The Old Clare by Ode Hotels
A converted heritage stay with its own sun terrace
About this hotel
The Old Clare by Ode Hotels is built into a converted heritage property 700 metres from the Capitol Theatre and 1.3 kilometres from Darling Harbour, its sun terrace and bar serving as the evening gathering point rather than a separate venue elsewhere. Rooms carry a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, private bathroom with hairdryer, bathrobes and free toiletries, comfortable rather than resort-lavish, in keeping with the building's history. A 24-hour front desk and bike hire cover the practical side of a stay, with the surrounding laneways and central Sydney position rewarding guests who explore on foot or by bike rather than by car. Allianz Stadium is 2.2 kilometres away and Kingsford Smith Airport six kilometres, keeping the property connected without losing its central, walkable character.
- Heritage character
- Sun terrace
- Central Sydney location
- 24-hour front desk
Our take
The Old Clare suits travelers who want a converted heritage building with real character, a sun terrace for evening drinks, and a central Sydney position within walking or biking distance of Darling Harbour and the Capitol Theatre. It is a lighter fit for anyone wanting a large modern hotel with extensive resort facilities, since the appeal here is the building's history and central position rather than scale.
- ✓Use the sun terrace and bar in the evening rather than heading out immediately, since it is genuinely part of the stay rather than an afterthought.
- ✓Hire a bike from the front desk to explore the surrounding laneways and reach Darling Harbour rather than relying on a car.
- ✓Book ahead around Capitol Theatre performances, since the 700-metre distance makes this a popular choice for theatre-goers.
Why we love it
- Converted heritage building
- Sun terrace and bar
- 700 metres from the Capitol Theatre
- Bike hire available