The Old Clare Hotel: Where Sydney’s History Gets a Stylish Makeover
industrial bones, warm soul, contemporary swagger
1 Kensington Street
Chippendale, NSW 2008, Australia
Type: architectural hotel, design hotel, independent hotel, luxury hotel
Style: Art Deco, industrial chic, retro & vintage
Vibe: hip hood, lively, rooftop bar
From Brewery to Boutique
If you’re into hotels with soul, not just sleek surfaces, The Old Clare Hotel in Sydney’s Chippendale neighborhood is your kind of place. It’s not your average stay — it’s where heritage architecture meets modern cool, wrapped in a vibe that’s equal parts industrial grit and boutique charm.
What makes The Old Clare stand out is its roots. It’s stitched together from two historic buildings: the old Carlton & United Brewery building and the original Clare Hotel pub. Instead of glossing over the past, the designers embraced it — think original brickwork, exposed pipes, soaring ceilings, and vintage wood paneling. The result? A space that feels authentic, a little bit rebellious, and totally alive.
The architecture firm behind it, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, didn’t just renovate — they reimagined. An old laneway between the buildings is now the heart of the hotel: a dramatic glass-roofed lobby that connects the old and the new with unexpected elegance.
Rooms with Character
There’s no cookie-cutter design here. Each of the 62 rooms has its own look and feel, blending warm materials with modern touches. You’ll find custom lighting, designer furniture, and freestanding bathtubs perched under warehouse windows. Some rooms still carry scars from the past — like mismatched floor tiles or oddly placed beams — but that’s what gives them personality. It’s like staying in a design magazine that remembers it used to be a factory.
More Than Just a Pretty Space
The Old Clare isn’t just about great design — it’s also a gateway to one of Sydney’s coolest neighborhoods. Once a gritty industrial zone, Chippendale is now packed with galleries, cafes, and creative spaces. Right outside the door, you’ve got Kensington Street’s buzzing laneways, art installations, and street food. But if you’d rather stay in, the hotel’s got plenty to offer too: a rooftop pool with skyline views, a curated mini-bar, and dining options that rival Sydney’s best.
DNA Hotels Verdict
What makes The Old Clare so special is how effortlessly it blends contrasts — old and new, refined and raw, luxury and laid-back. It doesn’t try too hard, and that’s the charm. Whether you’re here for the architecture, the scene, or just a unique place to crash, this hotel is more than just a place to sleep. It’s an experience.
Amenities:
• 24-hour front desk • air conditioning • free bicycles • fitness centre • free WiFi • massages • public parking nearby (charged) • restaurant • room service • rooftop swimming pool (open all year) • wheelchair accessible
