Conveniently located in the heart of Haymarket, Caption by Hyatt is a well-connected inner city stay full of character and colour. An ambitious redevelopment of a former carpark, the hotel opened in October 2025 – a completely new build with bold artwork and rooms bursting with personality. As a design fan, I was impressed to see such a refreshing, creative departure from the minimalist look common in many modern hotels. The art throughout the hotel is by local artists Chris Yee, Samy Baby and Hiromi Tango, whose contemporary illustrations draw from Haymarket’s rich heritage and street culture, which I was immediately drawn to.
At the centre of the hotel is Talk Shop, an all-day venue where guests can eat, drink, work, socialise, or just chill out in the corner with a book. The “you can do you and be you” approach embraced by Caption by Hyatt uses tech-forward features including digital check-in, digital keys, QR code mobile food ordering – it could make the stay feel impersonal, but the Talk Shop hub connects you to a sense of community in the heart of the building.
Why stay at Caption by Hyatt?
From the moment I walked in, I immediately noticed how aesthetic and thoughtfully designed the space was. The interiors feel modern, quirky, and unique – distinct from your traditional hotel look.
The hotel’s sustainability practices were another standout for me – with upcycled furnishings, eco-conscious design elements, zero-waste initiatives, and a complete absence of single-use plastics.
Talk Shop, the in-house café, bar, and social hub, is genuinely worth checking out as a destination in itself. It’s a lively, open-plan space perfect for working solo, meeting friends, or settling in with one of the board games waiting for guests on colourful shelves.
What are the rooms like at Caption by Hyatt?
The rooms here are bold, design-forward and full of character and creativity. Floor-to-ceiling windows put you right in the middle of vibrant Haymarket, and each room is thoughtfully laid out with smart details made for however you travel. I especially loved the 11am check-out – another refreshing deviation from typical hotel standards.
I stayed in the King Deluxe Room, and instantly fell in love with the design. The green hues, creative layout, and striking feature wall of colourful art gave the space a quirky yet homey feel. The room overlooks the city and the iconic Capitol Theatre, and includes a king-size bed, separate lounge and workspace, enclosed bathroom with ample vanity space, external open closet and a full-length mirror as well as other hotel essentials.
The playful bathroom wallpaper (depicting local icons and attractions) once again reflects the hotel's bold, neighbourhood-inspired design. Eco-friendly pump bottles of Apotheke toiletries are provided, aligning with Caption by Hyatt’s sustainability focus.
Every detail in the room felt intentional – from functional storage to clever placement of the iron, board, and amenities, everything had its place without interrupting the overall aesthetic.
Which are the best restaurants at and around Caption by Hyatt?
Talk Shop is the hotel’s all-day café, bar, and community hub, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Chef Yammi Cheung brings a playful “Healthy vs Indulgent” philosophy to the menu with signature dishes including the Double-Down Burger, Mee So Salmon Bowl, Plain Gainz Bowl, and refreshing House Iced Teas (which you can spike with your choice of spirit). It’s designed to be a welcoming hangout spot for both hotel guests and locals, and it works – it’s the kind of place you feel comfy setting up with your laptop for the day, then clocking off with a Spritz when evening arrives.
The menu reflects Sydney’s multicultural food scene and is served in a relaxed, social environment with convenient QR-based ordering. My menu favourites were the chocolate brownie sundae with vanilla soft serve and caramel sauce for dessert, and for breakfast, the iced matcha and crushed avocado toast. For quick bites, the “grab & go” counter near reception offers takeaway coffee and pastries.
While it might be tempting to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at Talk Shop, it’s worth venturing out – some of Sydney’s best restaurants and top cheap eats are right on your doorstep. Being in the heart of Haymarket also means you’re steps away from Chinatown, World Square, and the incredible Friday night Chinatown Markets – perfect for anyone wanting authentic Asian street food. Being so close to Central Station, you really can get anywhere in the city area very quickly from the hotel.
What is the service like at Caption by Hyatt?
Upon arrival, I was greeted by welcoming staff who assisted with check-in. At Talk Shop, even with QR ordering, the staff still made the effort to chat and ensure everything was perfect. Caption by Hyatt’s philosophy of “hire local, buy local, vibe local” means the team is made up of Central Sydney locals – making them a great source of neighbourhood tips.
Is there a gym or pool at Caption by Hyatt?
As a brand new hotel opening in October 2025, the facilities are modern and thoughtfully designed including a brand new 24 hour fitness studio within the hotel. There’s no pool on site, but Prince Alfred Park Pool – one of the city’s best outdoor pools – is just a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
What’s the area like around Caption by Hyatt?
Haymarket is a lively and culturally rich part of Sydney with endless things to see and do. Caption by Hyatt sits directly across from the Capitol Theatre, which is home to major international productions – so it’s a great base if you’re a theatre fan. Central Station is also only minutes away, making it super easy to explore greater Sydney.
Why should you book a stay at Caption by Hyatt?
I really enjoyed my stay at Caption by Hyatt, because it’s far from a typical hotel. Full of bespoke local art, its bold, eclectic vibes make it a fun option if you’re looking for a relatively affordable base in the centre of the city. The rooms are smart, stylish, and comfortable, and Talk Shop is a major selling point – a hub that will quickly feel like a home away from home. I always love staying in hotels which have been thoughtfully designed and care about sustainability, so I thoroughly enjoyed staying at Caption by Hyatt. Plus with one of the most convenient locations in the city, you’ve got the world at your fingertips.
Address: 13 Parker Street, Haymarket, Sydney
Price per night: Introductory rates starting from $269 per night
Closest transport link: The hotel is a 3 minute walk from Central Station
Book Now: here
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