Caption by Hyatt Sydney: What to expect
I was so excited to learn about this new addition to the Hyatt family in Sydney. For a very long time we only had the ultra-expensive Park Hyatt Sydney or the (also pretty expensive for what it is) Hyatt Regency Sydney. It got to the point that I would always choose to fly down to Melbourne in order to get my extra nights because I just couldn’t justify the price points or use of hotel points for the type of stay that I wanted.
Then one day on the app the Caption by Hyatt Sydney showed up and I was glad to have an excuse to try out a new Asia-Pacific offering of the Hyatt Brand. First off, the price point was great - costing half as much as the Hyatt Regency. I was even more delighted to see that it was in Haymarket. Many, many years ago when I used to do road trips down to Sydney from the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, my family and I would often stay in this lively area because it was the most affordable. And if you can imagine, because it was the Chinatown area, back then it was one of the few places where you could get a bubble tea!
Well, times have changed, bubble tea is everywhere and Haymarket has changed in innumerable ways.
I cannot express my enthusiasm for this hotel enough. It is my first introduction to the Caption by Hyatt brand and going by what I experienced, I’m very much looking forward to visiting other properties in different cities.
Without reading about the brand, I gathered that these properties are very much geared toward the gen z or young millennial expectation of having ‘experiences’. But don’t think that means it’s only for a certain age demographic. I believe that having this desire for a more social travel experience transcends ages. I very much see this as a place for a weekend with friends, for solo travel, and a great staycation if you are staying close to your own city.
There were social activities and you’re a stone’s throw away from two light rail lines that bring you to a couple of the most iconic parts of the city. It’s just a brilliant spot to use as a launch pad for exploring the city. I still do believe the other Hyatt locations are great for your first time in Sydney, but this property and its price point might allow you a bit more time to enjoy the city.
What’s great about the Caption by Hyatt Sydney
Location
Not only are you in the heart of Chinatown with incredible food and affordable souvenirs and shops, it’s a place you’ll love exploring. You can get to wherever you need to go in the city by just hopping onto the street-level light rail. I normally accept that my travel time will be spent in Ubers, I neither like the crowds nor the hassle of public transport, but this was the happy exception. The light rail runs constantly so you’re never waiting more than 5 min for your ride. Head straight up to Circular Quay on one line, or on the closer line head up to the Star Casino to watch a show at Lyric theatre on the other line. It couldn’t be simpler.
The Activities
My daughter and I happened to arrive on a night that they had mah jong socials hosted by No Flowers Club and it was a brilliant evening of learning how to play. I had also seen other posters for different activities on other weekends. It’s fun knowing that the hotel acts as a meeting place for even those who are local.
The Rooms
On the small side but very modern and vibrant, the rooms are just as stylish as you would expect. With my Globalist status I was upgraded to the highest category of room available on the property. It wasn’t quite a suite, but it had a separate seating area. What I also appreciated was that the luggage area was large enough for me to open up my Rimowa carry-on completely and have it flat.
A few helpful tips before you stay at Caption by Hyatt Sydney
Follow their social accounts- you’ll learn about the current goings on at the hotel and any upcoming events. They also have lots tips about visiting the area. I learned that they had just installed a photo booth and guests get a complimentary set of photos during their stay.
Bring your own water bottle – like many of the newer Hyatt properties, they email you ahead of time and let you know that they don’t have bottles of water available but instead carafes that you can refill near the lifts.
Try to stay on a Friday - If it works for your schedule, Friday is a fun night to be there. You’ll be able to hit the night markets that happen in Chinatown and you’ll also likely catch one of the many activities that the property puts on.
The train from the airport may not be the cheapest option – Especially if there are 2 or more of you travelling, the train from the airport to Central station can add up. I’ve seen lots of hacks about taking the bus to Mascot to avoid the airport transfer fee, but if I’m on holiday I’m turning off my executive function and spending a little more on a taxi. It’s a flat $60 from the airport into the CBD. On the way from the hotel to the airport an Uber was only about $25 so that was a no-brainer for the two of us travelling.
Is there room service at the Caption by Hyatt Sydney?
There is not room service at this hotel, You won’t miss it thought, there are plenty of great options just outside of the hotel that are open late if you need them.
Is there a Globalist breakfast at the Caption by Hyatt Sydney?
The Globalist breakfast at Caption by Hyatt Sydney is in the Talk Shop restaurant. You are able to order a main breakfast item and also a coffee, juice, fruit plate, and croissant. Yes, all of those things are per person that you have listed on your reservation.
What is the Globalist gift at the Caption by Hyatt Sydney?
We got a box of gummy bears and a few juices left in the mini fridge. It was a charming touch, especially since there’s no mini bar in the room.
What is the gym like at the Caption by Hyatt Sydney?
It’s a nice space that is not an afterthought at all, unlike many hotel gyms I’ve been to. it’s compact because the hotel itself is quite small, however they made the fitness room (located on level 2) quite nice and it’s outfitted with mirrors, cardio machines, free weights, a large cable machine but alas no leg extension or hamstring curl machine, the one that I always look for. I didn’t have time to workout there, we did a lot of walking in the city, but I would happily use this facility and enjoy it. Sometimes you begrudgingly get your gym routine in, this was an area that felt very comfortable.
Why stay at the Caption by Hyatt Sydney?
This hotel is in a phenomenal location and it’s so easy to get to the other main tourist areas from here with the light rail stops just literally around the corner. The people working there are lovely and helpful. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re there to watch a show at the Capitol Theatre (it’s literally right next door), need a convenient home base for when you explore Sydney, or looking to have a fun staycation or girls night. I was impressed by this new Hyatt offering in Sydney and with its affordability and location, it will now be my new regular when I come to this iconic city.
Should I stay at the Hyatt Regency Sydney or Caption by Hyatt Sydney?
The main reason I would stay at the Hyatt Regency is if I attended a convention there. If you like the feel of a larger hotel then this is probably more suited to you. It has a small but functional Club Lounge, and if you’re lucky to get a room with a view you may get to see Darling Harbour fireworks on the weekend. This is a very traditional hotel experience.
For any other leisurely stay in Sydney my preference is the more affordable and livelier Caption by Hyatt Sydney. It’s so central to many areas of Sydney and as I mentioned before is at the intersection of a few light rail lines. I saw people of all ages here, but it definitely caters to a younger and younger-at-heart demographic.