I stayed at the Breakfree Imperial Surf on a surf holiday a couple of years ago. Despite the fact that I had seen and read several bad reviews of this property on several different websites, I was given an excellent rate for a 1 bedroom ocean apartment utilizing one of the website’s Great Escape packages. I had been in this area on a previous trip to Surfers and noticed that most apartments on this block are absolute oceanfront, whereas the ones down the Esplanade a bit have other apartments blocking the view, starting a few streets south of the Cavill Mall. This was another deciding factor in favor of the Imperial Surf, so I decided to give it a shot. I was really surprised at the great overall appearance of the property when I arrived. The lobby was big, clean and spacious with a tour desk, after hours telephone and intercom system. I was immediately checked in and my request for a renovated unit on a high floor with direct ocean views was granted as I was checked into apartment 11-C. All three lifts were brand new and very fast — I think this might have been a recent upgrade as I saw the lift company on the property on several occasions making sure there were no problems. The property was very good as far as security, with a security fob on the keychain as the only option for entry and exit of most areas, including the lifts, pool/spa and reception areas. The hallways and common areas were all in great condition. I did happen to notice that the carpeting in the hallways was an older style with a bright sea foam color to it, but it was in great condition. It appeared that each unit’s door had both a doorbell and a peephole as well, definitely a bonus for security. I was astounded by the apartment’s size as I entered my unit. The apartment had all modern amenities including 2 bathrooms, updated furnishings, intercom security system, full dining room, bar with stools, a balcony with north, south, east and west facing views(this was a real advantage as the sun can be kind of tricky in Surfers; many properties become«shaded» in the afternoon,) fully stocked kitchen with dishwasher and laundry, almost overstocked with things you may need for a holiday. The pool, sauna, steam room and spa area downstairs was one of the best equipped I’ve ever seen. Everything actually worked! No problems whatsoever during the 4 night stay. Plumbing, fixtures, appliances, everything was in great shape. Reception was very helpful and friendly. Wi-fi internet was available for a daily, weekly or monthly charge from several different providers in the area. This particular unit did not have air conditioning, but it was not needed at all. I’d stay here again, no doubt. It was great being able to check out this area of Surfers Paradise, as my last trip there was a bit further down in the southern area of the city. Just a quick walk away from the shops, restaurants and bars of Main Beach and Southport, and the property seemed just far away enough from the Cavill Mall in the opposite direction where noise was not a problem. As with most holiday apartments on the Gold Coast, many of the units in this building are individually owned, so I’m sure there sometimes can be a variance with units not being like the ones pictured on their website vs. what the renter actually receives. Please keep this in mind before faulting the management if an issue arises. Do keep in mind that this property, as well as most of the other Mantra and Breakfree properties, requires a $ 100 credit card or cash deposit upon check-in. I believe asking for a renovated unit really helped in the long run, and what I got exceeded my expectations by a long shot. Thanks again, Imperial Surf!