About the hotel
Capella Sydney occupies the former Department of Education building at 24 Loftus Street, in what the operator calls the Sandstone Precinct of central Sydney. The sandstone building was designed by George McRae, with a first stage built around 1912 to 1915 and a second stage completed by John Reid and Son about 1930. It has been on the New South Wales State Heritage Register since 2 April 1999.
According to Wikipedia, the building was sold by the state government and redeveloped by Singapore’s Pontiac Land Group, and the hotel opened in 2023. It is the first Capella Hotels and Resorts property in Australia. The official site gives 192 guest rooms and suites across eight levels. It contains three ground-level venues, Brasserie 1930, McRae Bar and Aperture, private dining rooms in former departmental offices, and the Auriga Spa on Level Six.
Rooms and keys
192 guest rooms and suites across eight levels (official site)
Inside the hotel
Restaurants and bars
- Brasserie 1930
- McRae Bar
- Aperture
Facilities
- Auriga Spa on Level Six
- Private dining rooms in former Department of Education offices
As listed on the hotel’s own website. See sources.
Architecture and design
Original building designed by George McRae (stage 1, c. 1912 to 1915) and completed by John Reid and Son (stage 2, about 1930) (Wikipedia). Hotel conversion architects not verified.
Recognition
- No. 16
- The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026
Questions readers ask.
Who operates Capella Sydney?
It is operated under the Capella Hotels and Resorts brand of Capella Hotel Group, and is the brand's first hotel in Australia.
How many rooms does Capella Sydney have?
192 guest rooms and suites across eight levels, according to the official site.
When did Capella Sydney open?
The hotel opened in 2023 in the former Department of Education building.
Sources & context.
Facts are taken from the pages listed below. Where a detail could not be confirmed it has been left out. Profile last checked 10 October 2026.