Planning a stay in Maclean, New South Wales? This guide focuses on The Maclean Hotel, a heritage pub-hotel on the Clarence River, and compares it with other local options using verified review data. The Maclean Hotel, opened in 1903 according to Trip.com, sits at 28 River Street opposite the river, a location praised by Visit NSW as “a beautiful old hotel in the heart of downtown Maclean.”

Last checked: 2026-09-08

The Maclean Hotel: Bistro and entertainment venue; rates from AU

Planning a stay in Maclean, New South Wales? This guide focuses on The Maclean Hotel, a heritage pub-hotel on the Clarence River, and compares it with other local options using verified review data. The Maclean Hotel, opened in 1903 according to Trip.com, sits at 28 River Street opposite the river, a location praised by Visit NSW as “a beautiful old hotel in the heart of downtown Maclean.”

40/night on TripAdvisor · Argyle Hotel Maclean: Hotel bar and restaurant with wide verandas and Clarence River views · Club Maclean Motel: Only motel in Maclean town centre; opened 2018 adjacent to bowling club · Maclean hotels on Booking.com: Prices start from US$66 per night

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-09-08.

Sources reviewed: official hotel website, Booking.com listing, Expedia listing, Trip.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Visit NSW tourism page, Trivago listing, ABN Lookup.

No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were conducted.

Snapshot of Maclean’s top accommodation options

1 The Maclean Hotel
2 Maclean hotel pricing overview
  • Starting rate at The Maclean Hotel: from AU$140 per night on TripAdvisor
  • Lowest rate across Maclean hotels: from US$66 per night on Booking.com
Property Key details
The Maclean Hotel Bistro and entertainment venue; rates from AU$140/night on TripAdvisor; 75 reviews on TripAdvisor
Argyle Hotel Maclean Hotel bar and restaurant with wide verandas and Clarence River views (per hotel website)
Club Maclean Motel Only motel in Maclean town centre; opened February 2018 (per motel listing)
Maclean hotels (aggregate) Prices start from US$66 per night on Booking.com

Maclean hotel history

The Maclean Hotel first opened its doors in 1903, according to Trip.com. The building has served as a local hub for dining, entertainment, and accommodation for over a century. Visit NSW calls it “a beautiful old hotel in the heart of downtown Maclean,” noting its position on the bank of the Clarence River. The hotel’s website states it is open seven days a week and lists a bistro as a key feature.

For another heritage pub-hotel review, see Royal Hotel Ryde: Pub Menu, Accommodation & Reviews.

Historical significance of Maclean hotels

Maclean’s identity as a Scottish town—with pipe bands, tartan street decorations, and the annual Highland Gathering—is reflected in its historic pubs. The Maclean Hotel’s heritage character, wide verandas, and riverfront setting align with the town’s late-19th‑century settlement patterns. The newer Club Maclean Motel, which opened in February 2018 adjacent to the bowling club, represents a more modern motor inn style aimed at travellers who want a straightforward overnight stay.

The bottom line: The Maclean Hotel anchors the town’s hospitality history, while Club Maclean Motel fills a more recent, budget‑oriented niche.

Maclean hotel menu and prices

The Maclean Hotel’s bistro offers pub-style meals, with Visit NSW describing it as “perfectly positioned on the main street of Maclean opposite the Clarence River.” Room rates start from AU$140 per night according to TripAdvisor, which also shows a price range of about US$81–$91. Booking.com lists Maclean hotels starting from US$66 per night, offering budget-conscious travellers an entry‑level option.

What is on the bistro menu at the Maclean Hotel?

While a detailed menu is not published online, the hotel’s website confirms a bistro operation, and Visit NSW describes it as a “hotel bistro” serving meals. The property is listed as having a restaurant on Booking.com, alongside a bar, beer garden with river views, and shared kitchenette facilities.

Price range for rooms at the Maclean Hotel

On TripAdvisor, reviewers report a typical price range of US$81–$91 per night for a standard room. The hotel also offers shared‑bathroom options and kitchenette units, as noted on Expedia and TripAdvisor.

Why this matters: With rates from AU$140 and a budget entry at US$66, Maclean accommodates both mid‑range and thrifty travellers.

Does Argyle Hotel Maclean have a restaurant?

Yes, Argyle Hotel Maclean is described as a “Hotel Bar & Restaurant” on its website, featuring wide verandas with views of the Clarence River. The hotel’s bar area is a social hub for locals and visitors, and food service is a regular part of the offering. No detailed menu or price list was available from the sources we reviewed, so the full range of dining options remains unconfirmed. The hotel’s operating entity, Argyle Hotel Maclean Pty Ltd, is listed on ABN Lookup.

What dining options does Argyle Hotel offer?

The hotel’s web listing emphasises a bar and restaurant setup, consistent with the historic pub‑hotel style common in the Clarence Valley. Given the proximity to the river, the veranda seating is a draw for casual meals and drinks.

Is there a bar at Argyle Hotel?

Yes, the bar is a core part of the operation. As a traditional hotel bar, it serves drinks and likely light meals, though no separate bar menu was found.

Editor’s note: The Argyle Hotel Maclean’s restaurant status is confirmed by its own web presence, but we did not independently verify the hours or current menu.

What is there to do in Maclean, NSW?

Maclean is famously known as the “Scottish Town in Australia,” with tartan street decorations, a pipe band, and annual Highland Gatherings. The Clarence River runs through the town, offering fishing, kayaking, and scenic walks. The Maclean Hotel’s beer garden and the Argyle Hotel’s verandas provide views of the river, while the nearby bowling club (adjacent to Club Maclean Motel) hosts local events.

Scottish heritage attractions in Maclean

The town’s Scottish identity is visible in its street signage, the Maclean Highland Gathering (held each Easter), and the Maclean Pipe Band. Visitors can walk the main street to see tartan‑patterned street poles and visit the Maclean & District Historical Society museum.

Clarence River activities

The river is central to Maclean’s appeal. Guests at The Maclean Hotel can enjoy river views from the beer garden, and the town’s riverbank park is a short walk away. Fishing charters and boat ramps are available in the area.

Bowling club and local events

The Maclean Bowling Club is adjacent to Club Maclean Motel. It offers lawn bowls, a bistro, and regular social events. The motel’s central location makes it a convenient base for club activities.

Catch: Most activities are seasonal or dependent on event schedules; check local tourism sites for current happenings.

Comparison of Maclean accommodation options

Hotel name Starting price per night On-site dining Key feature Review count (TripAdvisor)
The Maclean Hotel AU$140 (TripAdvisor) Yes – bistro & bar Heritage riverfront pub 75 reviews
Argyle Hotel Maclean Not available Yes – bar & restaurant Wide verandas, Clarence River views Not available
Club Maclean Motel from US$66 (Booking.com, all Maclean hotels) No (adjacent to bowling club bistro) Modern motel, town centre Not available

Pros and cons of each option

The Maclean Hotel

Pros: Heritage character, river views, on-site bistro, live music (per Trivago). Family rooms and shared kitchenette available. For another pub with live-music nights, see Wallaby Hotel Reviews: Live Music and Dining Experience.

Cons: Shared bathroom options; limited check-in hours (2–10 PM per Expedia); no after-hours check-in.

Argyle Hotel Maclean

Pros: Restaurant and bar on site; wide verandas with river views; central location.

Cons: Limited review data; unclear room types and pricing.

Club Maclean Motel

Pros: Modern rooms; adjacent to bowling club; likely lower rates.

Cons: No on-site restaurant; fewer character features; opened only in 2018 so limited historical charm.

Best for each traveller type

  • Families: The Maclean Hotel offers family rooms, a game room, and a shared kitchenette (TripAdvisor).
  • Couples: Both The Maclean and Argyle hotels have river-view beer gardens and bars, but The Maclean Hotel has more detailed reviews – couples scored its location 8.0 on Booking.com.
  • Budget travellers: Club Maclean Motel or the lowest rates on Booking.com (from US$66) are best; shared‑bathroom rooms at The Maclean Hotel also keep costs down.
  • History enthusiasts: The Maclean Hotel (1903) and the Argyle Hotel (early‑20th‑century character) offer the most heritage appeal.

Pricing bands

  • Budget: US$66–$80 per night – available on Booking.com for Maclean hotels (likely Club Maclean Motel or shared rooms).
  • Mid‑range: US$81–$91 per night – typical standard room at The Maclean Hotel (TripAdvisor).
  • Premium: Above AU$140 per night – suites or river-view rooms at The Maclean Hotel on peak dates.

Location and getting to Maclean

Maclean is situated on the Clarence River in northern New South Wales, approximately 650 km north of Sydney and 220 km south of Brisbane. The Pacific Highway (A1) runs through the town, making it easily reachable by car. NSW TrainLink operates regular services to Maclean station, and bus services connect to Grafton and Yamba. The three main hotels are all within a 10‑minute walk of the town centre.

Our pick

For first‑time visitors, heritage enthusiasts, and those wanting a central location: The Maclean Hotel. It combines heritage character (1903 building), a lively bistro and bar, Clarence River views, and the highest review count on TripAdvisor (75 reviews). The availability of family rooms, free WiFi, and free parking makes it a convenient base for exploring Maclean’s Scottish town attractions.

“Offering beautiful views of the Clarence River from the on-site beer garden, this heritage listed building is located in the center of Maclean.”

— Booking.com, travel booking platform

“The Maclean Hotel is a beautiful old hotel in the heart of downtown Maclean.”

— Visit NSW, regional tourism body
Additional sources

tripadvisor.com, booking.com, ar.tripadvisor.com, goibibo.com, skyscanner.com, booking.com, hotelscombined.com.au, tripadvisor.com, argylehotel.com.au, danielhickeymedia.com

Frequently asked questions

Does the Maclean Hotel have a bistro?

Yes, its website lists a bistro operation, and Visit NSW confirms it as a hotel bistro.

What is the starting price for the Maclean Hotel?

From AU$140 per night according to TripAdvisor, with a typical standard‑room range of US$81–$91.

How many reviews does the Maclean Hotel have on TripAdvisor?

75 reviews as of the latest data.

What makes Argyle Hotel unique?

Wide verandas with Clarence River views, a bar and restaurant, and a classic pub‑hotel atmosphere.

When did Club Maclean Motel open?

February 2018.