Mount Nelson

Cape Town, South Africa

• No.28 The World's 50 Best Hotels 2024

Peek into the guestbook of this Cape Town landmark – painted its fetching shade of pink to celebrate the end of World War I – and you’d find a starry role call of the late, great and spiritually special: John Lennon, Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama are all former guests. Opened in 1899, the iconic 'pink lady' plates up all the bells and whistles of the world’s great classic hotels: impeccable service, glamorous interiors, immaculate gardens, a city-renowned afternoon tea service, candy-striped pool towels and a veritable army of bell boys. Despite the city centre location, or perhaps because of it, the Belmond property's elegant gardens are a highlight. These pruned and plucked acres could be a Chelsea Flower Show transplant, offering an oasis of calm in the city’s frantic hustle. Pools and tennis courts dot the landscape. Rooms are traditional in looks, but not in age, thanks to the hotel’s strict upkeep programme. Its Garden Cottage Suites, tucked away behind the scented rose gardens, are its most desirable stay, offering seclusion, privacy and space in surplus. Gastronomic offerings are just as classy, ranging from fine dining outlets to afternoon tea and slick cocktails.

Key Information

• Rooms: 198
• Starting Rate: $1115
• Dining: Chef’s Table, Afternoon Tea, Planet Bar, The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse
• Drinking: Planet Bar
• At the Hotel: Spa, fitness centre, fitness classes, tennis courts, pool, babysitting service, kids club, wine tours, sidecar excursions, nature excursions, gardens
• +27 21 483 1000
• Visit Mount Nelson's Website

Location

76 Orange Street, Cape Town, 8001