The Mount Nelson Hotel – or 'Nellie', as locals call it – is a real institution. It is Cape Town's oldest and most famous hotel; a place to be seen. Set in the heart of Cape Town's cultural centre, it is close to the lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and some of the city's stunning beaches.
The Mount Nelson Hotel boasts 201 spacious rooms & suites, located in four individual accommodation wings separated from the Main Hotel's wings. Accommodation options range from Superior and Luxury rooms, over Junior, Executive and Deluxe suites, to Luxury and Penthouse suites. Beside this, the hotel has two Disabled rooms, to accommodate guests with special needs.
Each of the 144 bedrooms and 57 suites are individually decorated, and furnished with twin or king-size beds, writing desks, and seating facilities. They all have air conditioning, digital safes, clock radios, satellite TV, internet access, direct-dial telephone, and well-equipped en-suite bathrooms.
The Mount Nelson's main facilities include two restaurants, a stylish champagne & cocktail bar, as well as a spa and a hair salon. There are two pools, set in neatly landscaped gardens with the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain behind. Sporting facilities consist of a well-equipped gym with personal trainers, flood-lit tennis courts, and an on-site golf practice net.
Whilst staying at Mount Nelson Hotel, there's a variety of activities to do. Located at the foot of Table Mountain, in the centre of Cape Town, the hotel is a perfect base from which to explore the area. After practicing golf at the hotel, you may want to try one of the seven world class golf courses located close to the hotel, or stroll along V & A Waterfront.
Cape Town has a lot of entertainment and natural attractions to offer: visit Cape Point, take a boat trip to Robben Island, watch the penguins at Boulders Beach, taste the regions award-winning wines on a wine tour, or experience local art works at museums and art galleries – you will never run out of things to do.
If you like stylish grandeur and old-world charm, then the Mount Nelson Hotel will suit you perfectly. Large rooms, elegant dining, and the best address in town – though you can always stay elsewhere and drop in for the best high tea in Cape Town!
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Town
No. of bedrooms: 201 rooms
Season: Open Year Round
Ideal length of stay: 3 - 4 nights
Central facilities: Mount Nelson Hotel has two restaurants and one bar, catering for your everyday needs – the Oasis Restaurant, the Cape Colony Restaurant, and the Planet Champagne and Cocktail Bar. Please read our 'Food & Drink' section for more information.
The Librisa Spa offers a vast variety of pampering treatments, such as hot river stone massages, anti-ageing facials, manicures, and pedicures. The spa facilities include eight treatment rooms, and changing areas with sauna and steam bath. Mount Nelson also features the Headquarters Hair Salon, offering a variety of hairdressing options, as well as Destress and After Sun treatments.
There are two heated swimming pool, set in the hotel's landscaped gardens – the Oasis Pool (reportedly one of the largest pools in South Africa), and the Cottage Pool (reserved for guests older than 12). During high season, service is available at both pools.
For those keen on sports, there are two flood-lit tennis courts, where tournaments are held for guest during high season, and an on-site golf practice net. The modern fitness is well-equipped and has professional trainers (swimming coaches, as well as tennis and golf trainers are available on request).
Food quality: Mount Nelson Hotel has two restaurants:
At the Oasis Restaurant, Continental or full English breakfasts are served daily from 7h00 to11h00. Breakfast includes fresh fruits and juices, homemade muesli, breads and pastries, as well as hot dishes. The restaurant also serves lunches from 12h30 to 15h00, including a variety of sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and classic light meals. During high season, lunch is served as a buffet, whereas you get to choose from an a la carte menu during low season.
The Cape Colony Restaurant serves a combination of classical and contemporary cuisine, inspired by Eastern Europe, Asian and Africa. Every dish displays the Cape's seasonal products and guest get to choose from a variety of award-winning local wines. It is open for dinner every day from 18h30 to 22h30. Once a month, the restaurant features an evening of live music and classic cuisine, whilst winemakers present the area's best wines.
In addition, the Planet Champagne & Cocktail Bar serves a vast variety of the finest champagnes, wines and cocktails, in combination with canapés and light meals. You can enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace in summer, whilst warming up in front of the fireplace in winter. The bar is open daily from 17h00 until late (on Fridays from 15h00 until late).
For Mount Nelson guests, it's possible to enjoy a four-course dinner at the 'Chef's Table' in the heart of the kitchen, including sparkling wine at the Planet Bar after dinner.
Mount Nelson Hotel is famous for its Afternoon Tea, served daily in the lounge area, the garden and around the Lord Kitchener Fountain, from 14h30 to17h30. It includes all kinds of delicacies, such as smoked salmon, local Malay specialities, petit fours, a selection of cakes, as well as more than 30 fine loose leaf teas. In the mornings, a lighter version is served from 9h30 to 12h30.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes
Drinks included: No
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Mount Nelson Hotel.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions.
Activities: Mount Nelson Hotel offers a variety of family friendly facilities and services, starting with welcome gifts and welcome letters for its little guests. Kids have access to the hotels toy-box, the restaurant offers a special children's menu, the Signature Boutique sells trendy children's gear, and during high season (November to February) a lifeguard is on duty at the Oasis swimming pool. Beside this, Mount Nelson has an annual Festive Season Holiday Programme (December to January), including cricket matches, swimming, and treasure hunts.
Upon request, hot milk for babies, bedtime cookies, book and games, colouring-in books and crayons, child and baby-friendly toiletries, child-size bathrobes and slippers, and baby monitoring kits are available at no extra charge.
Babysitting can be arranged within a 24 hours notice. The hotel will contact Childminders, a company which aims to match the perfect babysitter to every child, and also caters for international languages. The babysitters get paid at an hourly rate, and a minimum of three hours is required.
In addition, Mount Nelson's guest service team will gladly assist you to arrange child-friendly excursions and activities, such as trips to the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach, boat trips to Seal Island, or children's parties and swimming lessons.
Equipment: Baby cots and extra beds with specially fitted linen are available (additional charge). The hotel also has highchairs and children's furniture.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Mount Nelson is Cape Town's leading family resort hotel.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: Each room has a direct-dial telephone with voicemail, as well as high speed internet access. There's a wireless internet connection throughout the hotel (extra charge for internet usage).
TV & radio: There's a clock radio, as well as satellite television and a DVD player in every room.
Health & safety
Malarial area: No
Medical care: Mount Nelson offers 24 hour medical support.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Each room at Mount Nelson Hotel has a digital safe for personal belongings.
Extras
Disabled access: In Place
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
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