Guests at The Mount Nelson could be staying in the same room as famous names who have come and gone during the hotel’s 110 years – people like Winston Churchill, the Dalai Lama, Beyonce and Leonardo di Caprio have loved this oasis set just above the Cape Town Company Gardens and below iconic Table Mountain. As you step through the grand entrance installed to welcome the Prince of Wales all the way back in 1925 you know you have come to somewhere special – a sense of time. John Lennon loved to meditate in the gardens and Nelson Mandela had a favourite table. To stay here is to be part of South Africa’s history.
Affectionately known to Capetonians as the Nellie, the Belmond Mount Nelson is a fantastic base from which to explore Cape Town, from Camps Bay to Simonstown and back again. One of its main attractions is the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain – after a lavish breakfast, head up to the cable car to get your bearings in the magnificent Mother City.
The Belmond Mount Nelson attracts honeymoon couples to its indulgent rooms, romantic moonlight picnics and the stunning Librisa Spa. Book a massage after a workout in the well-equipped gym. Families can leave their children happily entertained with fun activities as well as a games room and play room.
Plush accommodation in 200 rooms look over the manicured gardens, the swimming pool or Table Mountain. Stay in the historic, secluded Garden cottage suites with their enchanting four poster beds, separate lounge and dining areas. Or enjoy glamorous deluxe rooms in the main hotel with en-suite marble bathrooms and roomy lounges, large TVs with DVD and Wi-Fi.
Despite her size, Nellie retains her sense of charm and graciousness and personal service. Day visitors love her high tea offering tiny tantalizing sandwiches filled with rare roast beef and rocket, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise or cucumber! Or decadent dark chocolate cake, lemon meringue, traditional milk tart and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves!
Swim in the large heated swimming pool later or head to the Planet Bar for a glass of the best South African bubbly – or an alfresco meal at the Oasis bistro. This is a hotel oozing heritage, character and slick service and the entire staff some of whom have been there for years, know how to treat everyone like a celebrity. It has long been the choice of A-listers who come to explore magical Cape Town.
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