Mount Nelson
Colonial grandeur meets contemporary cool — think four-poster beds, Venetian mirrors and original oil paintings swapped out for emerging African artists, all inside an iconic dusty-pink building
Book afternoon tea weeks in advance — slots fill fast and it's worth every rand at R650/adult
Why It Matters
Operating since 1899, this is the oldest and most storied luxury hotel in Cape Town. Painted pink to celebrate the end of the First World War, it has hosted Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, and John Lennon (who did yoga in the gardens under the pseudonym 'Mr Greenwood'). It landed on The World's 50 Best Hotels 2024 list and is one of the few city-centre properties in the world that owns nine full acres of urban gardens.
Cape Town's grande dame since 1899, the Nellie is a sprawling pink palace spread across nine acres of manicured gardens at the foot of Table Mountain. It's 198 rooms across seven historic wings, two heated pools, eight dining and drinking venues, and a spa currently getting a full overhaul. Locals have been booking afternoon tea here for decades; visitors come for the gardens, the history, and a stay that feels genuinely unlike anything else in the city.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Accessible Junior Suites
Two purpose-built, fully accessible Junior Suites with wider doors, low sink, bath with handrails, and an open-access shower with movable showerhead and chair. Views over the fountain courtyard. Available on request.
KingDeluxe Garden Cottage Suites
The grandest of the cottage options. Venetian mirrors, cosy fireplace, and glamorous finishes. Each has its own rose garden and terrace — ideal for breakfast outdoors. From 180m² / 1,932ft².
King · 180 sqmDeluxe Junior Suites
Bright, open-plan suites in the Main Building and Green Park wings. Most have balconies. One- or two-bedroom options available. Light-filled with spacious bedroom and lounge. Views of garden, Table Mountain, or Lion's Head.
King or Twin · 50 sqm
Deluxe One Bedroom Suites
Larger suites in the Main Building and Green Park wings. Open-plan lounge, some with balconies. Two-bedroom configuration also available. Marble bathrooms and classic Belmond furnishings.
KingDeluxe Rooms
Larger than Superiors, with a sitting area and marble bathroom. Some have balconies. Most offer views of the gardens, swimming pool, Table Mountain, or the fountain courtyard. Combines classic charm with modern comforts.
King or Twin · 30 sqmDeluxe Studio Suites
Found in the Green Park and Helmsley wings, these suites add extra space and are well-suited for families travelling with children. Walk-in dressing room, marble bathroom with bath and shower, some with kitchenette.
KingGarden Cottage Suites
Historic former staff bungalows reimagined as romantic hideaways. Tucked behind fragrant rose gardens with white picket fences. Toile wallpaper, elegant furnishings, and total seclusion from the main hotel. Popular with honeymooners. Adjacent to the adults-only Cottage Pool.
King · 104 sqmJunior Suites
Open-plan bedroom and lounge area located in the Main Building and Green Park wings. Some have balconies. Marble bathroom with bath, shower and complimentary toiletries. Views of Table Mountain or the gardens.
King or Twin · 40 sqmOne Bedroom Suites
Spacious bedroom with a large separate open-plan lounge. Many have a balcony. Some have a personal wet bar. Two-bedroom option also available. Views of garden, Table Mountain, or Lion's Head.
KingStudio Suites
Open-plan design featuring a bedroom and lounge area. Luxurious marble bathroom. Some include a balcony. Classic details throughout.
KingSuperior Rooms
Cosy, inviting rooms in the main building and across the grounds. Plush king-size or twin beds with luxury linens, writing desk, and en-suite bathroom. Some have views of the hotel's gardens or Table Mountain. From 25m².
King or Twin · 25 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
8 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The Nellie's most famous institution. Daily 11am–3pm in The Lounge. More than 60 loose-leaf teas, an extensive sweet and savoury spread. R650 per adult, R350 per child under 12.
Professional fitness coach-led sessions focusing on HIIT, cardio boxing and conditioning. Complimentary group sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8am. Private 1-on-1 sessions from R760 per hour.
A tailor-made walking tour led by art and architecture expert Kate Crane Briggs. Covers history, visual arts, architecture, cuisine, or literature — starting at the hotel's own 120-year-old estate and including special access to studios and collections not open to the public. Max 10 guests. 9:30am–midday.
Chauffeur-driven tours in gleaming vintage classic cars to the Cape Winelands, Constantia Valley, Franschhoek, or Stellenbosch. Half day from R3,380; full day from R5,300 per car.
Dawn walk at Table Mountain in partnership with Leica Sport Optics. Leica Trinovid 8x42 HD binoculars provided. Private tours, group hikes, or self-guided with a map. Breakfast boxes included. 24-hour advance booking required.
A 2.5-hour expert-guided walk along the lower slopes of Table Mountain exploring the remarkable diversity of Fynbos flora. Ends with sundowners high on the mountainside.
An ocean expedition with shark scientist Justin Blake through Cape Kelp Forests — the same waters made famous in the Oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher. Snorkel with sharks, explore sea caves, and see Cape Town from below the surface.
Self-guided walking tour of the hotel's iconic trees, revealing threads of Cape Town's history. Highlights include 80 Canary Island palms lining the driveway and a near-200-year-old wild olive tree.
Yoga in the tranquil hotel gardens — just like John Lennon did on his visit. Complimentary group classes run two mornings a week. Private lessons for couples start from R1,500/hour. Small group classes Monday to Friday at 9am and 5:30pm.
Hop in the hotel's iconic pink and cream VW Kombi for a gastronomic tour from Bree Street to Bo-Kaap. A great way to understand Cape Town's mix of culinary cultures and histories.
Transfer to Muizenberg beach in the Nellie's pink Kombi for a surf lesson with Roxy Surf School. Surfboard, wetsuit, and 90-minute lesson included. Lunch by the ocean after catching waves. From R10,625 for one person (full day).
Private all-day poolside sanctuary for up to 6 guests. Open to residents and non-residents. Selection of spirits with complimentary mixers. Elegant, shaded, and stylish.
Explore Cape Town in a chauffeured vintage sidecar — leathers, helmets, goggles, and bandanas provided. Routes include Chapman's Peak Drive and Bloubergstrand beaches. Options from 2 hours (R3,100) to a full day (R6,300 per sidecar, up to 2–3 guests).
Scenic tennis court exclusively for hotel guests. Resident pro Barkie McKrea teaches all levels solo or in groups, working on serve, volleys and match play. Equipment hire available.
Whale watching from a modern Silvercross Airbus helicopter during South Africa's southern right whale season, followed by a bespoke terroir tasting. In collaboration with The RockHopper Fund marine science charity. Up to 8 guests.
A jeep-based wine tour into the Constantia Winelands using private roads rarely open to visitors. Three historic wine estates, meetings with winemakers, private cellar tastings, tapas lunch, mountain lookout photo stop and a biodegradable golf ball tee-off over the vineyards.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
In-house hair salon offering cutting, colouring, conditioning and styling. Tue–Fri 8:30am–6:30pm; Sat 8:30am–5:30pm. Sundays, Mondays and Public Holidays by request.
Business centre and conference facilities on site. The Ballroom can host up to 400 guests for cocktails or 240 for a sit-down banquet. Union Castle Room (boardroom, up to 15 guests) and intimate Orchid Room also available.
Wireless internet included in all rooms and suites.
For children aged 4–12. Imaginative storytelling, group activities, educational games and toys throughout the day. Available at no charge to non-residents visiting Librisa Spa.
Open 24 hours. Latest cardiovascular and weight training equipment. Personal training available. Indoor and outdoor yoga. Complimentary boot camp on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 8am.
Manicured gardens with ancient trees including 80 Canary Island palms and a near-200-year-old wild olive tree. Rose gardens, lawns ideal for picnics, and the only nine-acre private garden in central Cape Town.
24-hour security parking garage for hotel guests. Complimentary. Valet parking also available.
Designated pet-friendly rooms with luxury pet amenities. Dedicated pet menu available at Afternoon Tea, Oasis, Planet Bar and Verandah. Pet concierge service for walkers, sitters, groomers and excursions.
Adults-only pool in a secluded corner of the hotel gardens near the Garden Cottages. Poolside service November to March.
Heated to 28°C. One of the largest heated pools in South Africa. Poolside service available October to April.
Private guest lounge with billiards table and large TV for sports screening.
On-site boutique with Cape Town-inspired fashion including felt fedoras and ostrich feather capes.
Scenic court exclusively for hotel guests. Resident pro Barkie McKrea available. Equipment hire on site.
BUILD YOUR MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL, CAPE TOWN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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