The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale, Sydney, is a boutique property born from a pair of heritage-listed buildings — the Clare Hotel pub and the Carlton & United Breweries administration block — linked by a glass atrium. Operated by ODE Hotels, it offers 62 rooms across seven design types, a rooftop pool and bar, and a location within a five-minute walk of Central Station. This article answers the most common search questions — location, dining, room types, parking, and ownership — using verified data from official sites, travel reviewers, and trade guides.

Last checked: 2026-10-19

Location: Chippendale, Sydney, Australia · Rooms: 62 in 7 design types · Nearest Transport: Central Station (5-min walk) · Price From: AU$321 per night (Kent Room)

• Room count: 62 rooms across 7 design types
• Distance to Capitol Theatre: 700 metres
• Walk time to Central Station: 5 minutes
• Starting nightly rate: from AU$321 (Kent Room)

Snapshot of The Old Clare Hotel

1 Heritage & Design

• The hotel occupies two heritage-listed buildings: the former Clare Hotel pub and the Carlton & United Breweries administration building, connected by a glass atrium. (Evening Standard)

2 Rooms

• 62 rooms across 7 design types, with categories including Kent Room, Connell Room, Abercrombie Room, Clare Suite, and more. (ODE Hotels)

3 Dining & Bars

• On-site restaurant (currently Longshore, a seafood-focused modern Australian restaurant), Clare Bar open 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., and a rooftop bar with limited hours. (MICHELIN Guide)

4 Location

• Chippendale, Sydney, within a 5-minute walk of Central Station, near Spice Alley and Kensington Street. (Hotels.com)

Key Facts at a Glance

Fact	Details
Location	Chippendale, Sydney, Australia
Rooms	62 in 7 design types
Nearest Transport	Central Station (5-min walk)
Price From	AU$321 per night (Kent Room)

Where is The Old Clare Hotel located?

The property sits at the edge of Chippendale, immediately next to Central Park and Kensington Street, a precinct that also includes Spice Alley. According to Priceline, the hotel is approximately 2,953 feet (about 900 metres) from Central Station and the Sydney CBD. The MICHELIN Guide confirms it is a five-minute walk to Railway Square and Central Station.

The hotel lies 700 metres from Capitol Theatre and within easy reach of Chinatown, the Powerhouse Museum, and the University of Sydney. A third-party listing on momondo also references convenient access to these landmarks, though the exact distances may vary.

Why this matters: The central Chippendale location puts guests within walking distance of two major transport hubs and several cultural venues, making it a practical base for both business and leisure travellers.

What dining options does The Old Clare Hotel offer?

The hotel’s dining lineup has evolved since its 2016 opening. Current listings on Hotels.com describe Longshore as a seafood-focused modern Australian restaurant and wine bar operating on site. A 2016 Evening Standard review named three restaurants: Kensington Street Social (Jason Atherton), Automata (Clayton Wells), and Silvereye (17-course degustation). Those venues may have changed, and readers should confirm the current menu and hours directly.

The Clare Bar, the historic pub, is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., per the MICHELIN Guide. The rooftop bar operates Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from midday to 9:30 p.m. The MICHELIN Guide also lists a rooftop terrace bar as part of the property.

The bottom line: Dining options are concentrated on site with a seafood restaurant, a hotel bar, and a seasonal rooftop bar. Historical restaurant names may no longer be accurate; verify before planning a food-focused stay.

What are the room types and parking facilities?

The official ODE Hotels site lists nine room categories: Kent Room, Connell Room, Chippendale Loft, Abercrombie Room, Clare Suite, Showroom Suite, C.U.B. Suite, Mary O’ Suite, and a Pet Friendly Room. Condé Nast Traveler notes that room features include marine signalling lamps, custom graphic pendant lights, and desk lamps made from salvaged car jacks.

Room Categories and Features

Room Category	Notable Features
Kent Room	Starting from AU$321 per night; standard contemporary design.
Connell Room	Rain shower in an open-plan glass enclosure.
Abercrombie Room	Freestanding sculptural bathtub in the bedroom; open layout may reduce privacy.
Clare Suite	Separate bathing area; more space.
Showroom Suite	Larger suite with living area.
C.U.B. Suite	100 sq m; banquet capacity 60, cocktail 50 (per ODE Hotels events page).
Mary O’ Suite	Premium suite with additional features.
Pet Friendly Room	Listed on official site; note policy conflict with MICHELIN Guide (pet-free).

What to watch: The Abercrombie Room’s open bathroom is a known trade-off – stylish but less private. If that is a concern, upgrading to a Clare Suite with a separate bathing area may be preferable.

Who owns The Old Clare Hotel?

The hotel is currently operated by ODE Hotels, which manages the property and handles all bookings. Specific ownership details are not publicly confirmed. The MICHELIN Guide refers to “Peng’s hotels” in its editorial summary, and the property was originally developed as part of the Unlisted Collection (as noted in the 2016 Evening Standard review). However, no current ownership structure is formally stated on the official site or in third‑party listings.

The implication: While the operator is known, the exact ownership entity remains unclear. Travellers can contact the hotel directly for corporate details if desired.

“The Old Clare Hotel keeps things warmly unpretentious, pairing heritage architecture with a modern, eclectic edge.”

– Hotels.com editorial team

Alternative Boutique Hotels in Sydney

If you are considering The Old Clare, here are three other boutique properties in Sydney that offer a similar blend of heritage and design (based on well‑known public knowledge):

• Hotel Palisade – A heritage pub conversion in The Rocks with harbour views and a rooftop bar.
• QT Sydney – A luxury boutique in the former Gowings and State Theatre buildings on Market Street.
• The Langham, Sydney – A five‑star option with a spa and harbour views, near Circular Quay.

Prices, availability, and amenities vary; verify current rates before booking.

“The property is filled with contrasting elements: industrial cornices and original tiles paired with contemporary custom‑made furniture and vintage lamps.”

– Evening Standard reviewer (2016)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Old Clare Hotel have a pub on site?

Yes, the Clare Bar – the historic pub component – is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to the MICHELIN Guide.

Is parking free at The Old Clare Hotel?

No, the official site lists fee‑based parking. Free parking is not offered.

What is the Abercrombie room like?

The Abercrombie Room features a freestanding sculptural bathtub in the bedroom, as described by Condé Nast Traveler. The open‑plan bathroom may offer less privacy than a separate room.

How far is The Old Clare Hotel from Sydney Airport?

The hotel is approximately 8 km from Sydney Airport (SYD), about a 20‑minute drive. Central Station, a five‑minute walk away, offers a direct airport rail link.

Does The Old Clare Hotel offer welcome drinks?

Condé Nast Traveler mentions free Wi‑Fi and local calls, but no welcome drinks are confirmed in the reviewed sources.

The bottom line: Condé Nast Traveler mentions free Wi‑Fi and local calls, but no welcome drinks are confirmed in the reviewed sources.