Located in the heart of Sydney’s Sandstone Precinct, Capella Sydney sits in the masterfully restored former Department of Education building, originally designed by NSW Government Architect George McRae.

Opened in 2023 as the first Capella hotel in Australia, the 192-room hotel brings together heritage architecture, contemporary design and a considered collection of more than 1,400 artworks.

From Auriga Spa and its 20-metre heated pool to Brasserie 1930, McRae Bar and Aperture, the hotel offers a series of stylish spaces and experiences and to find out more about the property, Wayfarer’s James Wilkinson caught up with Capella Sydney General Manager, Marc von Arnim.

Marc, Capella Sydney is popular on so many levels, from the location to The Living Room, design, rooms and food and beverage on offer. Tell us about your favourite things of the property.

That’s a difficult question, as I genuinely enjoy different parts of the hotel for different reasons. Capella Sydney has been thoughtfully designed to take guests on a journey. Depending on the purpose of your stay and how long you’re with us, each space reveals a unique layer of the story.

However, there are two areas of the hotel that really resonate with me.

The first is our beautiful entrance on Farrer Place. As you arrive, you’re met with the grandeur of the building’s original sandstone façade. It’s a powerful moment that feels like stepping into the past.

Once you move through the doors, the contrast is immediate. You’re welcomed by modern design elements and a sense of calm. The four artworks by Judy Watson in our heritage lobby mark the beginning of our guest journey– these pieces of art beautifully reflects both the building’s history and the Australian landscape, and truly sets the tone for the experience we offer.

The second is Aperture, which has a special energy. It is serene and light-filled, almost like a hidden garden in the heart of the city.

The name Aperture speaks to the idea of bringing natural light back into the building, and it does just that. Surrounded by greenery and anchored by the kinetic ‘Meadow’ light sculpture by Studio Drift, it is a place where guests can pause and feel completely present – connecting the heritage of the building with the natural world in a way that feels effortless.

Tell us about the stylish rooms and suites on offer.

Our rooms and suites have been designed to offer a sense of calm and comfort. They are among the largest in Sydney, filled with natural light from either original heritage windows or the floor-to-ceiling glass in our contemporary wing.

The style is warm and residential. It is not about excess, but rather about thoughtful touches and refined simplicity. The spaces feel lived in and elegant, the kind of rooms guests genuinely want to spend time in.

Marc, tell us about the fantastic food and beverage on offer.

Each of our venues offers a different mood and experience, depending on what our guests are looking for.

Aperture is a beautiful place to enjoy something light and casual. It is relaxed and inviting, especially during the day and our Afternoon Tea offering is very popular. McRae Bar has a rich, intimate feel and is perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or a quiet evening drink.

Then we have Brasserie 1930, which is our signature dining experience. It is refined without being formal, and showcases local produce through a contemporary lens.

You recently opened The Lands by Capella. That was a very exciting addition to the property. Tell us more.

The Lands by Capella has brought new life to one of Sydney’s most significant heritage buildings. The restoration work has been meticulous and we have been careful to retain as much of the original character as possible.

The Lands is home to two exceptional ballrooms and three additional event spaces. The Capella Ballroom will span 520 square metres and features restored cedar windows, with beautiful natural light pouring in from the north.

The Liberty Ballroom is slightly more intimate at 330 square metres and offers an equally elegant setting. On the lower ground level, we have a curated collection of retail experiences in a beautiful heritage setting.

The Lands by Capella offers something truly special for both our guests and Sydney locals. As a team, we were incredibly proud to restore such an important part of the city and reimagining it as a new destination for events, culture and connection.

Marc, the hotel was recently named No. 16 in ‘The 50 Best Hotels 2026’ and Best Hotel in Oceania, returning to the prestigious global ranking for a second consecutive year. Tell us about that.

To be recognised once again among the world’s finest hotels is a wonderful acknowledgement of what our team has built together.

Since opening in 2023, our goal has always been to create a hotel that feels connected to Sydney, while staying true to the thoughtful and intuitive hospitality that is at the heart of Capella.

This recognition belongs to our colleagues, whose care, curiosity and commitment shape every guest experience.

What’s your X-factor at Capella Sydney?

Without question, it is our people. We have built an extraordinary team, and every colleague at the hotel is genuinely invested in the guest experience. They bring our values to life every day and take great pride in what they do.

There is a culture of storytelling at Capella, and it starts with the team. They are warm, thoughtful and incredibly committed. Whether a guest is staying for one night or a week, our team ensures that their experience feels personal and memorable.

What is one of your favourite things to do in Sydney?

I live on the Northern Beaches and one of my favourite things to do is take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. From there, the walk to Dee Why is absolutely beautiful. My wife and I do it every weekend with our dogs.

We stop along the way for a coffee from one of the carts on the beach. Sydney’s coastline is always changing and there’s always something new to take in — it never gets old.