Mount Nelson
Gardens, Cape Town
Awarded Best Hotel in Africa by World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024. Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, is a lush oasis perfectly positioned in the heart of Cape Town. The iconic pink hotel has a rich heritage that is woven into the fabric of the city, and has been welcoming visitors since 1899. Seven separate historic wings make up the resort sprawling over nine acres of flowering gardens, ancient trees and rolling lawns, offering magnificent views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak. The hotel offers two large heated swimming pools, two floodlit tennis courts and a resident tennis coach, a children’s play center with professional childminders and a glorious spa along with personal trainers and yoga classes. The hotel offers a feast of dining options, including the Chef’s Table restaurant in the heart of the kitchen, traditional Afternoon Tea in the lounge, poolside Oasis, The Red Room underground Pan-Asian restaurant, the vibrant Planet Bar which spills out onto the terrace and Harvest Tables in the gardens and Sunday Jazz Brunches. On the doorstep of the property you will discover the city’s top cultural attractions within walking distance; step out..
from the Kloof Street gate and you will find the place where Capetonians live and play, a street lined with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and so much more. A mere ten minutes’ drive takes you to Cape Town’s famous white sandy beaches and just twenty minutes’ drive to the Cape’s oldest award-winning wineland estates.
With its enviable location at the foot of Table Mountain, a stay at Mount Nelson offers up endless things to do in Cape Town. Explore attractions in the city, be enticed by activities at the hotel, or venture on tours further afield. However you choose to spend your time, the staff will make sure your stay is spectacular.
AT A GLANCE – 34 SUPERIOR ROOMS
These inviting, cozy rooms are perfect for single travelers or for accompanying children. Unwind on a plush king-size or twin bed, complete with luxury linens. The small bathrooms feature a shower (some shower over bath) and a single vanity. These rooms are located in the Main Hotel and Green Park wing. Some can connect to another Superior Room or a One Bedroom Suite.
- Room size: 270 ft² to 485 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 76 DELUXE ROOMS
Combining understated charm with modern luxury, each featuring a sitting area perfect to unwind. Some also include a balcony with magnificent views onto Table Mountain, the city or the hotel’s splendid gardens while all have an inviting marble en-suite bathroom. Deluxe Rooms are located in the Main Hotel, Oasis and Green Park wing. Some can connect to another Deluxe Room.
- Room size: 345 ft² to 485 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 11 JUNIOR SUITES
For guests requiring more spacious accommodation, Junior Suites offer a bedroom with an open-plan sitting area. Located in the Main Building and Green Park areas of the hotel, some Junior Suites benefit from an inviting balcony. Some also include views onto Table Mountain, the city or the hotels splendid gardens.
- Room size: 420 ft² to 516 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 14 DELUXE JUNIOR SUITES
Light and airy, Deluxe Junior Suites are large open plan suites offering a spacious bedroom and lounge area, featuring a balcony or a terrace with views of the gardens, Table Mountain or Lion’s Head. These suites are perfect for families travelling with children. Deluxe Junior Suites are located in the Main Hotel and Green Park wing. Can connect to another Deluxe Junior Suite.
- Room size: 473 ft² to 581 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 7 STUDIO SUITES
Light and airy, Studio Suites are open plan and feature a spacious bedroom and lounge area, a luxurious marble bathroom and views of Table Mountain or the hotel’s gardens. Studio Suites are located in the Green Park wing, Taunton House and Helmsley wing.
- Room size: 527 ft² to 796 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 9 DELUXE STUDIO SUITES
Located in the Green Park and Helmsley wings, these large open plan suites feature a luxurious and spacious bathroom, balcony or a terrace, and are perfect for families travelling with children. Enjoy views of the hotel gardens, Table Mountain or Lion’s Head.
- Room size: 635 ft² to 1044 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 23 ONE BEDROOM SUITES
The one-bedroom suites have a separate living area and a larger bathroom. The living room has a desk, a sofa and extra tables and chairs. The One Bedroom Suites are located in the Main Hotel, Green Park Wing, Taunton House and Hof Villa.
- Room size: 453 ft² to 872 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 11 DELUXE ONE BEDROOM SUITES
The deluxe one bedroom suites have a separate living area and a larger bathroom. The living room has a sofa, a desk and extra tables and chairs. Some have a designated dining area and your own kitchenette. The Deluxe One Bedroom Suites are located in the Main Hotel, Green Park Wing, Hof Villa and Helmsley Wing.
- Room size: 732 ft² to 1228 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 6 GARDEN COTTAGE SUITES
These suites have a separate living area with a fireplace and a luxurious marble bathroom. Each suite has its own terrace and rose garden. They are situated opposite the Cottage swimming pool (adults only) with a peaceful view over a private garden.
- Room size: 495 ft² to 549 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 2 DELUXE GARDEN COTTAGE SUITES
These magnificently furnished suites have an entrance hall, a large lounge with a fireplace and a dining room and a kitchenette. The suite will either have its own private terrace or a balcony overlooking the pool and garden.
- Room size: 495 ft² to 549 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 1 HONEYSUCKLE COTTAGE
Our two-bedroom suite is a light and lavish residence, formed from two neighboring cottages. With their beautiful private flowering gardens trellised verandahs, high ceilings, working fireplaces and direct access to the hotel’s second heated swimming pool, these charming cottages are much sought-after. Decorated by interior designer Graham Viney, Indian prints and marble bathrooms add a hint of 18th-century opulence to a modern luxe space. With a fully kitted-out kitchen, you and your gathering of loved ones will feel right at home.
- Room size: 1119 ft²
AT A GLANCE – 1 STRELITZIA SUITE
Located in Green Park Wing Step into the Strelitzia Suite, a serene top-floor haven boasting awe-inspiring views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Named in honor of South Africa’s most regal flower, the Bird of Paradise, this vibrant, light-filled space offers a sumptuous furnished terrace and a balcony affording spectacular mountain vistas. Handcrafted furniture, a cozy fireplace and dining area create an inviting home. Eye-catching upholstery and playful details ensure moments of surprise and delight. A joining room can be linked to accommodate up to four people.
- Room size: 1194 ft²
EXPERIENCES
Sidecar Adventures
Hop into a chauffeured vintage sidecar and explore Cape Town in timeless style. Head out along Chapman’s Peak Drive and soak up the ocean views, or go west towards the beautiful beaches of Bloubergstrand. Choose from a range of itineraries, from two-hour city tours to full-day excursions. Riding leathers, helmets, goggles and complimentary bandanas supplied.
Marine Biologist Experience
Discover the extraordinary world that lives beyond Cape Town’s shores in the company of shark scientist Justin Blake. Embark on an ocean expedition through the Cape Kelp Forests, exploring the same octopus gardens made famous in the 2020 Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher. Snorkel with friendly sharks, explore fascinating sea caves and discover spectacular views of Cape Town, both above and below the surface. INCLUDES: Transport from the hotel, ocean safari on a rigid inflatable boat, an exclusive session with shark scientist Justin Blake as your guide, snorkel gear if desired, scientific shark tracking equipment and dry bags.
A Wild Wine Adventure
Veer off-piste on a wine tasting jeep trail. Plunging into the famed Constantia Winelands, the scenic tour visits three historic wine estates using private roads rarely open to visitors. Highlights include tasting the “best Sauvignon Blanc in the world”, meeting the region’s youngest female winemaker and feasting on tapas with sparkling méthode cap classique refreshments.
Fynbos Sunset Walks on Table Mountain
Discover the rich diversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom’s Fynbos on Table Mountain. The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of only six Floral Kingdoms in the world and is geographically by far the smallest, yet the richest, most diverse of these plant kingdoms. It is widely recognized as one of the most special places for plants in the world in terms of the number of endemic species. Fynbos (fine bush), the indigenous mountain vegetation, forms a major part of this Cape Floral Kingdom. Mount Nelson offers guests a unique opportunity to discover the remarkable diversity of the Fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom on Table Mountain, one of the world’s Seven Wonders of Nature. Enjoy a ramble along the lower slopes of Table Mountain with a dramatic outlook over Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with an expert mountain and Fynbos guide who will share interesting stories about the “Big Five of Fynbos”– the plant families of Proteas, Ericas, Restios, Bulbs (Irises and Lilies) and Daisies – and uncover many aspects of the natural and cultural history of the Cape and Table Mountain. There will also be plenty of opportunity to photograph plants and flowers encountered during the walk. The Fynbos sunset walks will take place in the late afternoon so guests can enjoy sundowners from an elevated position on the mountainside, watching the sun sink below the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean, a typical Capetonian activity. The tour will last two and a half hours in total which gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a day out and about and still be back in time to appreciate this lovely early evening experience.
Tennis Lessons
Resident pro tennis coach will teach you to improve your serve, volleys and all aspects of your game.
Historical Tree and Garden Tour
A zippy one-hour self-guided walking tour of ten trees that live in the hotels’ expansive gardens will reveal many fascinating threads of Cape Town’s history. Trees such as the 80 Canary Island Palms that line the driveway entrance or the nearly 200 year old wild Olive Tree have borne silent witness to the colorful ebb and flow of historic events at the Cape and indeed of this historical 116 year old hotel.
Classic Car Tours
Be chauffeured in a gleaming classic car to the majestic Cape Winelands for a tasting or lunch. Explore Constantia Valley, famed for its white wines, the picturesque Franschhoek Valley or the world-class estates of Stellenbosch.
Afternoon Tea in The Lounge
Welcome to the most iconic Afternoon Tea in Africa - a bucket list experience! The Mount Nelson first introduced Afternoon Tea in November 1989. It was served in the lounge from the majestic Windsor Table. The custom of taking Afternoon Tea was invented by the Duchess of Bedford and Queen Victoria’s lady-in-waiting nearly 200 years ago, in order to bridge the long gap between lunch and dinner. Our selection of over 70 fine loose leaf teas and sustainably sourced coffee from around Africa and a sumptuous array of sweet and savory delicacies carefully curated by Head Pastry Chef Vicky Gurovich and expertly trained Tea Sommelier Craig Cupido will ensure an unforgettable experience! Afternoon Tea is served in the lounge, on the terrace or around the garden fountain.
The Red Room by Chef's Warehouse
Under the guidance of celebrated chefs Liam Tomlin and David Schneider, both of Chefs Warehouse, the Red Room is an ode to Asia's irresistible flavors. Enter through an exclusive side entrance and down an evocatively lit stairway, entering a forgotten room shielded from time. Steaming baskets of dim sum and fragrant bowls of rice gem the rotating tables as mixologists create crystalline cocktails. Opt for small plates in the opulent bar, or a feast in the sumptuous dining room.
Oasis
Buffet and a la carte breakfast is served daily in Oasis from 6:30 to 10:30 Sunday Jazz Brunch at Oasis Savor an irresistible brunch menu to the tune of live jazz music and add a champagne sparkle with an option for unlimited bubbly. Access to the professionally supervised Children's Club is also included for little ones, so you can sit back and start your Sunday in style.
Chef's Table
Embark on a journey of culinary discovery at the dynamic Chef’s Table. Prepare for a fun, interactive experience where the sights, sounds, scents and flavors of sublime, creative cuisine are brought irresistibly to life. Be escorted by one of the Mount Nelson chefs to the heart of the hotel kitchen. Behind the hub of activity, an intimate dining space awaits. And so begins a wonderfully immersive experience, as chefs serve a succession of dishes from canapés and breads to mains and desserts. Listen to the industrious sounds of chopping, stirring and sizzling. Breathe in the aromas of succulent meats and rich sauces. Feel the creative energy of the talented team in full-throttle action.
Planet Bar
Cool, chic, yet timelessly elegant, Planet Bar throngs all year round with well-heeled Capetonians sipping sundowner cocktails or pre-dinner champagne. The bar’s stylish celestial décor, quirky touches and comfy couches create a relaxing ambience, whether you’re people-watching from the terrace in the summer or curling up by the fire with a glass of red in the winter. Planet Bar offers an updated extensive champagne and cocktail menu, a wide selection of wines, and an assortment of light menus and canapés.
The Verandah
Look forward to a spectacular evening meal with The Verandah, offering a three-course à la carte menu where the dishes change every two weeks. This hyper-seasonal experience showcases the finest ingredients at their peak, with a symphony of flavors, textures and techniques.
