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Summary of reviewsShadow Play by Peppers, located in Melbourne's Southbank, has received a wealth of positive feedback from its guests. Its prime location is frequently lauded for its convenience and proximity to key attractions such as the Crown Casino, Melbourne Exhibition Centre and South Bank Promenade. Guests appreciate the short walks to the free tram zone, excellent public transport connectivity and easy access to Melbourne’s CBD and Botanical Gardens. The hotel’s surroundings offer both comfort and convenience, featuring modern, clean and spacious rooms with a welcoming aromatic ambiance. The friendly and attentive staff have garnered repeated praise for contributing to a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.
The breakfast experience is largely positive with many guests praising the excellent quality, delicious food and good variety. Some critiques exist regarding the limited buffet options and additional costs for extras, but many travelers found the breakfast to be a lovely highlight of their stay.
Rooms at Shadow Play by Peppers are modern, clean and well-appointed, equipped with amenities ideal for both short and extended stays. The comfortable beds, soundproof rooms and excellent amenities including kitchenettes, an outdoor heated pool, sauna and steam room, contribute to an inviting atmosphere. A few guests noted that some bedrooms and bathrooms felt small, but the majority were pleased with the spacious, comfortable and well-maintained accommodations.
Cleanliness is a standout feature of Shadow Play by Peppers. Guests often note the high standards of cleanliness throughout the hotel, including both rooms and shared spaces. Families enjoy the pristine Level 9 facilities, such as the heated pool, which are especially appreciated. The hotel's modern and comfortable ambiance, combined with a delightful fragrance in the corridors and welcoming staff, further enhance the guest experience.
The exceptional service provided by the staff significantly contributes to the hotel’s positive reviews. Words like friendly, helpful and accommodating frequently surface in guest feedback. The staff’s dedication to service, including their warm interactions and willingness to go the extra mile, is a notable highlight of many stays.
While the pool area receives mixed feedback due to its smaller size, families find it appealing and well-maintained. The heated pool, sauna and steam room add a pleasant touch, although some guests feel these areas could benefit from revitalization.
Parking presents a few challenges, as the hotel lacks on-site parking. Guests often find the valet parking service expensive and tricky, but nearby alternatives like the Crown Casino's flat-rate parking offer workable solutions.
For families, the spacious two-bedroom apartments and the overall family-friendly amenities make Shadow Play by Peppers a great choice. The clean rooms, comfort of the beds and accommodating staff ensure an enjoyable stay.
Overall, Shadow Play by Peppers excels in providing a premium feel at budget-friendly rates with standout service, modern amenities and a prime location making it a highly recommended destination. Show more
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Hotel with Swimming Pool
This hotel has an outdoor heated pool with views of Southbank and Melbourne. It also offers modern rooms and is located in a central area.
Heated Pool Panoramic View Pool Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Gym
This hotel offers a fitness center with modern equipment and a stylish design. It provides a comfortable and motivating workout environment.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Shadow Play by Peppers features an outdoor heated pool on Level 9 with city views. Guests can also find a sauna, steam room, gymnasium, and an outdoor BBQ area on the same level.
Hotel with Heated Pool
Shadow Play by Peppers offers an outdoor heated pool on Level 9, providing panoramic city views for guests. The pool area is complemented by a sauna and steam room, offering a complete wellness experience. An outdoor BBQ area with city views is also available.
Luxury Hotel
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
5-Star Hotel
Hotel with Panoramic View Pool
Room Types
One-Bedroom ApartmentThis apartment comes with 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. In the well-fitted kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The apartment features air conditioning, a washing machine, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Two-Bedroom ApartmentThis apartment is comprised of 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. In the fully equipped kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The air-conditioned apartment offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a washing machine, soundproof walls and a tea and coffee maker. The unit offers 2 beds.
Two-Bedroom Corner ApartmentThis apartment comes with 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchen, which features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The apartment features air conditioning, a washing machine, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 2 beds.
Two-Bedroom Two-Bathroom ApartmentThe air-conditioned apartment has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. Meals can be prepared in the kitchen, which has a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The apartment features tiled floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a washing machine, soundproof walls, as well as a tea and coffee maker. The unit has 2 beds.
Three Bedroom PenthouseThis spacious apartment consists of 1 living room, 3 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. In the well-equipped kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The apartment provides air conditioning, a washing machine, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 3 beds.
One Bedroom Deluxe - Weekly HousekeepingThis apartment consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The fully equipped kitchen has a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. This apartment is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a washing machine, soundproof walls and a tea and coffee maker. The unit offers 1 bed.
Two Bedroom Corner Deluxe - Weekly HousekeepingThis apartment consists of 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. In the fully equipped kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The apartment provides air conditioning, a washing machine, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 3 beds.
Two Bedroom Two Bathroom Deluxe - Weekly Housekeeping This apartment comes with 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchen, which features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The apartment features air conditioning, a washing machine, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 3 beds.
Two Bedroom Deluxe - Weekly Housekeeping This apartment features 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. Meals can be prepared in the kitchen, which has a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The apartment features air conditioning, a washing machine, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 3 beds.
Three Bedroom Penthouse - Weekly HousekeepingThis spacious apartment comprises 1 living room, 3 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. In the kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The air-conditioned apartment provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a washing machine, soundproof walls and a tea and coffee maker. The unit offers 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Shadow Play by Peppers enjoys a prime location, consistently praised by guests for its convenience and proximity to key attractions in Melbourne. Nestled in Southbank, it offers easy walking access to the Crown Casino, South Wharf and various dining options along the Yarra River. Many reviews highlight the hotel's closeness to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and the South Bank Promenade, making it a perfect choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Guests appreciate the short walks to the free tram zone and the overall excellent connectivity via public transport, enabling swift movement around the city. The hotel's position also allows for effortless access to Melbourne’s CBD and the Botanical Gardens, enhancing its appeal for those wanting to explore the vibrant city life.
Besides its excellent location, the hotel stands out for its clean, modern and spacious rooms with an aromatic ambiance noted by visitors. The friendly and attentive staff are frequently mentioned, contributing to a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. Proximity to a supermarket and the quiet yet central setting further add to the property’s allure, providing both comfort and convenience for a range of guests.
Breakfast
Shadow Play by Peppers offers a breakfast experience that has received a mix of reviews. Many guests rave about the excellent, delicious and amazing quality of the breakfast dishes, emphasizing that the food is very well cooked and presented nicely. Several reviewers mentioned that the breakfast was great with a good variety and was lovely, making it a highlight of their stay.
However, some guests found the breakfast options to be limited and not up to the expectation of a buffet style with reports of basic offerings and additional costs for extras. Service speed and clarity on how the menu works also came up as areas needing improvement. Despite some critiques on value and portion size, those who dined generally found the food to be nice and, in many cases, fabulous.
For travelers prioritizing a quality morning meal, Shadow Play by Peppers provides an overall positive breakfast experience, although room for enhancement remains.
Rooms
Shadow Play by Peppers presents modern, clean and beautifully appointed rooms that have resonated well with guests. The rooms, described as apartments, come equipped with essential amenities such as dishwashers, fridges, washing machines and dryers, making them ideal for short stays. Most patrons found the rooms to be spacious, comfortable and very well-maintained. The cleanliness and comfort of the beds were particularly praised and many found the living areas, including the lounge areas and balconies, to be lovely and inviting.
The hotel's self-catering facilities, such as kitchenettes and well-equipped kitchens, enhance the stay, ensuring guests have everything they need. Guests also appreciated the modern aesthetics and the upscale vibe of the interiors, describing the rooms as stunning and well-designed. Adding to the allure are the soundproof rooms and the excellent amenities, including an outdoor heated pool, sauna and steam room.
However, there were consistent mentions about the small size of some bedrooms and bathrooms with several guests feeling cramped. Despite this, most found the rooms comfortable and the overall experience satisfactory. The hotel’s location, close to the exhibition center and offering pleasant views, adds to its appeal.
On the service front, the staff were mentioned positively, contributing to an overall pleasant stay. For families, the two-room layouts and child-friendly aspects were beneficial, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable environment.
In conclusion, Shadow Play by Peppers offers modern, comfortable and well-equipped apartments that are perfect for both short and extended stays, despite some concerns about room size. The excellent amenities and prime location further enhance its appeal.
Beds
Shadow Play by Peppers has garnered mixed feedback regarding its beds, but the majority of guests have positive things to say. Many reviews highlight the exceptional comfort of the beds with adjectives like "amazing," "very comfy," and "super comfortable" frequently mentioned. Guests also appreciated the cleanliness of the sheets and the overall pleasant experience of their sleep.
On the downside, there are a few detractors who found the beds either too hard or too soft and some even reported discomfort due to structural issues. Despite these occasional critiques, the overall sentiment leans towards satisfaction with the comfort of the beds, complemented by commendable amenities such as good bathroom and kitchen facilities. Guests generally felt that the comfort of the beds was a significant positive aspect of their stay.
Cleanliness
Shadow Play by Peppers impresses with its high standards of cleanliness, mentioned frequently in guest reviews. The entire hotel, including rooms and shared spaces, is noted to be exceptionally clean and tidy. Guests also appreciate the modern and comfortable ambiance, complemented by a delightful fragrance in the corridors, moody lighting and relaxing sounds.
Families, in particular, find the Level 9 facilities enjoyable with highlights like a heated pool getting special mention. The spacious and pristine rooms provide a welcoming retreat with fresh and comfortable beds that contribute to a restful stay. Visitors appreciate the seamless combination of cleanliness and modern amenities, enhancing their overall experience.
While most reviews praise the hotel's immaculate condition, there are occasional mentions of isolated issues. A few guests found the cleanliness lacking upon first arrival but noted improvements with subsequent room changes.
The staff's dedication to service is another standout feature, frequently described as friendly, accommodating and going above and beyond. With its great location, excellent customer service and welcoming atmosphere, Shadow Play by Peppers ensures a pleasant and comfortable stay for its guests.
Staff
The reviews for Shadow Play by Peppers unanimously highlight the exceptional service provided by the hotel staff. Words like friendly, helpful, accommodating and welcoming feature prominently, illustrating that guests consistently find the staff to be approachable and eager to assist. They are commended not just for their warm interactions but also for going above and beyond in various situations, from carrying bags to ensuring rooms are impeccably cleaned daily.
Guests specifically note that the customer service is phenomenal and that individual staff members, such as Brett and Kerensa, stand out for their exceptional service. Even during night shifts, receptionists maintain a friendly and helpful demeanor.
Despite some isolated issues, such as dissatisfaction with the bond process or check-in experience, the overarching sentiment remains highly positive. Staff are frequently described as lovely, amazing and professional, contributing significantly to an enjoyable stay. Their efforts enhance the overall atmosphere of the hotel, reinforced by the great location and clean facilities.
Overall, the friendliness and dedication of the staff at Shadow Play by Peppers significantly contribute to the positive experiences of its guests, making it a highly recommended destination for those valuing excellent service.
Pool
At Shadow Play by Peppers, guest experiences of the pool area present a mixed bag with a blend of positive and critical insights. Many guests appreciated the convenient and beautiful pool facilities, especially enjoying the fact that the pool is heated, which adds a pleasant touch to the swimming experience. Families noted that kids particularly loved the pool, finding it clean and appealing despite its size.
However, consistent feedback highlights that the pool is notably smaller than what appears in pictures with some guests even describing it as tiny or likening it to a plunge pool. This small size has been described as better suited for children rather than adults and on crowded days or during peak weather, it can feel quite cramped. While the facilities, including the sauna and steam room, were generally applauded, some reviewers also mentioned that both the pool and gym areas could use a bit of revitalization and better maintenance.
In summary, while the pool area at Shadow Play by Peppers offers pleasant, family-friendly features and enjoys a convenient and scenic setting, potential guests should temper their expectations regarding its size and be prepared for occasional overcrowding.
Parking
Shadow Play by Peppers, located in a prime area, offers convenience with a few parking challenges. Guests appreciated the hotel's great location and helpful staff but noted that parking information wasn't always clearly communicated. While parking at the Crown Casino next door was highlighted as an affordable alternative, some found the valet parking service tricky and expensive. There's no on-site parking, so those who don't opt for valet may encounter difficulties. Some bookings included parking, but guests often discovered this only upon arrival. Despite these issues, many found workable solutions like Crown's flat-rate parking.
Family
Located conveniently at Shadow Play by Peppers, the level 9 facilities have been a hit among families, ensuring enjoyment for all ages. Visitors praised the spacious two-bedroom apartments, which offer ample space and comfort, making them perfect for families with multiple children. The well-thought-out room layouts cater to family needs, delivering an ideal environment for both short and extended stays.
Guest feedback highlighted the cleanliness of the rooms and the friendliness of the staff, adding to the overall positive experience. Additionally, the hotel staff went above and beyond to accommodate small children, tailoring breakfast meals to meet their specific needs.
While the lack of on-site parking was noted as a minor inconvenience, alternatives such as nearby casino parking helped mitigate this issue. The overall amenities, including clean rooms and comfortable beds, further reinforce that Shadow Play by Peppers is a great choice for family stays.
5 Star
Shadow Play by Peppers receives high praise for its exceptional service and superb facilities. Many guests describe the experience as perfect, highlighting the premium feel available at budget-friendly rates. The hotel is commended for its excellent and friendly staff, ensuring that everything runs smoothly for a memorable stay. While the free in-house movie selection might not cater to all tastes, the overall impression remains overwhelmingly positive with its five-star service and exceptional quality.
Yes, Shadow Play by Peppers has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Panoramic View Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Shadow Play by Peppers.
No, Shadow Play by Peppers doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Shadow Play by Peppers.