A heritage brewery turned rooftop retreat in Sydney

In Sydney’s Chippendale district, The Old Clare feels like a hotel with a past you can still sense in the walls. Set inside a former student pub and the old Carlton and United Breweries headquarters, it blends industrial character, art deco details and a distinctly local energy into something that feels far more original than a standard city stay. You arrive for the design and the location, but stay for the atmosphere, where old Sydney stories meet a polished, contemporary rhythm.

The Old Clare has 69 rooms and suites, and each one balances comfort with character. Some are better suited to guests who prefer walk-in showers, while many others come with generous tubs made for lingering after a day in the city. The suites are where the heritage spirit becomes even more memorable, with striking period details and a more residential sense of space. For guests who enjoy a stay with a story, the hotel offers a rare mix of design, history and humour.

One of the standout features is the rooftop pool, a lap pool set high above the streets on timber decking with open city views. In summer, it becomes one of those places you end up returning to more than once, especially with the rooftop bar nearby for a post-swim drink. It brings a welcome sense of escape to the middle of Sydney, with just enough buzz to remind you that the city is still right below.