Mount Nelson Hotel: Our full report

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, and a stylish champagne & cocktail bar. The Librisa Spa, with eight treatment rooms, a sauna and steam bath, offers a variety of treatments, such as hot river stone massages, anti-ageing facials, manicures, and pedicures, and the hair salon, which also offers Destress and After Sun treatments.

There are two heated swimming pools, set in neatly landscaped gardens against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain. The Oasis Pool is reportedly one of the largest pools in South Africa), and the Cottage Pool is reserved for guests older than 12.

For those keen on sports, there are two flood-lit tennis courts, where tournaments are held for guests during high season, an on-site golf practice net, and a well-equipped fitness suite. Professional trainers and coaches are available on request).

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 practising 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!

Geographics

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Ideal length of stay: 3 - 4 nights

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

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: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: No

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Mount Nelson Hotel.

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