The Old Clare Hotel

Unclaimed

I enjoyed my stay at The Old Clare. My partner and I were there for four nights and stayed in the Connell Room. The room was nice and spacious, loved the tall ceilings and the bed was probably the most comfortable bed I’ve ever laid on. My only gripe for the room was it did smell a little musty, I attribute this to just the fact that the place is old, but it was very strong when coming back from being out for the day. Additionally I’m not the biggest fan of the toilet door just being glass and not having an actual closed door, it doesn’t really hide or muffle any bathroom sounds. The rooftop bar was fantastic and I really enjoyed the view. The breakfasts were quite good as well.

Had a single night stay here, but could easily stay longer. Location, location, location is first - walk to the wonderful Spice Alley, a bit longer walk to Carriageworks Sat mkt, plus more. Design next - an old building repurposed with superb style, retaining original as much as possible. All required room facilities available, clean and spacious. Friendly helpful reception hosts, but bar hosts less so.

If I ever designed a hotel, it’d probably have my own personal twist of what The Old Clare nails, which truly is, pretty much everything. This place isn’t just a hotel — it’s a character. It’s intentional. It’s warm. It’s personal. It’s the kind of place that gives you four different chairs in your room and invites you to find your favourite. The guest book with Polaroids? Chef’s kiss. The vinyl library? Yes, please. A robe-friendly breakfast where they offer blankets when it’s cold out? Magic. My wife and I came to decompress, to be still and present — and The Old Clare gave us a space where we didn’t feel the need to escape or venture out. It felt like a home, not a hotel. Easily one of the most thoughtful and quietly magical stays we’ve ever had. The little things mattered here. The vibe mattered. We mattered.