For generations, the Department of Education building in Sydney’s Sandstone Precinct stood quietly, its golden facade forming an unassuming backdrop to the rhythm of the city. Originally designed by architect George McRae in the early 1900s, the building has been meticulously restored and reimagined by Pontiac Land in collaboration with Make Architects.

Reawakening as Capella Sydney in March 2023, the heritage-listed icon welcomed Accommodation, cuisine and cultural immersion. Embedding visitors in the beating heart of the city’s commercial, cultural and hospitality precinct, Capella Sydney also marks the first property under the Capella Hotels and Resorts constellation to open in Australia.

Balancing storied architectural features with a contemporary design aesthetic, Capella Sydney celebrates the Australian panorama through its interiors, location and experiences. 192 spacious guestrooms and suites and an unsurpassed wellness offering are anchored by three ground-level food and beverage outlets and a collection of bespoke function spaces. Original characteristics are celebrated throughout the hotel, with reimagined interiors unfurling to reveal commissioned and collected artworks, sophisticated furnishings and intriguing objet d’art– all within footsteps of the glistening harbour foreshore, the famed Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. 

In 2024, Capella Sydney received widespread acclaim, earning prestigious titles including Australian Hotel of the Year and Best Luxury Hotel and at the HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence (HM). The hotel was also named Best Deluxe Accommodation in Australia at the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Awards for Excellence, recognised as Best Luxury Hotel or Resort – Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific at the Luxury Travel Gold List Awards, and awarded Best Hotel in Asia/Pacific at the ULTRAs.

In 2025, Capella Sydney continued its winning streak, being honoured as Australia’s Best Hotel at the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards.