My stay at Capella Sydney: The hotel that gave me the luxury travel bug
My Australian partner and I usually visit his family Down Under one or two times a year, and while these trips tend to be incredible, our travels tend to be a little more rustic than refined, with road trips and nature hikes galore.
However, on a recent trip to Australia, we had the chance to check out one of Sydney’s latest luxury hotels, the Capella Sydney. Housed in a heritage building smack-dab in the middle of the city’s central business district, the Capella Sydney has me thinking we’ll need to sprinkle a little more luxury into our Aussie jaunts from now on.
Here’s how the Capella Sydney managed to blend Australia’s signature laid-back ethos with a dose of deluxe that already has me planning another stay.
What is the Capella Sydney?
The Capella Sydney made our list of the most exciting hotel openings of 2023 when it started welcoming guests last March. Though most of the Capella Hotel Group’s properties are dotted around Southeast Asia, this Sydney outpost marked the brand’s first Australian location.
The hotel is housed in the beautiful former Department of Education and Department of Agriculture building, whose two halves were constructed in 1912 and 1927. Following a painstaking $225 million restoration and expansion, the nine-story hotel now consists of 192 rooms and suites plus two restaurants, a bar and a wellness center with a spa and gym.
Though historic, the public areas feel light and airy thanks to native plants strategically placed to create natural partitions between seating vignettes as well as living walls to set off the edifice’s stone and tile interior. Thoughtful touches such as artwork, culinary offerings and concierge programming are nods to the Indigenous people who historically inhabited the land upon which the hotel now stands, delicately uniting past and present.
A high staff-to-guest ratio makes each guest feel like a VIP from their very first interaction, too. My partner and I were checked in by a friendly and attentive receptionist who then welcomed us to the Capella Living Room, a communal lounge space for work, relaxation and conversation.
Here, we were served the Capella’s signature welcome beverage, a fizzy pink concoction inspired by the flora of New South Wales, while our bags were whisked away and deposited in our room.
How to book the Capella Sydney
Deluxe rooms at the Capella Sydney start at about $650 per night during peak dates and $500 during off-peak times. (Don’t forget we are in the Southern Hemisphere here, so seasons are flipped.) For a few hundred dollars more, you can also book Premier rooms that sleep three or Skyline rooms that guarantee more space and better city views.
For my dates in late March, I booked a Deluxe room for $528 per night directly on the Capella website. When you book for two or more nights, you are typically offered an optional package for the same price that includes an experience credit for 100 Australian dollars ($66) to be used at the hotel — a total no-brainer since it can be put toward tabs at the property’s bar, restaurants or spa.
The Capella Sydney is part of American Express' Fine Hotels + Resorts, so if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can make a booking through amextravel.com and receive perks like availability-based upgrades, up to a $100 credit to use on-property during your stay for things like drinks or meals, complimentary daily breakfast for two, and guaranteed late checkout.
The location is excellent for seeing the sights and getting around
Situated in the city’s central business district, the Capella is a couple of blocks away from popular Australian landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the Botanic Gardens, and right next door to the Museum of Sydney. Its proximity to so many items on travelers’ Sydney bucket list makes it the ideal location for a first-time visitor or a traveler looking to maximize their time during a shorter stay in the city.
At first, the public transportation system in Sydney seems a bit overwhelming, but after a little research (or repeated explanation from your public-transit-obsessed partner), it’s quite easy to navigate — especially since all stations are equipped with tap-to-pay technology, so you can just use a credit card to hop on trains and buses as needed.
The Capella is one block from Circular Quay, where you can catch the metro (lines T2, T3 and T8) or one of the ferries across the harbor to destinations such as Taronga Zoo and Watsons Bay. It is also two blocks from the Bridge Street stop of Sydney's light rail, a network of three trams (L1, L2 and L3) that connect all pockets of the central business district.
And as for getting to and from the airport? Sydney is a total breeze. The T8 metro line runs directly to both terminals of the Sydney Airport (SYD) with service every day between 5 a.m. and midnight. And since the Capella is just two blocks from T8’s stop at Circular Quay, it couldn't be easier to get to and from the airport from the hotel. And even better, it will only cost you about $18.
Rooms at Capella Sydney are luxurious oases
My Deluxe room was sophisticated and thoughtfully designed, though the decor could have been a bit more vibrant.
Upon entering Room 5015, a narrow hallway separates the wardrobe from the bathroom, making storing and accessing luggage, especially for two people, a sometimes cramped experience.
However, in the main area of the room, it was clear this would not be a serious issue. Engulfed in a relaxing palette of grays, creams and whites, the room felt as if it was just beckoning you to don the provided robe and bask in the luxury. The centerpiece of the room was the inviting king bed, flanked by two nightstands, each with its own lighting control panels.
Opposite the bed, a console under the TV disguised the minibar, with tastefully discreet amenities packed into drawers. There was a refrigerated section that served as the wet bar as well as others for snacks, coffee making and cocktail mixing. To the right of the bed, under large double windows, there was a sitting area with a small table, sofa and chair — the room’s designated spot for dining on room service or catching up on work.
The bathroom was another standout feature. Stocked with natural skincare products from Haeckels, the sleek space included a large soaking tub, separate compartments for the toilet and shower, and a vanity with two sinks. Upscale touches such as bath salts and exfoliating gloves made it feel more like a spa than a hotel bathroom. My most surprising discovery? There was also a scale. Whether it’s for weighing yourself after a trip to Brasserie 1930, the hotel’s restaurant, or for weighing your wallet after a stay here, I couldn’t say.
For a luxury newbie like me, the most delightful part of my stay in Room 5015 was stumbling across all of the random amenities scattered throughout the space. It felt like an Easter egg hunt for the rich and famous. Throughout my two nights here, I unearthed pillow and linen spray, pulse point oil, a Bose Bluetooth speaker (with a Spotify code for a curated Capella playlist) and a rocky road dessert welcome gift.
And my golden egg? A deck of Capella “Transcend” cards that the packaging describes as “an intentional tool for guidance and contemplation.”
The restaurants are multisensory experiences
The Sydney Capella really excelled in the culinary category.
Breakfast at Brasserie 1930 is included with every direct booking, and it did not disappoint. There was a full cold buffet spread of nearly every breakfast craving imaginable including fresh fruit, cereals, charcuterie, yogurts, pastries and juices. For hot dishes, I selected from a menu of eggs Benedict, avocado toast, ham omelet, salmon croissant and free-range eggs. There were made-to-order espresso drinks and fresh blended juices available as well.
I selected the avocado toast with ricotta, tomato and a poached egg, plus an iced latte and a “Green with Envy” juice of apple, celery, cucumber, spinach, kale and lemon. Ordering off the menu made the complimentary breakfast feel all the more elevated, but the service is what set the experience apart.
During breakfast on my first morning, I overheard a fellow traveler chatting with her server, explaining that this was her first return to the Sydney Capella since her birthday trip about a year ago. A few moments later, the manager of the restaurant approached her table with a delicious-looking pastry ablaze with birthday candles.
Another can’t-miss dining experience at the Capella is Aperture, the hotel’s signature eatery, which occupies its light-filled atrium. But this is no mere restaurant. It felt as if I was entering an experiential art exhibit. Tables were nestled between lush evergreen trees and an installation of giant flowers danced overhead, opening and closing in synchrony.
Aperture offers a reservation-only afternoon tea experience for AU$110 ($73) from 1-4 p.m. (a fantastic use for that experience credit). Here, I sipped on the signature Aperture blend of tea and feasted on a delectable tray of small bites that were small works of art in their own right. First, there was the savory course, which included selections like nori crackers with tuna tartare and salmon roe vol-au-vent. But the star of the show was the delicious and adorable lobster roll with crispy lettuce and lime mayo.
Next came the sweet course, complete with raspberry and yogurt tarts, double cream scones and pandan and finger lime choux. In this course, the Davidson plum and strawberry lamington took the cake, so to speak, due to its unique flavor combination.
A stunning wellness center
I spent plenty of my stay at the Capella relaxing in the wellness area on the sixth floor. It was virtually empty during my stay, so I had free rein over the fitness center, pool and spa.
The hotel gym was well equipped with all of the essentials — there were treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers and free weights as well as machines for assisted weight lifting. There were even two Peloton bikes for those needing to keep their ride streak going. Skylights illuminated the space with natural light and wall panels of greenery breathed life into the room. Adjacent to the fitness center, there was also a designated area for yoga and Pilates.
The pool was among the most gorgeous I have ever seen in my travels as it occupies what used to be the art gallery for the Department of Education. High ceilings with east- and west-facing vistas provided an abundance of natural light that reflected off the water and danced along the room’s crown moldings and tiled pool deck. Thirteen lounge chairs surrounded the pool, providing plenty of seating in the quiet escape. At the far end of the pool sat a large Jacuzzi as well as an accessible dry sauna.
And the icing on the cake was the proper spa facilities inside the locker rooms. These included a sauna and steam room as well as an “Experience Shower,” essentially a rainfall shower with multicolor lights and relaxing sound effects.
For an additional cost, guests can also book treatments in the Auriga Spa. These include volcanic mineral mud wraps, hair and scalp treatments, rainforest enzyme peels, and hot stone massages. (These are also great uses of the experience credit!)
Reasons why the Capella Sydney might not be for you
While I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Capella Sydney, there are a few reasons this luxury property might not be the right fit for you.
- Standard rooms at the Capella lack true workspaces. Though there is plenty of seating in the common spaces like Aperture and the communal Living Room, those looking to spend more than a few hours a day with their laptops might want to book elsewhere.
- The high nightly rate and lack of participation in points programs might be hard to justify for some travelers, especially if planning more of an exploratory jaunt than a relaxing recharge.
- The hotel’s location in the central business district is great for seeing the sights, but those looking for a more authentically Sydney experience might prefer a property in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst or Newtown.
Accessibility
The Capella Sydney seemed to be renovated with accessibility in mind. The hotel offers three categories of accessible accommodations — Deluxe rooms, Premier rooms and Deluxe suites — all of which can easily be booked on the hotel’s website by toggling on the “accessible” filter. These accommodations include handrails in the shower, an open-concept floor plan to facilitate the maneuvering of mobility devices, and extra square footage.
Though the main entrance to the hotel includes a short flight of stairs, there is a no-stairs side entrance with access to the elevator, which services all floors of the building. Common spaces throughout the property are designed with wide entryways to easily accommodate mobility assistance devices.
The pool, however, does not have chairlifts available, even though the poolside sauna is wheelchair accessible.
Checking out
The Capella Sydney is certainly the lavish statement that the Capella Hotel Group was hoping to make Down Under. It’s a gorgeous and serene hotel that strikes the delicate balance between high-end extravagance and tasteful restraint.
Its location offers an excellent springboard into some of the most classic Sydney activities and sights, and its proximity to public transportation makes traversing the city incredibly easy.
Since my stay at the Capella Sydney, the things that have stuck with me most are the mesmerizing beauty of the kinetic flowers hanging above Aperture, the serene quiet of the pool and spa, and the genuine care shown to every guest by all the staff members that we encountered or witnessed.
I am scared for my wallet to admit it, but I now see the appeal of the luxury hotel experience. It's the intangible things such as these — unexpected beauty, peaceful silence and attention to detail — that make the price tag truly worth it. At least, as long as the U.S. dollar remains this strong against the Australian one.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.