Mount Nelson – Cape Town, South Africa
Under the towering Table Mountain is another Cape Town landmark – the Mount Nelson Hotel. This glamorous and very pink colonial hotel has been welcoming guests for over a hundred years, in great style and with impeccable service. The starry visitor’s book over the years tells a story. Set in established gardens with the pulsing city on its doorstep, and within a short distance of Camps and Bantry Bay, it’s a calm and welcoming oasis.
Palms line the drive and the nine acre grounds overflow with magnificent flower beds, fountains and sculptures, whilst the interiors are all quintessential splendour with many of their 19th century features. Pink and white striped towels line the pool and the terrace is made for sipping champagne. For old style glamour and sophistication, Mount Nelson is hard to beat.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
As it is an oasis with beautiful gardens in the heart of central Cape Town.Style:
English colonial.Location:
In the centre of Cape Town within easy reach of all its attractions.Rooms:
18 stylish rooms, suites & garden cottages.Swimming:
There are 2 heated outdoor swimming pools.Children:
Very welcome! There are fantastic children's facilities including a kids club & family swimming poolOpen From:
All year round.rooms
Each room, suite and cottage is individually designed and styled, and they all have sumptuous beds and marble bathrooms. Spread across the main building, the surrounding wings and throughout the gardens, they each have different aspects and views, and many have a balcony or terrace.
food
Dining at the Mount Nelson takes you back to times gone by. The Lord Nelson Restaurant is in the original dining room with its wooden panels, minstrels’ gallery and pressed ceiling, with classics including Beef Wellington on the menu. Delicious breakfasts and light lunches are served in very elegant surroundings, overlooking the gardens and pool, in the Oasis Restaurant, whilst picnics can be enjoyed in a quiet spot in the grounds. And for the very best afternoon tea in town, make sure you book a table at the very refined Lounge.
Mount Nelson has also gained a reputation for its Chef’s Table – where guests can watch the action in the heart of the kitchen, learn the secrets behind each dish, then feast. In the evenings, reminisce on the day at Planet Bar – a popular venue with the locals – the hotel’s terrace is arguably one of the best places in the city for sundowners. Or head out to one of the many fabulous eateries or bars in the city.
activities
The Mount Nelson is a luxurious base from which to begin or end your travels to South Africa. The hotel has two pools – one for families and another in a quiet spot by the Garden Cottages for guests over 16. There’s a tennis court where you can improve your swing with a pro; the Spa is one of the best in the city and each weekday there are yoga sessions either in the wellbeing studio or gardens.
When you’re not relaxing in the hotel and its grounds, you can explore everything that Cape Town has to offer, from the galleries and shops, to the beaches and Table Mountain. There are tailored guided walks from the hotel, encompassing all that interests you, and if you’re a nature lover, there are sunset fynbos walks on the lower slopes of Table Mountain – a fabulous chance to see of the country’s flora and fauna. One of the best experiences has to be a day with a marine biologist, discovering the underwater world off Cape Town’s shores. Snorkel through the kelp forests and with friendly sharks, rounding the day off with a seafood picnic. Depending on your itinerary, a tour of the winelands can also be taken from here. And for something totally offbeat, there are classic car tours, and our favourite – sidecar adventures – a trip around Cape Town and its environs in a chauffeured side car. We also recommend the Township Farm Tour to Moya we Khaya. There’s something for everyone.
family
Almost everything has been thought of when it comes to families staying at Mount Nelson. The children’s club has a dedicated playroom and a range of activities, games and toys for young guests aged between four and twelve. The large family swimming pool is heated, whilst the resident tennis pro is on hand to give lessons. There’s babysitting, a laundry service for children’s clothes as well as a room service menu and the perennial favourite of milk and cookies at bedtime.
Location
Cape Town, South Africa
In the centre of Cape Town within easy reach of all its attractions.
