With its seemingly endless strip of sand and crystal clear, rolling waves, the beach at Surfers Paradise does not disappoint. Neither does Peppers Soul. It’s all about luxury and ocean views at this upmarket accommodation option which is located in a prime position directly across the road from the Gold Coast’s most famous beach. Peppers Soul has 77 floors and offers a choice of one, two, and three bedroom self-contained apartments. There are two sets of lifts with the second starting at Level 40 which cuts down the wait time at check in and check out and when the hotel is busy.

We stayed in a Two Bedroom Ocean View Apartment which had not one but two balconies. One had a six-seater dining table and day bed and the other adjoined our son’s bedroom which had two single beds. The master bedroom had a king size bed, a bathroom with a large tub and shower, and double sinks with plenty of storage. The living area came with an open plan kitchen, dishwasher, six-seater dining table, and a large fridge with a chilled water dispenser and an ice maker. There was also a full size dryer and front loader washing machine tucked away in a cupboard. We only checked in for two nights but Peppers Soul would be ideal for a longer stay.

Peppers Soul had the best view of any hotel that I’ve stayed at on the Gold Coast. Even better, you don’t need to be on a super-high floor to enjoy it. Check out the photos below of the view from our room on Level 22 which is nowhere near the top of the hotel. This is the Gold Coast as you’ve never seen it before, with views stretching from Byron Bay to Brisbane. Even if you’re nowhere near the top of the hotel, surf lifesaving helicopters will probably still fly past lower than your room.

We slept very well here and the sound proofing was excellent, especially given the hotel’s prime location in the heart of the action, a few steps away from the Cavill Mall. This pedestrian-only precinct is lined with restaurants, fast food outlets, shops, and entertainment options. Along with Ripley’s Believe It or Not you will find the world’s largest Timezone along with a supermarket, fashion stores, fast food joints and pretty much anything else you could possibly want for a great family holiday. We browsed the stalls at the Surfers Paradise Market one evening which was conveniently located right on our doorstep.

If you’re getting picked up by a tour bus or waiting for friends, the elegant lobby area on the ground floor has plush armchairs and ample seating. There is also a covered porte cochere where vehicles can pull up to drop off guests or collect them with ease. Onsite parking is available in the basement and is complimentary, a welcome surprise given the prime location of this hotel. We had a bit of trouble working out the lifts in the carpark when we arrived (some only go to certain levels or are service lifts) but we eventually made it to reception on Level 2 and received a warm welcome from the staff on the front desk. 

Peppers Soul has a stylish elegance that has little in common with the occasionally tacky over-the-top razzle dazzle of Surfers Paradise. The Gold Coast’s theme parks might be less than 15 minutes away by car but we were all more than happy to stay at the hotel and enjoy our luxurious surrounds and the extensive guest facilities. Our favourite was the large infinity pool which had a fantastic view of the beach. You’ll also find two shallow kid’s pools and a heated spa in this area plus deck chairs with side tables to put a drink on.

On the opposite side of the outdoor pool deck we discovered a large indoor swimming and relaxation area. This had a heated swimming pool that was large enough to swim laps in, several indoor spas, a steam room and sauna. There’s also a lovely indoor/outdoor deck with umbrellas, deck chairs, and tables and chairs. Our room was ready when we arrived but if it hadn’t been, we would have picked up takeaway and enjoyed it here.

If you are self-catering there is a large herb garden on this level as well. Pick some fresh herbs and add them to scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast on your balcony overlooking the beach. Don’t miss the sign near the herb garden which tells you how to reach the Secret Garden. This lush roof top oasis has beautiful outdoor entertaining and relaxation areas scented with frangipani and shiny gas barbeques for guests to use. If the weather had been better, we would have cooked lunch or dinner on the barbeque and enjoyed it at one of the tables here.

On our last day at Peppers Soul we dropped into Hyde Paradiso for lunch. This light-filled dining venue combines the glamour of LA with the chic laidback vibe of a Mediterranean resort. The staff were charming and friendly, the food was deliciously authentic and the decor displayed the effortless style of a glamorous Italian women enjoying a relaxing seaside break. The wet weather was less impressive but this didn’t stop us ordering a glass of wine and enjoying the view while we waited for lunch to arrive. 

Share plates are the order of the day at Hyde Paradiso (and also the cocktails if the frosty glasses of tropical deliciousness ordered by the girls on the next table are anything to go by). Our meal began with garlic prawns served with Spanish butter and bread to soak up the delicious sauce and a bowl of popcorn mushrooms. Cape Grim ribeye steak with chimichurri was a standout for mains. Grilled Portuguese chicken that was spicy without being too hot and our son’s porcini and truffle risotto also hit the spot.

Peppers Soul is an excellent choice for families, couples and groups of friends wanting it all for their Gold Coast stay. Everything Surfers Paradise has to offer is located directly downstairs but you’re far enough away to feel like you’re in your own little piece of paradise.

Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of Peppers Soul. She would not hesitate to stay at this hotel again at her own expense.

Looking for some Gold Coast accommodation? Read our reviews of the Hilton Surfers Paradise, Oaks Calypso Plaza, The Darling, Surfers Paradise Marriott, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, The Star Grand, voco Gold Coast, Wyndham Hotel Surfers Paradise, AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences, Rydges Gold Coast Airport, Oaks Gold Coast Hotel, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, and the retro La Costa Motel. If you’re visiting the Gold Coast, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to the Gold Coast.