Mount Nelson Hotel
76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 8001
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#5 of 26
expert-rated hotels in Cape Town- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Couples, Families with younger children, Honeymooners, Relaxation, Romance, Special occasions
Best for Luxury - Expert review of Mount Nelson Hotel
Cape Town's oldest and most romantic hotel is well deserving of its five stars.
Cape Town’s five-star Grande Dame is its most famous hotel and, like many Capetonians, its pretty pink exterior never fails to make me smile. Built in 1899 and famously frequented by the likes of Ghandi and a host of A-listers, the salmon pink painted Victorian era building is one of the city’s most loved landmarks. The hotel is a member of the Orient-Express group, with a host of antiques and artworks setting a genteel and romantic tone and this extends to the beautifully appointed (and flower-scented) suites. With vistas of Table Mountain towering up behind the hotel and views of the perfectly manicured gardens spilling out from the hotel terrace in front, this is a smart and discreet base in the heart of the city. Although I have had the pleasure of staying here, I get a regular fix of the hotel's altogether lovely atmosphere with regular Friday night drinks evenings at the super cool Planet Bar.
Location:
Situated at the top of the oak tree-lined Government Avenue in the Company's Garden, the ‘Nellie’ as it's affectionately known is within walking distance of Cape Town’s buzzing central business network.
Bedrooms:
Sumptuous rooms and suites are dressed in pretty florals and gleaming antiques, and feature plush carpets underfoot. L’Occitane smellies in the bathroom add to the sense of understated appeal. The hotel’s main building is the most charming – the annexes and cottages offer more privacy as well as larger multi-roomed suites.
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Public areas:
Take morning or Afternoon Tea in the sun-splashed Lounge or on the outside terrace. Planet Bar is a well dressed haven for style savvy guests and locals alike (Friday nights are quite a scene) while the recently opened Planet Restaurant, with its vaulted ceilings is a smart contemporary cuisine dining destination - I haven't yet had the pleasure of dining there but judging by what the city's critics have to say, it is a dining destination well worth visiting. Oasis Restaurant, overlooking the pool, is a popular all-day relaxed venue.
Eating and drinking:
The world-famous afternoon High Tea on The Windsor table features an astonishing array of sweet and savoury temptations while the Oasis Restaurant serves breakfasts, lunches and all-day light meals.
Leisure facilities:
A large heated pool is busy all day, the Librisa Spa with its glam interiors offers luxe escapism and the tennis courts and gym see a steady stream of activity-oriented guests.
Service:
The hotel is famed for its friendly, discreet and utterly professional service.
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Who stays there:
Princes, pop stars, business folk and well-heeled families. The hotel is a popular honeymoon destination too.
Pros:
A sense of romance and history coupled with an awareness of modern day needs
Cons:
Currently evening diners are hosted in the Oasis restaurant while Planet Restaurant is under construction
Modernist style pundits may not feel at home
More information on Mount Nelson Hotel:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 8001
- Free tags / Keywords:
- Charm, sophisticated, old world
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool
- Neighbourhood:
- Gardens
