Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
At a Glance
Feast on their infamous afternoon tea
Walk directly from the hotel into Company Gardens, a beautiful botanical creation
Choose to have a picnic lunch in the extensive gardens
Dine in the Planet Restaurant for innovative cuisine
Very child friendly with a large pool and a children's club
Large garden perfect to relax in or for children to play
Have a relaxing massage or treatment in the Librisa Spa
Borrow one of their Cycology electric bikes to explore the city in style
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Best time to Visit
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Average time to visit
Cape Town is a year-round destination. The summers are generally warm and dry, while winters tend to be wet and cool, the rains brought on by fierce north westerly gales. Neither season experiences extremes of temperature, thanks to prevailing winds. Summer (Nov-Mar) is the hottest with temperatures 20-40°C. Mid season (Apr, May, Sep, Oct) temps between 10-30°C. Winter (from June- Aug) is the low season with temps 0-25°C.
Insider's View
This is our ultimate favorite for families in Cape Town.
Be sure to make time for the infamous afternoon tea...a feast fit for royals!
One of favorite options for families right in the heart of Cape Town so we're not surprised it won the ''Upping the Ante'' award at the Tatler Travel Awards in December 2013.
The most atmospheric hotel in Cape Town, this is the Grande Dame of the city. Breathtaking views of Table Mountain!!
If you're looking for a hotel in the heart of the city but with space to relax and enjoy yourself, swim, play tennis or just use the spa the Mount Nelson is a gem.
The Mount Nelson cheesecake is so delicious that the hotel’s own staff often give it as birthday presents!
The hotel was painted pink after The Depression, a quirky idea by the owner to cheer up the residents of Cape Town – it has remained the same shade of pink ever since!
Try a cup of the Mount Nelson’s very own tea blend made from six different teas and rose petals – and then buy some to take home!
For foodies, trying their Chef's Table interactive dining experience in the kitchen is an absolute must - really uniquie, amazing food and so memorable!
Do a garden tour with one of their super gardeners. Very informative and special experience
To start planning your vacation to Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Description
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is an elegant hotel with 197 rooms and suites and is situated within a sprawling lush garden estate in the heart of Cape Town. The hotel is fantastically located to explore the attractions in and around Cape Town.
Set in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural center with views of the towering Table Mountain, close to the bustling V&A Waterfront and some of Cape Town’s best beaches, Belmond Mount Nelson is one of the city's most iconic hotels. The hotel's selection of rooms and suites will suit any couple, group or family.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has a great selection of facilities for guests to enjoy: wonderful mature gardens with large lawns and shady trees. Two swimming pools; the Oasis pool is one of the largest heated outdoor pools in South Africa and the Cottage pool, in a more secluded spot for over 16s only. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is great for children. There is a dedicated, fully supervised Children's Club for the under 12s. The hotel has renowned sporting facilities including two flood-lit tennis courts, golf practise nets, fitness center and the tranquil Librisa Spa.
Each of Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel’s 197 rooms and suites has its own personality. All are beautifully appointed. There are suites ideally suited to families, with room for an extra bed; alternatively they also have some interconnecting rooms. The hotel has a secure and friendly atmosphere.
There are two excellent restaurants, the Planet Restaurant and Planet Bar and the Oasis Bistro, to choose from as well as the famous Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel afternoon tea, served in the lounge every day.
Accommodation
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel boasts six individual accommodation wings, each with its own unique character, private gardens and facilities. The 197 spacious rooms & suites are individually decorated and feature the latest in 21st century conveniences.
Childcare
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has a fully supervised children's center available to residents and non-resident hotel guests at no extra charge when visiting the Librisa Spa or any of the restaurants and bars. The Nellie and Nelson center is dedicated to the under 12's and has indoor and outdoor space to enjoy, there is also a teens lounge for 12 - 18 year olds featuring XBox 360 games and DVDs which are all age appropriate.
Facilities
Good facilities for children, complimentary day-use rooms for early arrivals and late departures, complimentary 24-hour internet access in the business center and a complimentary shuttle service four times a day between the hotel and Waterfront. There are two swimming pools (one being for adults only), two tennis courts, fitness center, on-site hair salon and the Librisa Spa to nurture mind, body and soul.
Activities
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has excellent sporting facilities on site including two heated outdoor pools, two floodlit tennis courts, golf practice net, use of the Librisa Spa sauna, steam room and plunge pools.
The hotel is just 20 minutes from seven world class golf courses and the hotel staff are ready to help organize any number of tours or excursions in and around Cape Town.
Reviews
Meg Shepro (Staff)
As you enter the Mount Nelson you're taken back to when the first class passengers of ships arriving in Cape Town came to enjoy the delights of the city. This classic Victorian Hotel and Historical site has recently been updated with refurbishments to bring new life to its hallways with fresh interior design and continued five star service. The Mount Nelson is the perfect city hotel for exploring well as relaxing in its gorgeous gardens and pools.
Dominic Atterton (Staff)
The Pink Lady has been an institution in Cape Town for as long as anyone can remember and remains one of the top hotels in the city. The rooms are very traditional but have lovely warmth to them and if you can get one with a terrace overlooking Table Mountain are just about perfect. There are two pools, a larger family pool and a smaller adults pool surrounded my bungalows which are the rooms to opt for if you are looking for real privacy.
The large lawn and pool are perfect for children to run around on and play together. They also run a childrens club on site should parents need a bit of a break or an hour to use the excellent spa. Its location just off Kloof Street is probably my favorite in Cape Town surrounded by lovely local shops and restaurants you can walk to everything.
We dined in Planet the hotel;s main restaurant and one of the best in Cape Town. I enjoyed the fact you could opt for seasonal tasting menus or if you wanted something a little less full on their al a carte menu was perfect.
Louisa Verney (Staff)
The Mount Nelson is known as the Grande Dame of Cape Town. It was painted pink after the Boer War to cheer up the returning troops and has remained the same color to this day. Although it can look slightly garish in the pictures, you have to go and see it to really get a feel for it and to understand just how it has earned its prestigious place in Cape Town.
Everything is done with such effortless elegance. The smart reception leads to the main lounge area where Afternoon Tea is served on a table that is creaking under the weight of the limitless choices of cakes and pastries. This is a real highlight and locals and tourists will all come to sample the Mount Nelson Afternoon Tea.
The rooms are classically traditional with all the mod-cons one would expect in a top hotel. Service is impeccable with nothing being too much trouble. Guests can opt to dine at the Chef's table which is in the kitchen, right in the hustle and bustle of it all. There isn't a set menu as such, you can choose to eat anything you like and join in with the chef.
The Mount Nelson is incredibly child friendly, with a great kids club that is due to move in the next few months to a larger area, closer to the main kids pool. There are about 9 acres of outdoor space for your children to run around in and a dedicated children's pool which has a lifeguard, but only in peak season.
The Librisa Spa offers some of the best spa treatments in Cape Town and is a definite must! They also provide special treatments for children so that they don't feel too left out.
Experiences
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Abseil Table Mountain
From 1,000 meters above sea level, let us take you through a thrilling abseiling experience with breathtaking views, all while keeping your pulse racing!
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Bay Harbour Market - Hout Bay
Bay Harbour Market is situated on the water’s edge in an old fish factory in Hout Bay Harbour. The market boasts more than 100 stalls selling a huge variety of local produce from arts and crafts to fashion, jewelry and authentic South African food.
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Bike and Saddle Cycling Tours
What better way to experience the varied landscapes of the Cape Peninsula than by bike? Bike and Saddle has six routes ranging from a three hour tour around Cape Town, to a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, there is something to suit everyone.
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Cable car trip to the peak of Table Mountain
Table Mountain, at 1086 meters above sea level, forms the impressive backdrop to Cape Town. An impressive natural landmark with a 3km flat plateau at the summit, a cable car trip to the top is the best way to experience its breathtaking views.
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Cape Peninsula - Active
Explore the Cape Peninsular with its local fishing villages and surfing beaches. Snorkel or stand up paddle board in rock pools near penguin colonies before venturing deep into the Peninsula reserve to discover the rich wildlife inhabiting this area.
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Cape Peninsula - Family
This guided day out is perfect for the whole family with treasure hunts in Kirstenbosch Gardens, fishing in Kalk Bay, stand up paddle boarding with penguins and game viewing in the Cape peninsula reserve.
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Cape Peninsula Essentials
Relish in the very best of Cape Peninsula, including the Cape of Good Hope, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, a Funicular ride at Cape Point, Simon's Town and Kirtensbosch. Get acquainted with the penguins of Boulders beach and seals in Duiker Island.
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Cape Peninsula Essentials in Vintage Car
Relish in the very best of Cape Peninsula, including the Cape of Good Hope, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, a Funicular ride at Cape Point, Simon's Town and Kirtensbosch. Get acquainted with the penguins of Boulders beach and seals in Duiker Island.
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Cape Town Essentials
Our specialist guide will take you through the highlights of Cape Town, including the Green Market Square, Grand Parade, City Hall, Castle of Good Hope, Slave Lodge, Company's Garden, District 6 and Bo-Kaap.
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Classic Car Hire in Cape Town
Hire a classic car for the day and cruise the beautiful winding coastal roads of the cape.
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Cycling in Devon Valley
This half-day trip allows you to take in the picturesque view of Devon Valley, working off the delicious calories from the region's famous four-course gourmet at Clos Malverne, paired with wine tastings at two award-winning estates.
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Dine at Babel
A trip to the Winelands is not complete without visiting Babylonstoren. A walk through the gardens is a fantastic experience, time your visit to take advantage of Babel's opening times. Lunch here is not to be missed!
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Dinner at La Colombe
La Colombe has relocated to the Silvermist Organic Wine Estate at the top of Constantia Nek. Enjoy sweeping views of the Constantia Valley and Hout Bay, and feast on head chef Scot Kirton's creations. Commonly called the best restaurant in Constantia.
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Dinner at The Greenhouse
Peter Tempelhoff, executive chef at The Greenhouse, stays on the cutting-edge of South African cuisine with ever-changing seasonal menus, showcasing contemporary cooking techniques and culinary styles.
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Dinner at Twelve Apostles Hotel
Enjoy a delightful dinner on the stunning terrace overlooking the picturesque Cape Town sunset over the ocean.
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District Six Museum
Discovery the heart-tugging history of the community evicted from District Six during the time of apartheid.
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Explore Long Street and Kloof Street
Explore the City Bowl area of Cape Town along the streets of Long and Kloof. Kloof Street runs downhill from the lower slopes of Table Mountain to merge with Long Street and descend to the Waterfront area.
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Family Private Cape Adventure
Explore the Cape with a professional guide and private custom-built Adventure Utility Vehicle fully equipped with surfboards, stand up paddle boards, hiking packs and more for a day that combines adventure and sightseeing!
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First Thursdays - Cape Town
On the first Thursday of every month explore the art galleries of Cape Town until late. Museums and cultural attractions open their doors and allow visitors to spend the evening discovering the rich culture of the city.
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Footsteps and township private tour
Discover the tumultuous history of South Africa with a guided walking tour around Cape Town, and meet some of the residents, with a chance to learn about how they come together to create a strong community in the city's townships.
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Full Day Cape Point Tour
Your driver will collect you and drive you down the west coast of the Cape Peninsula. He will introduce you to the geography and cultural history, culminating at the Cape itself. You will drive back via Boulders Beach to see the penguins.
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Full Day Cape Town and Table Mountain
A full-day tour visiting Table Mountain for unforgettable views, returning to the city through the Malay Quarter, and incorporating a two-hour walking tour stopping at many of the city’s most important landmarks.
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Great White Shark Cage Diving
Great white shark cage diving is an experience like no other. To get up close to the ocean's number one predator in its natural environment is a humbling experience you will never forget.
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Great White Shark Diving
Great white shark cage diving is an experience like no other. To get up close to the ocean's number one predator in its natural environment is a humbling experience you will never forget.
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Harley Davidson in Cape Town
Is there a cooler way to explore the Cape and wider South Africa than hiring a Harley-Davidson and winding your way along the coastal roads or through the mountainous Winelands?
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Helicopter Over the Cape Peninsula
Enjoy a dramatic aerial view of Table Mountain, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope.
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High Tea at The Mount Nelson
Afternoon tea at The Mount Nelson hotel is a must do whilst staying in Cape Town. The Mount Nelson Hotel serves tea from 14.30 onwards, book for a vast variety of sandwiches, pastries, and loose-leaf teas.
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Hike or Climb Table Mountain
Why not do something a bit different during your stay in Cape Town, get outdoors and experience some of the best climbing and hiking in the world? Take a hike or rock climbing trip up Table Mountain whilst taking in the breathtaking views all around you.
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Hike Table Mountain: Table Top Circuit
The table top circuit of Table Mountain follows the easy circular footpaths for magnificent views of Cape Town and the surrounding natural landmarks.
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Horseriding on Noordhoek Beach
For a unique day out in Cape Town, take a horseback ride along the five-mile long, picturesque Noordhoek Beach. Noordhoek is the longest beach in Cape Town and has spectacular views of Table Mountain and the Chapman's Peak.
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Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum
View exhibits focusing on historical and comperary issues facing the Muslim community within the Cape area.
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Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world, and thought by many to be the most beautiful garden in Africa. Don't miss out on a visit to this magical treasure of Cape Town.
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Lunch & Cellar Tour at Durbanville Hills
A scenic route leads you to Durbanville Hills for a tour of their cellar and lunch at their open restaurant.
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Paragliding over Cape Town
For the adrenaline junky, paragliding over Cape Town is the ultimate way to witness incredible views of the city. Take off from Lions Head or Signal Hill and let your instructor do the flying while you sit back and simply take it all in.
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Penguins at Boulders Beach
There are few places on earth where you can enjoy an experience quite like this. Get up close to the breeding colony of penguins, share their little sandy beach and even paddle into the sea to swim with them.
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Private Scootour Experience - Table Mountain
Enjoy a bit of free-wheeling fun down the slopes of Table Mountain and Signal Hill with friends and family on a private Scootour during your visit to Cape Town.
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Robben Island Trip
A short ferry ride from the V and A Waterfront in Cape Town is the famous Robben Island, a cultural must-do when staying in Cape Town, this trip gives an insight into South Africa's difficult history, as well as brilliant views across Cape Towns harbor.
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Sandboarding & Quad Biking Adventure
Travel 45 minutes to the Atlantis white sand dunes for sandboarding, a lunch and a four-wheel quad biking.
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Seal Island
Seal Island, is a small island, around 200 meters in length and a 15-minute boat ride from Hout Bay. The island has become a breeding colony for around 6000 Cape Fur Seals and several operators offer daily trips to the island.
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Shopping on the V&A Waterfront
The V&A waterfront in Cape Town houses over 226 shops and is an excellent place to visit for evening entertainment, shopping, cafés, and al-fresco dining.
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South African Naval Museum
Step inside a submarine and see a collection of naval guns, uniforms and naval equipments.
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Sunset Cruise on Spirit of Victoria
Board a romantic sail boat or vessel while you sip a glass of sparkling wine with your loved ones.
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The Garden at Babylonstoren
Take the opportunity to explore the wonderful acres of Babylonstoren's gardens. Team up with the gardeners for a fun and interactive experience.
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Two Oceans Aquarium
In Two Oceans Aquarium, the famous marine wildlives of Cape Town truly comes alive with over 3,000 living sea animals on display.
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Uthando
Uthando South Africa is an award winning, international and innovative Non Profit and Fair Trade certified organization which raises funds for community development projects in Cape Town and South Africa.
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Visit the dramatic Capes
The stunning cliff scenery surrounding Cape Town is part of the dramatic South African coastline. Visit the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Agulhas for the beautiful views across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, that meet at the most southern tip of Africa.
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Walk in the Company's Garden
Set in the City Bowl area of Cape Town, a walk around the Company's Garden is an introduction to the very origins of the city itself. Originally established in 1647, the Dutch East India Company used this garden to re-supply its ships passing the Cape.
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Warrior Toy Museum
During your Cape Peninsula tour, make a stop at this unique museum with over 4,000 model cars, as well as 500 dolls and teddy bears.
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West Coast National Park
Surrounded by the Langebaan Lagoon, this pristine wetland offers exceptional bird life, spring flowers and white beaches.
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Whale watching on the Western Cape
Southern right whales visit the Western Cape from about June to December every year. These beautiful gentle giants congregate to the shores of Hermanus all the way along the coast line towards Plettenberg Bay.
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Wine Tasting along the Constantia Wine Route
South Africa is well known for its exquisite Winelands and Constantia was one of the first wine-producing areas in the western cape, dating back to the 1600s, spend a day visiting the areas famous vineyards as you take in the beautiful scenery.
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Woodstock, Bo-Kaap & Bree for the Foodie
From artisan coffee and craft beer to traditional food, chocolate and cheese, taste your way around the city as you explore the backstreets and secrets alleys where the locals like to go.
Vacation Ideas
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Family Fun in South Africa
The Waterberg, Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Cape Town & Hermanus
from $8600 pp 13 nights
- Ant’s Nest presents a flawless safari experience, with family fun and activities in mind.
- We’ve chosen Mashatu Private Game Reserve on the border of Botswana, so you can really get off grid and immerse yourself in the wilderness whilst enjoying a variety of fun family activities, such as mountain bike safaris and horse riding
- Cape Town offers a myriad of activities for all of your families’ interests. At the end of each day, spend your evenings relishing on delicious cuisine in Kloof Street.
Location & directions
Cape Town, South Africa
Located on the edge of downtown Cape Town, and close to Table Mountain, Mount Nelson Hotel is at the heart of the action - a short stroll away from the vibrant areas of Kloof and Long Streets, renowned for their bustling markets, restaurants and bars.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator