The Old Clare By Ode Hotels, Sydney - Reviews, Room Options & Prices 2025

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About the Hotel

1 Kensington Street, Sydney, Australia, 02008

The Old Clare By Ode Hotels in Sydney CBD combines a former pub and Carlton & United Breweries building into a 5-star, 62-room boutique hotel featuring 62 custom-made lamps, VW Beetle headlights, and restored mid-century armchairs from the founder's collection.

Designer Heritage Rooms

Each Connell room at The Old Clare By Ode Hotels boasts 3-meter-high ceilings, vintage designer furniture, and luxe bathrooms with dual vanities. The CUB Suite spans 1076.5 ft² with original timber paneling, parquetry floors, and an eight-seater dining table.

Contemporary Urban Dining

A1 serves breakfast featuring avo smash with smoked cream cheese and egg & bacon rolls with jack cheese. The Clare bar offers a refreshing take on traditional pub dining.

Rooftop Pool Gallery

The rooftop houses a heated pool with city views and cushioned seating. The BS gallery showcases local artists' work, while the superconcierge assists with restaurant bookings and local recommendations.

Central Transport Hub

The Old Clare operates within 5 minutes' walk to Central Station and Railway Square, connecting to Airport Link and regional NSW transport. One Central Park's urban village offers clothing stores, supermarket, and arthouse cinema nearby.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

King Suite

Max:

2 persons

53 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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King Room

Max:

2 persons

28 m²

Bed options:

2 Double beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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King Suite

Max:

2 persons

60 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Getting around

A guide to all available transportation options

City Center

Sydney5000 ft

Airports

Kingsford Smith (SYD) 4.7 mi

Wollongong (WOL) 60.7 mi

Train

Central Station Sydney2000 ft

Facilities

Experience a variety of amenities at the boutique hotel, crafted to ensure your comfort and unforgettable moments

Wi-Fi

Parking

AUD 55 per day

Baggage storage

24-hour services

24-hour reception

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Baggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Elevator
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center
Cycling

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Car rental
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Snack bar
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cribs

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Rooftop pool
Heated swimming pool
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Full body massage

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Sink

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

1 Kensington Street, Sydney, Australia, 02008

Map view

1 Kensington Street, Sydney, Australia, 02008

City landmarks

Opera House

Sydney Opera House

2.1 mi

Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

1.3 mi

Parks

Royal Botanic Gardens

1.7 mi

Garden

Chinese Garden of Friendship

4400 ft

Museums

Powerhouse Museum

3000 ft

Sydney NSW 2000

Darling Harbour dining

4500 ft

Gallery

Art Gallery of New South Wales

1.4 mi

Sydney

Darling Harbour

1.2 mi

Museums

Australian National Maritime Museum

1.4 mi

Parks

Hyde Park

1.2 mi

Mall

Queen Victoria Building

1.1 mi

Church

St Mary's Cathedral

1.3 mi

Public Building

Sydney Town Hall

4500 ft

Ultimo Road rail underbridge to the end of Macarthur Street

The Goods Line

2400 ft

Wilson Street Eveleigh

Carriageworks Farmers Market

1.0 mi

Zoo

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

1.4 mi

Events

International Convention Centre Sydney

1.1 mi

Museums

Anzac Memorial

5200 ft

Museums

Hyde Park Barracks Museum

1.4 mi

Museums

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

1.8 mi

Public Building

Victoria Barracks

1.2 mi

Parks

Tumbalong Park

4400 ft

Crown Street

Crown St, Surry Hills

5100 ft

Westfield Centrepoint 100 Market St Retail Level 5

Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck

1.3 mi

Parks

Belmore Park

3100 ft

Harbor

Cockle Bay Wharf

1.2 mi

Museums

Madame Tussauds Sydney

1.4 mi

University

University of Sydney

1.2 mi

Nearby

Shopping Area

Central Park

700 ft

Gallery

White Rabbit Gallery

1400 ft

Restaurants

Koi Dessert Bar

200 ft

46 Kensington St

Mekong

100 ft

14 Kensington Street Chippendale

Andiamo

100 ft

9 Kensington St

Holy Duck

200 ft

The Old Rum Store

Concrete Jungle Cafe

200 ft

15 Kensington Street

Barzaari Chippendale

200 ft

3 Kensington St Chippendale

A1 Canteen

200 ft

2-10 Kensington St Ground Floor

Tomodachi

300 ft

Level Two

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

82%

enjoyed the hotel and would happily stay again

8.2/10

Great

Rooms

7.4

Location

9.0

Service

7.0

Dining

6.8

Arthur

United States of America, March 2025

5.6/10

I had a mostly enjoyable stay at The Old Clare, but there were a few hiccups along the way. The location is fantastic, nestled in a vibrant neighborhood close to Spice Alley and Chinatown, which is a major plus for food lovers. While my room had a quirky charm with an interesting layout and vintage decor, I found the cleanliness could definitely be improved. Overall, it's a cool boutique experience, perfect for those wanting something different from a typical hotel stay.

Rooms

7.0

My room had a unique layout with a comfortable California king bed and vintage furnishings. However, the cleanliness needed some attention as I noticed dust under the bed. The glass shower was stylish but offered very little privacy, especially in single rooms.

Service

7.0

The staff were generally friendly and helpful, especially the reception team who doubled as knowledgeable concierges. However, I encountered some inconsistency with assistance, particularly regarding help with my luggage.

Location

9.0

The hotel is conveniently located near public transport and vibrant dining options in Chippendale. It’s also within walking distance of galleries and shopping, making it a great base for exploring Sydney.

Dining

6.0

I had a meal at the onsite restaurant, which was a bit too salty for my taste. However, the vibrant food scene surrounding the hotel made up for it with plenty of other options.

Facilities

6.0

The rooftop pool is a nice touch, but I found it quite small and less kid-friendly. It lacks sun exposure after midday due to nearby buildings, which made it less appealing for lounging around.

Jason

United States of America, February 2025

6.0/10

My stay at The Old Clare was mostly enjoyable, with stylish rooms and a fantastic location. However, there were a couple of hiccups during my visit, particularly related to service inconsistencies. Overall, I would recommend it for a city getaway. 😄

Rooms

8.0

The Connel King Room was stylish and spacious with high ceilings and beautiful old features. I loved the espresso machine, but the bathroom could have used better design and storage space.

Service

7.0

The staff were friendly and accommodating, especially with my special requests, though my initial experience with a room mix-up showed some room for improvement.

Location

10.0

The location is fantastic, with easy access to Chippendale and Spice Alley, plus it's a short walk to Central Station and Surry Hills.

Dining

6.0

The on-site dining was a bit pricey compared to local options, but I enjoyed the food at Kensington Social despite the cost.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel offered great amenities like room service, a rooftop pool, and complimentary bikes to explore the area. However, the rooftop was occasionally closed for private events.

Charlie

United States of America, February 2025

5.4/10

My stay at The Old Clare was mostly enjoyable, with fantastic service from the staff and a room that was both comfortable and thoughtfully decorated. However, I faced some hiccups, especially regarding the pool being unavailable and the initial room mix-up, which slightly dampened my experience.

Rooms

8.0

I stayed in a King Room - Connell, which was spacious, beautifully furnished, and offered stunning views from the fourth floor. The decor perfectly blended the hotel's industrial past with modern amenities, though I found the room slightly smaller than I initially expected.

Service

7.0

Overall, the service was excellent, especially the reception staff, who went above and beyond to help when I accidentally left my phone at a restaurant. However, I did have a frustrating experience with the management related to my room booking that affected my impression of the service.

Location

10.0

The location is another highlight—within a short walk from Central Station and plenty of good dining options nearby, including my new favorite, Spice Alley. This made it incredibly convenient for my conference at Sydney University.

Dining

6.0

While the bar area was lively and inviting, I found breakfast at Toch a bit disappointing, as the coffee was poor and the granola didn’t seem fresh. Considering the hotel’s upscale feel, I expected more from the dining options.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel had a nice rooftop pool, although I couldn't use it due to the weather. Room service and other amenities provided a nice touch, but the issues with breakfast and the initial pool closure were notable drawbacks.

Allen

United States of America, November 2024

7.0/10

I had high hopes for my stay at The Old Clare, especially with its stylish vibe and great location. but there were quite a few letdowns. While I appreciated the large suite and the delicious breakfast at A1 Canteen, the housekeeping standards and staff indifference really stood out negatively. The rooftop bar being closed for a private party without a heads-up was particularly disappointing.

Rooms

6.0

The room itself was quite stylish, but it had issues like a dank smell in the shower and lack of ventilation. Privacy was also a concern due to the transparent shower alcove.

Service

5.0

Staff interactions were hit or miss. from indifferent check-ins to delayed responses to my inquiries. It felt like they could use more training in hospitality.

Location

8.0

The location is definitely a highlight. close to restaurants, cafes, and public transport, making it ideal for exploring the area.

Dining

7.0

Breakfast at A1 Canteen was a treat each morning with its freshly baked European bread. though my experience with room service was disappointing.

Facilities

5.0

The hotel offered various facilities, but some were underwhelming like the late housekeeping service and issues with ordering room service.

Jack

United States of America, October 2024

5.4/10

I had a great stay at The Old Clare, which is a stylish boutique hotel in a cool location. The building's character really stood out, and I loved that it combined old features with modern design. The rooftop pool was a nice touch for relaxing, though I did find the glass enclosures in the bathroom a bit too open for comfort. Still, the bed was very nice and I genuinely enjoyed my time there!

Rooms

8.0

The room was stylish and comfortable, but I wished there was a bit more space for two people. The innovative glass toilet enclosure was interesting, but it felt a tad too exposed. Overall, the bed was amazing and definitely the highlight.

Service

9.0

The staff were super friendly and attentive, ensuring my stay was enjoyable. I appreciated the personalized touches, like a complimentary Prosecco for our anniversary. A few hiccups during check-in could improve the experience.

Location

8.0

The location was excellent, especially for food and nightlife. It was just a short walk to Central Station, making it easy to explore Sydney. Plus, Spice Alley right across the street was a fantastic dinner spot. Just keep in mind, some attractions require a train ride.

Dining

9.0

Breakfast at A1 was a good experience, offering delicious options to start the day. I also enjoyed dining at Spice Alley nearby, which had a great variety. Overall, pretty solid dining options around the hotel.

Facilities

8.0

The rooftop pool and bar were lovely, providing a nice retreat. I would have preferred if the facilities, like the shared bathrooms in the bar area, were better maintained. Aside from that, everything else was great.