Set within a heritage-listed sandstone building, the new hotel in Sydney embraces its ornate grandeur. Capella is set a block away from the water at Circular Quay and sits square in sandstone Edwardian Baroque grandeur, with a backdrop of CBD’s growing financial district. Capella Sydney feels vibrant and lively and is praised for its welcome departure from the modernity that neighbours the building.
Capella Sydney is a debut Australian property for the award-winning Singaporean Capella group. The opening follows an eight-year $300 million restoration of the heritage-listed Department of Agriculture and Department of Education (1912).
As guests enter the main doors on Farrer Place, they will be greeted by the “Capella Scent” – an aromatic nose of freshness – and a sleek and spacious reception area that leads into the public lounge Aperture. The glass courtyard is a unique feature, framed by seven-meter green walls and brought to life by a fascinating robotic light installation – Meadow, by Dutch company Studio Drift. The mesmerising fitting also includes hypnotic inverted flowers that resemble floating jellyfish.
Capella boasts 192 spacious rooms and suites for guests to escape to. The design throughout the rooms offers a modern slice of Art Deco with all the amenities one would need during their stay in this luxury hotel. Each room benefits from a fully-stocked mini-bar which boasts an Archie Rose “Capella” single malt, wines, non-alcoholic options and cookies that are gratis. Located on the sixth floor is a stunning indoor pool. Set under a glass ceiling of light and bordered by curling colonnades, the design work reinforces why Capella is fast becoming a unique space in the hotel industry.
The interior designers of Capella Sydney have crafted a unique hotel experience by focusing on ways to showcase the building’s heritage. Through an intimate gathering built on storytelling, The Echoes of Eternity is held by staff between 5-7pm, in the guest-only, library-exclusive retreat. The event begins with a free cocktail and a captivating tale which details the life of Sydney local Arthur Stance who, for 35 years from the 1930s, penned the term “eternity” on the streets of the expanding city – adding to Capella’s extraordinary guest experience.
As guests wander through the building, they will be captivated by the display of work by Waaynu artist Judy Watson which pays tribute to the heritage of Sydney and Australia. Watson’s work unfolds across the main entrance and murals by indigenous artist Otis Hope Carey are presented in the luxurious downstairs McRae Bar (named after the building’s original architect).
Another highlight is the hotel’s restaurant, Brasserie 1930 which also encompasses the property’s modern Deco design; brass and wood flourishes, geometric floor patterns and quirky corner booths. It is the latest venture from Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt of The Bentley Restaurant Group, who are also behind the city’s stalwarts such as Monopole and Yellow – “the menu is our take on an Australian brasserie,” states Savage.
Capella is fast becoming a new heartbeat in Sydney and is setting a luxury industry standard across Australia.