.
The room service menu is fresh and full of flavour, and sustainable seaweed-based Haeckels toiletries elevate the bathroom experience, which has a large rain shower and sizeable bath to soak in.
I’ve been a guest of my fair share of luxury hotels all over the world, and I have to say this, Capella’s first Australian hotel, certainly delivers.
Culinary Quality
Brasserie 1930 is the hotel’s signature restaurant, and it was named in honour of the year the building was completed.
An occasion restaurant with price tags to match, the one-hatted eatery is helmed by the culinary kings behind the Bentley Restaurant Group, chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt.
The menu celebrates the best of Australian cuisine, and its wine menu is top-class.
Brasserie 1930 reinvents itself overnight to become the hotel’s breakfast eatery, which offers a small buffet spread and a la carte menu.
Aperture, in the atrium, is a great spot for casual eats, coffee, and high tea, while the McRae Bar, named after the building’s original architect, is tucked away in the corner but by no means any less worthy of attention.
Wellness and Recreation
A visit to the hotel’s 20m indoor heated pool reminds me of the luxury hotel pools in Switzerland with its white marble walls, azure blue pool tiles, comfortable day loungers, and remarkable European-inspired fretwork. There’s also a vitality pool.
The Auriga Spa offers a range of bespoke treatments along with a sauna and there’s an onsite gym too.
Guest Services
Guests at Capella Sydney can expect personalised, friendly service from the moment they set foot on the property. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk along with room service from 6am to 10pm and currency exchange for guests.
There are also curated visitor programmes guests can avail.
Capella Culturists, as they’re called, share their insights into the local neighbourhood, everything from nightclubs to tours and even hidden gems only the locals may know about. That way guests can enjoy a wholesome, well-informed Sydney break.
The Verdict
Capella Sydney has earned its position as the city’s luxury hotel leader. Rooms start from $790 a night in a Deluxe room with breakfast included.
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