The Old Clare Hotel

Let me start with … I checked out the Pub section of this good looking, refurbished Grand old lady. It was very well presented and had a upbeat vibe … staff were friendly and all the quality beverages were present. Bar snacks were also available and it had that atmosphere that would suit a ‘Tinder’ date very well. I enjoyed my comfy experience and will consider a stay in the Hotel itself … finders crossed that it might even be a ‘Tinder’ date success celebration.

Best staff and super comfy bed. Located close to Central Station. The open bathrooms were not my thing, but probably perfect for a romantic night.

We had no idea when we booked this hotel online that it would be as wonderful as it actually is. I wish we could give it six stars. Although it’s only been open for a few months, they have their act together! This new hotel is in a renovated old building that has kept its historic charm. The Décor is hip and original, the beds are incredible, and the bath is top notch. We even had a soaking tub in the room! But the real secret to the incredible experience we had, is the staff. The reception staff and concierge went out of their way to make sure our experience was perfect. Special thanks to Alice, Martin and Alessandro who made us feel like family.

If the words ‘pool bar’ fill you with elitist visions of Ivy-​like horror, you’re going to find The Old Clare Rooftop Pool & Bar a breath of fresh air. Filled with Chippendale’s arty types, it’s more quirky than fashionista, even attracting Bob Carr on the evening I attended.
On the way up to Level 4, take a stroll around the hallways to take in in the artfully framed remains of the former Carlton & United Breweries Administration Building. It’s an interesting mix of old-​meets-​new, with nifty views of Central Park’s garden walls juxtaposed against heritage brick facades.
The rooftop itself gives you a perspective on Sydney you’ve probably not seen before. Take it in over an imaginative and palate-​cleansing twisted gin and tonic. Made on Tanqueray gin lengthened with Fever-​Tree Indian Tonic, my favourite combination proved to be the G +T with Lemon & Islay Drops ($ 16). Now if being outdoors calls for something longer, there’s the Chamomile Highball ($ 18) combining more Tanqueray with elderflower, chamomile and lemon soda; or everyone’s favourite Pimm’s ($ 18) brimming with summer fruit.
Bartenders will happily throw your cocktails into plastic if you’re keen on donning your togs and kicking back in the rooftop lap pool. Yes, you heard me right, you can drink alcohol and swim! Whilst lauding the bar that lets adults actually be adults, I hopped into the waist deep lap pool and enjoyed my drink, all without even having to be an overnight hotel guest! That said, after getting the lowdown from a friendly Newtown couple enjoying a staycation (with a surprise upgrade to a suite) the rooms are on my list to experience.
This bar is also perfect to combine with dinner at one of The Old Clare Hotel’s three restaurants — Silvereye, Kensington Street Social and Automata — or with a stroll under the lanterns through the inexpensive Asian hawker outlets in neighbouring Spice Alley.

Lovely refurbished hotel located in Kensington Street — The new area of Chippendale to visit. Just down from Spice Alley. This place makes me think i’m in New York! Open plan with brick walls etc.
Taken from their website: «Stretching across two iconic heritage-​listed buildings — The Clare Hotel pub and the Carlton & United Breweries Administration Building — the 62 room boutique hotel has been constructed with obsessive attention to aesthetics and concern for retaining the interesting features of both buildings.
Situated along the re-​developed Kensington Street precinct, The Old Clare Hotel is the first Australian hotel from the unconventional Unlisted Collection:. With its rich, varied history and architecture, Chippendale has become the home of choice for dozens of art galleries, production houses, graphic and fashion design studios, plus Sydney’s most exciting new restaurants, cafés and bars».
We got to go up to Level 4 their rooftop to sample a few cocktails. At this stage it is open to the public and guests.
There is a roof top pool and a great city view.
The rooftop pool bar had pre-​made cocktails as it is only a small bar so you won’t be seeing much of the bartenders flexing their flairing skills.
Only popped in for a single drink before we made our way down to the Kensington St Social restaurant located at the lobby of the hotel lifts.
Great venue, beautifully redone, some old world charm to meet modern furnishings. I hope to try out their boutique suites in future!