I’ve stayed at Clear Mountain several times over the years, through different names and incarnations, so returning to see it reborn as Peppers Clear Mountain felt a little like catching up with an old friend after a very expensive makeover, as you’ll find out in this Peppers Clear Mountain review.
A former Mercure hotel, the property has undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation, emerging as the City of Moreton Bay’s first five-star hotel. But the best thing about the revamp is what hasn’t changed and that’s marvellous feeling of leaving Brisbane behind without having to travel very far.
Set across 20 hectares of bushland, the hotel is close enough, roughly a 30-minute drive) for an easy overnight escape yet high enough to feel like a proper mountain retreat. As the road winds upwards, suburbia falls away, the temperature drops and the landscape opens towards the Glass House Mountains. There are koala crossing signs everywhere along the road, and I was very careful driving at dusk, which is premium koala crossing time.
Peppers Clear Mountain Review – First impressions
This transformation has given Peppers Clear Mountain a convincing mountain-lodge personality. Dark timber, warm neutral tones and handsome lighting flow through the lounge, bar and The Glasshouse Restaurant. A statement fireplace suggests curling up with a drink when Clear Mountain turns chill, and yes, Brisbane does do cold when it puts its mind to it.
The deck views sweep across the Glass House Mountains and, on a clear day, stretch towards Brisbane city. I spent an unreasonable amount of time deciding whether I preferred sitting outside or settling into the very comfortable dining room.
My verdict: breakfast on the deck, lunch inside and drinks wherever the sunset looks best.
Peppers Clear Mountain at a Glance
- Location: Clear Mountain in the City of Moreton Bay, about 35 minutes from Brisbane CBD
- Best for: Couples, Brisbane staycations, relaxed family breaks, weddings and corporate retreats
- Eat & drink: The Glasshouse Restaurant and Bar, with mountain views, a statement fireplace and seasonal produce from the Chef’s Garden
- Hotel highlights: Treetop swimming pool, Stephanie’s day spa on site, lodge-style interiors, pillow menu, blackout curtains and views towards the Glass House Mountains
- Why stay: Escape into peaceful bushland without travelling far from Brisbane and enjoy dinner, drinks and an excellent night’s sleep without driving home.
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My room at Peppers Clear Mountain
I stayed in Room 18, a restful queen room with a small veranda overlooking Lake Samsonvale through the gum trees. Two chairs outside provide an inviting place for morning coffee or a quiet drink, although the minibar is empty apart from milk, so come prepared.
Inside, the room continues the lodge theme with deep-toned timber, neutral furnishings and stylish lamps with a slight 1960s influence. There’s also a day lounge and table, making it somewhere I could comfortably spend time rather than simply sleep.
The queen-sized bed has charging points on both sides, which always earns points from me. I don’t want to crawl under a hotel bed or unplug a lamp just to charge my phone.
The light switches are similarly sensible. They’re simple, easy to find and operate exactly as expected. There’s no complicated master panel that plunges the room into darkness when you’re only trying to turn off one lamp.
The coffee machine is welcome, although the tea selection feels underwhelming. I’d love to see a local Queensland tea or a more considered selection.
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Did I sleep well?
Very well, thank you. The bed was excellent and the down pillows were beautifully soft. There’s a pillow menu, plus two alternative pillows stored in the wardrobe, but I didn’t need either. I woke feeling unusually rested and checked my watch: a sleep score of 97. Whoa!
I had left the blinds open, hoping the sunrise would provide a theatrical start to the morning. The weather declined to cooperate, but Clear Mountain supplied a much better alarm clock.
Magpies, lorikeets and cockatoos chattered in the gum trees while a scrub turkey fossicked below my veranda. Through the branches, I could see Lake Samsonvale in the distance. It was calm, green and wonderfully removed from the noise of Brisbane.
Proper blackout curtains are there for anyone who would prefer the birds to keep their opinions to themselves.
The Bathroom
The bathroom makes a strong first impression, with a large mirror and generous vanity space. The amenities include a sewing kit, a thoughtful inclusion when you need it and don’t want to call reception to ask whether one exists.
The rain shower delivers good pressure, but there’s no handheld alternative. As someone on the shorter side, I find an overhead-only shower slightly awkward, particularly when I don’t want to wash my hair.
My other annoyance is the exhaust fan, which starts whenever the bathroom light is switched on. Sometimes I just want illumination, not the soundtrack of a small aircraft preparing for take-off.
The robes, however, are excellent. They’re plush without being excessively heavy, wide enough to provide decent coverage and light enough to wear throughout the year. Most importantly, I could walk to the onsite Stephanies Mountain Spa in one without worrying about providing unexpected entertainment for the other guests.
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Pool, Spa and Resort Time
The outdoor pool is only a few steps from my room and looks set to become a major attraction during warmer weather. It’s large, framed by new decking and surrounded by sunloungers, with treetops creating a relaxed bushland backdrop.
It’s also positioned far enough from the accommodation that the sound of children enjoying themselves shouldn’t intrude too much on quieter rooms.
A wisteria-covered walkway leads towards the function areas, while a giant chess set adds a playful resort touch. Elsewhere are a billiard room, gym, Serenity Lawn and the spa.
These facilities make Peppers Clear Mountain feel like somewhere to settle in rather than simply use as a base. I could arrive, park the car and happily leave it untouched until checkout.
Dining at The Glasshouse Restaurant
The Glasshouse Restaurant is one of the strongest elements of the transformation.It has the warmth of a lodge dining room without becoming heavy or old-fashioned. Banquette seating, lounge areas, the contemporary bar and statement fireplace give the space a sense of occasion, while the broad windows keep the surrounding landscape firmly in view.
There are two private dining rooms, including one with its own balcony (I really loved this one), and a Chef’s Garden supplies some seasonal produce for the menu.
Most importantly, having a good restaurant on site means enjoying dinner and a glass of wine without facing the winding drive back down the mountain. That alone makes the hotel appealing for couples and groups celebrating something special.
Who should stay here?
Peppers Clear Mountain would suit couples looking for a quick Brisbane escape, particularly those who want a good dinner, a peaceful room and no long drive home.
Families should also find plenty to occupy them, especially during warmer months when the pool comes into its own. The spacious grounds create room to move without sacrificing the retreat-like atmosphere.
With function spaces for up to 150 people, the hotel is also well set up for weddings, conferences and group celebrations. Its great advantage is accessibility. Guests can feel as though they have escaped to the country without devoting half the weekend to getting there.
My verdict
Peppers Clear Mountain has finally become the mountain retreat its location always promised it could be. The multimillion-dollar makeover is evident, but this stay wasn’t memorable because of the investment figures, new decking or five-star designation. It was memorable because I sat above the treetops, slept exceptionally well and woke to birds calling across the mountain.
There are details that could be refined. I’d upgrade the tea selection, add a handheld shower and separate the bathroom fan from the light switch. Five-star positioning inevitably raises expectations, and small details become more noticeable.
But the essentials are right: a superb outlook, a very comfortable bed, inviting places to sit, a strong sense of escape and an excellent restaurant only a short walk from the room.
I arrived curious to see what had changed. I left pleased that the best part of Clear Mountain—the tranquillity of being high above Brisbane—was still very much there.
The details
Where: Clear Mountain, City of Moreton Bay, Queensland
Rooms: 51
Best for: Couples, families, weddings, celebrations and short escapes from Brisbane
Facilities: The Glasshouse Restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, spa, gym, billiard room and event spaces
Rates: From $309 per night, including breakfast for two
Booking Link: Peppers Clear Mountain
Disclaimer: Eat drink and be Kerry stayed as a guest of the hotel. My stay at Peppers Clear Mountain was gifted. As always, my experiences and opinions are my own.