The Old Clare Hotel

The hotel offers a unique and memorable experience, distinguished by its signature feature: a thoughtful blend of heritage preservation and modern, quirky design that creates an intentional and warm atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the spacious rooms, the exceptional comfort of the beds, and the hotel's excellent location adjacent to Spice Alley. The friendly and helpful staff are frequently highlighted for their attentive service. This hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a distinctive and relaxing getaway, sightseers who value central access to attractions and public transport, and business travelers needing convenient proximity to the city's central business district. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to inquire about room locations to minimize potential noise from nearby entertainment venues or street activity, and be aware of the unique, open-plan bathroom designs that offer less privacy.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities, including a popular rooftop pool and bar that offer pleasant views and a vibrant atmosphere. However, guests note the pool is relatively small, can be cold despite being heated, and is occasionally closed for private events, which can limit access. Unique in-room amenities like record players with access to a vinyl library are highly appreciated, adding to the hotel's distinctive charm. A welcoming lolly bar is available at reception, and complimentary bicycles are offered for guests to explore the area. While a fitness center is on-site, it is described as small. Free Wi-Fi is generally reliable throughout the property, ensuring guests can stay connected.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are frequently commended for their spaciousness, often featuring high ceilings and ample natural light. The beds are a consistent highlight, described as exceptionally comfortable, though some guests found them to be overly soft or prone to sagging. The bathrooms are a distinctive design feature, often incorporating large baths and showers with excellent water pressure, but their glass or frosted glass partitions frequently lead to a perceived lack of privacy. Noise is a significant and recurring concern, with reports of considerable street noise, sounds from Spice Alley, and rooftop bar music impacting sleep, despite some efforts at soundproofing. Some rooms have also been noted for a musty smell or issues with dust and general cleanliness in specific areas. Thoughtful touches like soft knitted robes and unique in-room decor are widely appreciated.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers diverse dining experiences, with breakfast receiving mixed reviews; while many guests find the a la carte options good, some report slow service, limited availability of certain items, and high prices for room service. The on-site restaurants and bars are generally well-regarded for their ambiance and beverage selection, though some guests encountered instances of less-than-friendly bar staff or found the drinks to be expensive. The rooftop bar is a popular spot, but its operating hours can be limited, and it sometimes closes early for private functions without clear advance notice. While in-room dining is available and often delivered promptly, some guests experienced difficulties with ordering or found the menu options to be quite pricey.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel benefits from an excellent central location, providing exceptional convenience for exploring the city. It is positioned directly adjacent to Spice Alley, which offers a wide variety of food options and a lively atmosphere, though this proximity can contribute to ambient noise. Guests appreciate the hotel's close proximity to Central Station, facilitating easy access to public transport for reaching various parts of Sydney, including the central business district, Chinatown, and surrounding suburbs. Parking is available but is off-site, can be expensive, and guests often find the instructions for locating it confusing, requiring a short walk to the hotel after dropping off their vehicle.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receive high praise for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, significantly enhancing the guest experience. Many guests commend the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests such as early check-in, late check-out, or room changes. Individual team members are frequently singled out for their professionalism and warm welcome. However, some reviews mention instances where staff were perceived as cold, disinterested, or inexperienced, particularly at the front desk or in the bars. Housekeeping service receives mixed feedback, with some guests reporting missed cleanings or uncollected dishes left in hallways.

Additional Information
The hotel operates a unique cashless policy, accepting only card payments, which some guests noted led to unexpected credit card fees. The property's distinctive design philosophy is a prominent feature, blending its heritage with modern, quirky elements, including unique artwork and an engaging guest book with Polaroids. Guests appreciate thoughtful touches such as a lolly bar in the lobby and the provision of umbrellas in rooms. Some guests reported issues with adjoining rooms not being clearly communicated during booking. The hotel's overall ambiance is frequently described as possessing a strong "vibe" and unique character, setting it apart from more conventional accommodations.