Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney: Funky new hotel brings a fresh mid-range option to city
It's the first if its kind in Australia and it's fair to say Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney is a little different when it it comes to mid-range hotels.
For a start you can check yourself in and out on one of the computers.
(There are staff on hand, if you'd prefer also).
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Talk Shop at Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney hotel, which has just opened. Supplied
Tech too is at the forefront in the all-day cafe and workspace, Talk Shop.
While there are friendly staff around, browsing the menu and ordering is all done via a QR code.
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The 174-room hotel opened a few weeks ago in Sydney, with rooms starting at $269.
Here's what it's like.
Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney location
The hotel is in Chinatown at 13 Parker Street, Haymarket, a side street behind the Capitol Theatre (currently home to Book of Mormon).
One of the common spaces at Talk Shop Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney. Supplied
That puts it firmly in the middle of the bustling eateries and shops.
It takes 20 minutes to walk to Martin Place, and around 30 to stroll to Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay.
It's just five or so minutes walk from Central Station, and the Light Rail stops nearby, too.
Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney rooms
We stayed in a king bed deluxe room.
As well as the bed it had a small lounge area with a mini sofa, table and chair. A fridge and kettle for tea and coffee was also on hand.
A huge storage space along one wall including shelves to put suitcases would be handy for those with luggage.
Colourful rooms at Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney hotel. Supplied
Even the bathroom has funky designs on the walls by Samy Baby. Supplied
Beige is seemingly banned around here - the snazzy decor with wallpaper by Chris Yee definitely made for a cheery room.
Even the bathroom had funky designs on the walls by Samy Baby alongside chic brick tiles and a spacious rainfall shower.
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The food
Talk Shop, on the hotel's first floor is dubbed "part café, part bar, part community hub."
As mentioned everything is sorted via a QR code, and both our dinner and breakfast orders were seamless.
We were big fans of the salad bowls, loaded fries and falafel burger.
A salad bowl, loaded fries and falafel burger at Talk Shop at Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney hotel. Supplied
Special touches
The check-in desk is packed with little toothbrushes and other travel essentials which was handy.
We also loved the Hiromi Tango floral art installation on the front of the building.
Meanwhile, a card left in our room dubbed 'Haymarket Hundred' encourages guests to visit local highlights and get $20 off at Talk Shop.
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The Haymarket Hundred encourages guests to visit local highlights Supplied
Tooth brushes and combs were on offer in the foyer of the new Sydney hotel. Supplied
(The famous cream puff window, Emperor's Garden in nearby Hay Street was one of the tasks demanded on ours and we were happy to oblige).
The hotel also says it champions responsible practices including using locally sourced food and drinks, energy-efficient smart tech and zero-waste initiatives. Even some of the furnishings are upcycled.
A small café in the foyer offers coffee and cakes to go too, while there's also a fitness studio.
The verdict
Don't let the distance from Sydney Harbour put you off. The thoughtful design and funky touches make this a great choice for visitors to the Sydney who want a reasonably affordable hotel.
The writer stayed as a guest of Caption by Hyatt Sydney Hotel.
