STAY > Villa Abbazia, Follina Italy (17/20 points)

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The images on Accor site do make The Clarence Hotel look really smart with a modern designs and rooms that have plenty of space. After a massive renovation completed in December 2024, the hotel reopened and it looked ideal for our quick weekend in Sydney.

We took advantage of an Accor Plus offer (you pay an annual fee $399 which provides you some discounts at Accor properties and also one night of accomodation a year, subject to availability feels like a good deal or maybe not).

Arriving at the hotel the first thing you notice is it is just a doorway with a modest sign. The reception is tiny and there is only one lift, it is a small boutique property. On check in the person on the desk commented on the fact we had used our bonus night like we were getting a special upgrade (hardly given we pay the annual fee $399, not sure we will do that again). The room provided was on the first floor opposite the gym and made with special access for those needing the grab bars and bathroom safety but definitely not for those hoping to see the smart bathrooms in the pictures.

We had a car and discussed the option of parking with the desk manager (there is only one person there) he told us to use the parking voucher which he quoted as $65 for parking, frustrating as the value of that parking was actually $30 (it tells you as you leave) feels like a ripoff.

The mini bar doesn’t offer much, there is a coffee machine (Nespresso) which was good and the bed was fine. But returning after dinner the noise coming from the numerous bars and pubs, including The Duke of Clarence, Baxter Lounge etc which stays open until 12:30am on weeknights and 2am on weekends. The noise from these establishments permeates the hotel rooms, particularly those facing the street. Despite the hotel’s claims of soundproofing, the late-night revelry and early morning street activity made for disrupted sleep.

A reminder that we were located in a room right opposite the gym (which looked quite good, but we did not visit it), came at 5.50 on Sunday morning, when someone banged the door and started smashing the weights round.

LIMITED >

Despite being marketed as a boutique hotel, The Clarence currently lacks its own restaurant or bar facilities. Something might be coming but there is nothing now. This absence is particularly noticeable given the hotel’s price point and the expectation of in-house dining options. Guests must venture out for all meals and drinks, which may be inconvenient for business travellers or those preferring the convenience of on-site dining. There was some indication that this is temporary and due to it just being launched but there is not a lot of obvious space options so we will wait and see.

STINKY >

Perhaps most concerning was the sewage smell that permeated my room in the morning. This issue appears to be more than an isolated incident, as similar problems have been reported. The odor was very unpleasant (raw sewage)and significantly detracted from the overall experience. While the hotel staff was responsive when notified, the smell lingered and made the morning routine rather unpleasant. The fragrance used throughout the hotel didn’t appear to totally cover up that smell!

CONCLUSION >

Yep it was disappointing. So much so I thought maybe just don’t bother to write the review, but then you would not get the full picture and while this maybe the worst review we have ever given a hotel, it was entirely adequate. On the positive side, The Clarence does offer comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, and a prime location for exploring Sydney and the bustling Clarence street with great restaurants and speakeasy’s.

For travellers considering The Clarence, I would recommend requesting a room away from the street side and being prepared for the lack of in-house dining options. The hotel has potential but currently falls short of providing the peaceful, full-service experience that many travellers expect at this price point.