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The Old Clare Hotel, Sydney

1 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia (show on map)

Expert reviews

New York Times review:

“The recently refurbished Old Clare Hotel is a stylish, 62-room boutique hotel with a sleek rooftop pool and bar located in the heart of Chippendale, a hip neighborhood with an emerging arts and dining scene.”

Shortlisted in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Sydney, Australia.

Lonely Planet review:

“A sensitive brewery-office conversion is now a 62-room hotel in a primo Chippendale location. Rooms are well back from noisy Broadway, and high-ceilinged and easy-on-the-eye, with artful bespoke details such as the lamps made of salvaged toolshed paraphernalia.”

Telegraph review:

“The Old Clare weaves Dada-esque interiors through the bones of two heritage buildings, creating a visual feast for the design-savvy traveller. With three top restaurants within the compound, and a rooftop pool and bar, The Old Clare may be named after an old bird but she’s certainly ruffling some new feathers.”

Guest rating

This an aggregated customer review rating of The Old Clare Hotel, Sydney. We have taken customer review ratings from hotel booking sites, search engines, the official hotel website and other travel platforms. This is the average of all those ratings. We only list places that have a customer review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5.0

4.6 out of 5.0

Ranked 6th in Sydney

166£147$205¥21730C$159A$159HK$1605S$270SFr192¥1301kr1691kr1238kr1596

What guests liked

All you need to know

Not your conventional hotel, the Old Clare Hotel located in central Sydney, Australia is a rich mix of history, architecture and fine, modern accommodations. Specifically situated in the up-and-coming precinct of Chippendale, guests can enjoy the artsy local scene, several shopping options and excellent eating and drinking options.

Guests do not have to leave the hotel to have a fantastic time or a memorable experience. They can enjoy fine dining at the top-rated restaurant, watch a captivating movie at the art film screenings, have a great drink at the bar, enjoy a wonderful view from the sun terrace and even get a few personal training and yoga classes at the fitness center. Just the atmosphere is a treat to the senses as the exposed walls and high ceilings of the hotel reveal its history as a former brewer headquarters.

With seven suite styles to choose from, no two rooms at this boutique are the same. You can rest in accommodations that fit your style, from cozy to opulent. Each room is air-conditioned and outfitted with a flat-screen television, electric kettle and private bathroom. For even more comfort and convenience, bathrobes and free toiletries are available.

Hotel Details
— 62 rooms
— Built in late 1800s, opened in 2015
— Historic industrial style

Hotel Features
— Free WiFi
— Outdoor swimming pool
— Rooftop swimming pool
— Restaurant
— Bar and lounge
— Sun Terrace
— Fitness center
— 24-hour front desk
— Family rooms available
— Child care services available
— Private parking available
— Laundry service available
— Concierge service
— Luggage storage available
— Bicycle rentals on site
— Business facilities available
— Gift shop

Additional Info
— Check in begins at 3:00 PM
— Check out ends at 11:00 AM

 

Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee

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Location

Recent guest reviews

4.5
William

12 January 2025

Great hotel in perfect location

Excellent quirky hotel, rooms modern clean and comfortable in a great location.

3.5
Orsola

10 January 2025

Pleasant

Lovely breakfast (and kind staff at the breakfast room!). Nice position. Spacious rooms.

Windows glasses were quite dirty. Not enough staff during the day (eg. in the pool bar in late afternoon, dirty glasses / used towerls remained on the pool tables until the following day. In general, there is a lack of attention to details.. that I would not expect from a hotel of such level.

4.0
John

9 January 2025

Lovely property which needs to rethink some of it service arrangements

The property is really well appointed and in a great location.

Some of the facilities are starting to show their age e.g. the pool area which is quite worn / unused. The parking arrangement is ok. The arrival and parking instructions / signage could be improved. The lack of both (clarity and availability) made the arrival process pretty stressful and slow for us. Tradesmen were parking in the unload area which meant we had to illegally park elsewhere. They were operating on a skeleton staff.

4.5
Paul

7 January 2025

Fabulous

Really nice place to stay. Big rooms beautifully furnished. The location was fabulous. Right outside the door there was a lane filled with restaurants and bars, including Spice Lane. Loved it

4.0
Jenny

7 January 2025

A relaxed, funky, interesting hotel in a great location. Spacious and comfortable.

The hotel has a funky vibe and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. It's very different from the cookie cutter chain hotels. The rooftop pool is excellent. We used the free bikes - so fun to explore!

The rooftop pool and bar is not always open as private functions are held there. There was a function on the night we stayed - no pool access and loud music into our room till 10pm. Unfortunate but not a deal breaker.

3.5
Kelly

6 January 2025

Pleasant

The location is fantastic! Easy to walk to all main attractions, great eateries close by. Beds were super comfy. Public transport is awesome.

It could have been cleaner. The drinks at the bar were very expensive.

3.5
Erin

6 January 2025

Would stay again, would try to get a room on a higher floor.

Excellent big bath tub, under floor heating which would be nice in winter, the pool was nice although the pool and area were smaller than appeared in pics, the pool was mostly shaded in the afternoon which was lovely to not worry about getting sunburned. Nice restaurants near by, accommodating lovely staff.

The room we were in was a little dark, window didn't have the best outlook.

4.0
Michheuf63

5 January 2025

Very good

Loved the style of the hotel and the location

The car park directions given by front desk staff very confusing. Asked to pay by eftpos to avoid credit card charges so I inserted card but still got charged fee. Annoying all facilties cashless. Pillows were very uncomfortable

3.5
Kyra

2 January 2025

Upgraded the room after seeing the first one they gave me - looked nothing like the images in the picture. Unfortunate b

Great room, Abercrombie room was one of the best ins any I believe.

The housekeeping could have been more efficient. When I checked in there were champagne glasses left at the door - also in front of other rooms. The rooftop pool could also be cleaner - understaffed possibly.

4.0
Clare

2 January 2025

Decent place with a good location

The location, amenities, the unique design of the hotel and also accommodating early check-in and late check-out. A lot of places to conveniently eat close by and close to train station.

The fact that we couldn't order food as room service, we didn't get the food credit for not asking staff to clean our room on our 2nd day of stay as what was written. No dental kits provided (it's a standard of hotels to provide such). The rooftop pool didn't really look like how it is in the photo (it's actually 1.2m deep and small. The photos made it look big).

3.5
Jo

1 January 2025

Did the job but did not compare to other properties we stayed in Sydney

Breakfast

Bed and pillows. Light shades very dusty

4.0
Wendy

28 December 2024

It was great we would book again

Loved the location of the breakfast room on the alley. The chef was great, yummy food and great coffee The hotel itself was very interesting and arty and historic. We loved the different entry points and the location of the Hotel is just awesome

You said you were doing your bit for the environment and said to hang up your towels if you want to reuse. We did that but they were still changed 🤷‍♀️ There was a code to scan for in room orders but it said that service was not available, so we went out for dinner and used downstairs for breakfast. We noticed other people managed to get room service

4.0
Malcolm

26 December 2024

Great 4 day stay ion Sydney.

Dry eclectic, loved the industrial feel. Small and staff helpful and friendly. Pool area a nice gathering spot.

Found the rooms hot and stuffy even with aircon set down at 17.

4.5
June-ann

26 December 2024

Great, eating choices excellent, lovely big room with comfortable beds.

Lovely receptionist Maya who was very obliging & helped out a lot by helping me get into a room early after a red eye flight & super helpful to my American friends. Special mention too to Julia in Toch restaurant who went above & beyond to help out.

Rooftop pool was gorgeous but could do stairs more sun loungers & a lick of paint

4.5
Edward

23 December 2024

Incredibly well located hotel and enjoyable experience

Super convenient for central Sydney and the Surry Hills. Right next to the train station too. 10-15mins from the airport. The hotel is really well presented, has many amenities and the staff were a delight.

The gym could’ve been bigger and better equipped. The pool also lost the sun by early afternoon. Small things only

4.5
Josh

23 December 2024

Great spot - but how much privacy do you really need?

Been meaning to try for ages! Great location and use of the space. Excellent staff.

Even as a long-term couple… the COMPLETELY open bathroom was an adjustment. Some very light frosting would help and wouldn’t reduce any sense of space.

4.5
Frank

19 December 2024

Old Clare, Old School Fabulous

Chic, modern, architectural and funky. Fantastic location attached to a great bar. Even though it was an "internally facing room" it seems a real effort was made in the construction to get some natural light.

Only a very minor suggestion... it was a stupidly hot day, so it would have been a a nice to have the a/c in the room turned on prior to getting there

4.0
Emma

17 December 2024

Relaxing Sunday night, spent eating at spice alley and Monday morning in the pool.

Rooftop pool, decor and wall hangings were interesting and added a cool vibe to the hotels lively rooftop atmosphere. Great location next to spice alley! Free cookies at reception were a treat. Staff were wonderful and accommodating.

NA

4.5
Ali

13 December 2024

Such a great spot in the city for a staycay or getaway! Real character building and vibe.

Lovely central location with quiet but surrounded by lively laneways and eateries. Building has so much character, don't need to leave or if you do, no need to go far with shops and restaurants a stones throw. Breakfast was amazing, a la carte, and included in our rate. Rooftop pool is a vibe on a hot Sydney day too!

There was a musty smell in our room despite being clean and refurbished, my understanding is that after heavy rains the building (being a heritage building) can sometimes show it's age. The housecleaning team were helpful and apologetic.

4.5
Thomas

12 December 2024

Great place and in a great location.

Loved the industrial cool vibe along with plush comfort. Unique.

The shower could've been a little cleaner but it was ok.

4.5
Natalie

9 December 2024

Excellent staff/service throughout the hotel & all amenities. We look forward to our annual stay!

Everything; ammenities, service, feel of the place, location.

4.5
John

5 December 2024

Fabulous

its Unique

Its a little pricey

4.0
Scott

28 November 2024

Very good

beautiful room, nice location to central station

noisy pub next to room

3.5
Kobi

24 November 2024

Excellent!

Friendly staff Really comfortable bed

Nil

4.5
Rachel

24 November 2024

Fabulous

Very cool architecture, very quiet, spacious room.

Bed was a bit soft!

4.0
Caroline

23 November 2024

Great stay great location

Loved the roof top pool and bar . The big beds very comfy and room was lovely and dark . Peaceful Open bathrooms so beware if staying with friends . Staff friendly

On arrival I was shown to the one toilet by the bar and I thought I’m not staying here if rest of place is like this . Totally awful ! Luckily it wasn’t like that . But seriously that cannot be a first impression . Shower area in room was a little bit grungy . Needed regrouting Toilet could have done with more privacy in room.

4.0
Taylor

20 November 2024

Trendy spot, comfiest bed

My favourite Sydney hotel. Super cool, beautiful facilities, comfiest beds

Was on the first floor this time so closer to the street level — less private, more noisy, more lights. But then I did book one of the cheaper rooms

4.5
Van

18 November 2024

Very good

Arrived after 1am cancelled flight. Staff very welcoming and helpful

4.5
Sarah

14 November 2024

Quirky, comfortable hotel in a great location.

Quirky decor - good quality renovation of an interesting building with lots of art. Great location in a lively area close to lots of restaurants and a short walk to the central station. Friendly and helpful staff. The rooftop swimming pool was lovely.

Breakfast service was slow and a little chaotic.

4.5
Dirk

13 November 2024

Nice location, eclatic building.

A pitty there was no cupboard in the Showroom suite

4.5
Tracey

7 November 2024

Amazing hotel! Great location and staff! A real winner!

Location, rooms and friendly staff. Beds were very comfortable!

The pool area could have been cleaner after an event in the morning.

3.5
Schofield

7 November 2024

Pleasant

The room was lovely and bed was comfy. Location was great, near central station so easy to get around.

There was a yucky smell coming from the toilet in the bathroom. Staff weren't overly willing to help with requests.

4.0
Rebecca

4 November 2024

Very good

I always love the rooms and the location.

The staff seemed a little disinterested and disengaged this visit. which was a little bit disappointing. But everyone has bad days.

4.0
Airey

2 November 2024

Enjoyed the stay but it’s looking dirty and tired.

The location was great. Close to restaurants and galleries. The train station was a short walk and the opera house is a nice 45 minute walk. The beds were fantastic and comfortable. Loft suite was large and very funky.

The property needs a major deep clean. Housekeeping was average at best. Area rug was filthy and carpets were stained

3.5
Heidi

30 October 2024

Pleasant

The location, it was quiet in the rooms, clean and tidy

Unusual decor

4.5
Teneisha

27 October 2024

Very nice, clean, good vibes

Good location

The construction outside

4.0
Fiona

24 October 2024

Delightfully aesthetic place to soak up the ambience of Sydney's colonial heritage

Loved the room - gloriously high ceilings, lots of space, beautiful and unique furnishings.

Full view of shower cubicle from bed is a bit confronting

3.5
David

23 October 2024

Well priced compared to similar hotels but frustrating stay for the reasons outlined

Nice building, central convenient location , comfortable bed

The bathroom wasn’t clean with hairs on the floor and the toilet seat wasn’t clean. The pool was also closed all week for ‘an event’ so patrons could not use the facilities they had paid for - I was only told this after checking in (this should have been made clear on the hotel website and on booking.com so people knew the services would be limited on these dates) Initially I stayed for 6 nights - I then booked an additional 2 nights. One receptionist advised I would have to check out and move to a different room for the additional 2 nights. In the morning after my 6th night I packed up, went to reception and was then told by a different receptionist that I could stay in the same room for the additional 2 nights - this was annoying as I could have avoided wasting an hour of my morning packing up my belongings unnecessarily had the first receptionist been more helpful/aware.

4.5
Rae

21 October 2024

Fabulous

The decor is amazing, the bed is so comfy and the pool tastes like real sea water 😂

N/A

4.0
Oviedo

20 October 2024

Very good

How modern it is

The parking is outside the facilities and very expensive

4.0
Vincent

15 October 2024

Huge bed, great location!

The room was spacious and comfortable. The location was fantastic and the staff were friendly and helpful. Great breakfast!!

Events in the hotel impacted on our stay. The rooftop bar was not available for any evening of our stay and breakfast was disrupted on our final morning by a conference in the hotel.

3.5
Robert

13 October 2024

Stay was good but don’t think I’d go back.

The property was nice and clean

The parking is a bit difficult and could be made a little easier. The staff were pretty unhelpful to be honest.

3.5
Danielle

9 October 2024

Morning swim in the rooftop pool great start to a Chippendale day.

Breakfast, staff at reception, specials at the bar.

Bed was a bit soft and gym was tiny.

4.5
Jassy

6 October 2024

Fabulous

Stylish, classy and fun place to stay.

Wonderful hotel all except for missing utensils. Not enough kitchen facilities: no glasses for drinking, no small plates, no cutlery- could not adequately prepare or serve our edible items. Disappointed with lack of basic utensils.

4.5
Jill

3 October 2024

A pool with a view!

Breakfast by the pool after an early morning swim, Devine!

Clear glass bathroom in the room would make sharing with a friend difficult.

4.5
Melanie

3 October 2024

Loved everything!

Fabulous!

3.5
Katherine

1 October 2024

Pleasant

Great location - friendly staff - comfy beds- walkable to everything.

Had to swap rooms as the noise from rooftop bar was so loud that I was unable to sleep my first night.

3.5
Andrew

30 September 2024

Good location

The location was great,close to the function we had to attend,close to Central station and many restaurants in the area.Our room was huge and we requested it be in a quiet section of the hotel which was accommodated.

Our room was quite dusty and didn't look like it was cleaned very well.We found the bed far too soft (even though that is a personal preference issue) Being able to park nearby was good however it is hard to find a park while you check in before they give you access to the parking station,a minor problem but one you should aware of if you drive there.

4.0
Francine

29 September 2024

Cool boutique hotel and a great location.

Heritage features, location.

the bed was way too soft.

3.5
Luke

29 September 2024

Ok

Bad down stairs, room styling

Parking. Had to wait double parked in street for another customer to come back with key to parking area. Ended up parking at mecure hotel. Waited for 30mins they should have just suggested mecure straight away

Hotel facilities

Food & Drink

  • - Restaurant
  • - Bar
  • - Breakfast in the room
  • - Snack bar
  • - Special diet menus (on request)
  • - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
  • - Coffee house on site

General

  • - Room service
  • - Non-smoking rooms
  • - Facilities for disabled guests
  • - Family rooms
  • - Lift
  • - Safety deposit box
  • - Soundproof rooms
  • - Car hire
  • - Heating
  • - Allergy-free room
  • - Non-smoking throughout
  • - Air conditioning

Business facilities

  • - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
  • - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)

Reception services

  • - 24-hour front desk
  • - Luggage storage
  • - Concierge service
  • - Invoice provided

Activities

  • - Fitness centre
  • - Massage (additional charge)
  • - Cycling
  • - Couples massage
  • - Full body massage
  • - Fitness
  • - Bicycle rental

Outdoors

  • - Terrace
  • - Outdoor pool
  • - Sun terrace
  • - Outdoor pool (all year)
  • - Outdoor furniture

Cleaning services

  • - Laundry (additional charge)
  • - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
  • - Ironing service (additional charge)
  • - Trouser press (additional charge)
  • - Daily housekeeping (additional charge)

Parking

  • - Parking garage
  • - Accessible parking

Accessibility

  • - Wheelchair accessible
  • - Toilet with grab rails
  • - Higher level toilet
  • - Lower bathroom sink

Pool and wellness

  • - Rooftop pool
  • - Heated pool
  • - Pool bar
  • - Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • - Fence around pool
  • - Swimming pool
  • - Swimming Pool

Miscellaneous

  • - Key card access
  • - Smoke alarms
  • - CCTV in common areas
  • - CCTV outside property
  • - Fire extinguishers
  • - Breakfast takeaway containers
  • - Delivered food is securely covered
  • - Access to health care professionals
  • - Face masks for guests available
Check availability 166£147$205¥21730C$159A$159HK$1605S$270SFr192¥1301kr1691kr1238kr1596