The Old Clare by Ode Hotels

One of the main reasons we booked this property was the pool. We wanted a holiday where we could use the pool in a morning to relax or in an afternoon to cool off. Sadly we where not informed that the pool was closed 1 afternoon for a private pool party, and closed 1 morning while an interview was being filmed there. No staff informed us of this when checking into the property, or when booking.

The hotel itself is lovely, great rooms and a fantastic location. However, if you are paying a little bit extra for a place with a pool, its really better to look elsewhere.

Historic building with a funky retro styling. Clean room but windows very dirty on the outside which was a shame. Staff very friendly and a convenient location for everywhere.

If you are into designer boutique unique hotels this one is for you. On top of that it is the team’s friendliness that will make you feel special and it would bring you back here again and again.
Thank you TOCH team!

Great place to stay centrally located in Sydbey

Boutique hotel that's only 10 years old but already showing it's age. Some design elements quite dated and room basics like cupboards and carpets show wear and tear. Light switches and aircon control poorly located in the loft room that I booked. I was expecting luxury from the photos, but the reality felt like a 3~4 star hotel, not 5 star.

This hotel is centrally located with walking distance to everything.
Still has the feel of a small hotel while being in the middle of the action, across the street from spice alley where you can always find a bite to eat. Yesterday went to a rugby match and walked all the way back to the hotel.

Conveniently located, interesting enough decor

We absolutely loved our stay at the Old Clare! The hotel was beautiful, spotless, and full of character, and the staff couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful. The free breakfast at TOCH was a highlight as it was delicious and worth every bit of the add-on (it was something we looked forward to each morning!). Our Connell room was fantastic, with super comfortable beds, lovely robes and slippers, and luxurious shower products that felt like a real treat. The location, just steps from Central Station, made exploring Sydney and beyond quick and easy. We also loved the Polaroid guest book; a thoughtful and charming touch that made the experience even more memorable. This hotel exceeded our expectations, and we’ll gladly stay here again on our next trip to Sydney!

Highly recommended

Great hotel. Walking distance (20 mins stroll) to ICC. Definitely will stay again.

I arrived early and asked if I could leave my bags while I went and explored. They agreed and even offered to upgrade me for aud$100, I declined as there was no need but the offer was appreciated.

My room was lovely, a little noisy at night due to it being next to the bars but nothing unbearable.
Room was clean and was a nice bit of luxury.

Breakfast was a là carté, not the most amazing but when I asked if I could replace a few items as I am vegetarian - they did happily.

They have a gym and swimming pool which I knew about but didn't mention when I checked in. The gym is small with 2 running machines, 1 glider, a bench to do weights, multiple weights, ball and unfortunately a broken bike.

They have the eco-friendly offer of where you decline having your room cleaned, they give you $10 credit per day but it seems you're only allowed to use it in their bar only
I had an early flight and wasn't going to make breakfast (7am to 10.30am) and asked if it was possible to pre-order. They offered a breakfast box and asked what time I would like it. I mentioned 5.30am, double checked again in the afternoon but another person was on reception and they said they couldn't see any note requesting this. So he added a note and when I checked out, another person was on reception and she double checked with the kitchen where they seemed to be unaware and started preparing the box. The box turned out to be a bag with a granola cup with berries and yogurt.
Great location and nearby food opts

Great unique boutique hotel, loved the comfy plush bed! Loved the room layout! Loved everything - location was aces- only problem I saw was when I dropped something and had to look under the bed- it was caked in dust! If you guys clean under your beds you’d be epic - I’d have given five stars for cleanliness then!

In short, we stayed three nights, had one business event. The events team and reception are on two different planets, the hotel is average at best and the customer service was reluctant and stingy.

First off, there's woeful signage. We were dropped out the front of what looked like a standard pub. Nothing to tell us how to find reception, and we had to just wander around to find it. The staff in the pub didn't help. We had five huge bags with us, no one lifted a finger.

When we finally stumbled into reception to an unmanned desk and waited, the manager finally appeared. We were then told he could not find our accommodation reservations, even though he had our event booking. We had to get our laptops out and go through our emails to find 'proof' we'd spoken with the events team to book accommodation. He was so dismissive and rude, he could hardly hold eye contact. He would not apologies or attempt to make us feel better. I was trying to joke around a bit to try and lighten the mood, he wasn't having it. He made a big deal about how he was going to put our accommodation through as no charge, EVEN THOUGH WE HAD PAID up front and had the proof on our laptops. It was rude, unnecessarily so and pointless. We had booked, they had screwed up.

We then get no communication about any of this on monday from the events people, clearly the manager on the desk didn't do a thing about anything after we went to our rooms. I had to tell her what had happened. She didn't care much anyway.

Then our event was on Tuesday. Everything we'd arranged with them, the food, the lunches, none of it happened. Yes, we had one staff member doing coffees who was terrific, but that was it. We had to try and just manage with nothing for our clients and we ordered lunch because the staff knew nothing of it. At the end of the day I wanted a drink for my exhausted husband and they wouldn't even allow that because it was 'tea and coffee only', even after they didn't deliver on any of our food requests that were supposed to be included in our $1000 room hire for 7 hours. One room. One staff member and 6 coffees. The staff member went to the same manager who'd put us through the drama on the Sunday night and he reluctantly allowed ONE non coffee or tea drink. I felt like a beggar. I would have paid. There's just no reason to behave like this.

Also, all the coffees and teas we had the entire time, including IN ROOM DINING were delivered in paper cups with plastic lids. What??

I did mention all of this to the events team. They arranged for an apology note in the room and exactly two 'house wine only' drinks vouchers. Haha. Whatever.

The rooms are ok, I would really like to throttle whoever thought that putting glass around a toilet as walls is a good idea. It's revolting. But the bed was comfortable and the room service was quick and hot-ish.

I'm so confused. We stayed at the sister hotel the Incholm in Brisbane and did exactly the same thing, stayed and had an event with clients. It went off without a hitch and the staff were all terrific. I don't know what'd going on with this place.

The location is good. The building itself if quite lovely. The staff. That's the issue. And a fish rots from the head. The one woman who took our tea and coffee orders was the best part of the entire stay. How silly. I'm sure I'll not hear from them, the manager didn't care on the day he's not going to care now.

Especially given how dire the hospo industry is at the moment. I'm stunned they don't make an effort. All my clients are wedding photographers who can recommend venues to their clients, and then you guys behave like this???? Hahah. Ok.

Won't return.

Stunning. Quirky and dramatic appointments. Luxury bath in the middle of the room. An experience more than a stay.

Julie

Once again TOCH has done it right, and i would say superb with the changes ever since i stay there 7months ago.
Personal touches such as the memory book that allowed us to write a piece of our thoughts at the lobby with lollies ? Oh that’s just a way to win my heart!

Big thanks to everyone in the team especially front office , you know who you are 🙆🏻
Nat at Reservation, and ofcos not forgetting grace!

You guys really made my graduation trip a blast full of surprises and a memorable one that i would keep for life!

Coming back to toch was like coming back to my second home… 🏠

Room was in superb condition and service was great!!

With that, the best hotel ever and it will forever be my number 1!

yours truthfully,
Hong

Beds are super comfy, area is trendy and efficient access to areas around Sydney. Lots of nice places to eat and drink.

Convenient location but very noisy property. Don’t recommend if you’re a light sleeper.

Lovely hotel, great location near the main station.

Had a lovely one night stay. Swam in the rooftop pool after a walk in darling harbour, and enjoyed an amazing breakfast.

Would definitely stay again.

Such a delightful stay! Fernanda was so caring and the room so clean, quiet and welcoming. I was able to recover quickly from my jetlag.
Breakfast is also a gourmet treat.
I really enjoyed it
Thank you!