Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
South Africa
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
76 Orange Street, Cape Town
8001 South Africa
www.belmond.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Belmond
Shareholders
Owned by LVMH
Date of creation
6 March 1899
Hotel Positioning
5-star Luxury Hotel
Awarded Best Hotel in Africa by World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024.
Development Strategy
The last restylings in 2024.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
History and Story
Bought in 1890 by Union Castle Shipping Line by Sir Donald Currie – his dream was to build a hotel in Cape Town as stylish and elegant as London’s most fashionable hotels – to cater exclusively for the Castle Line’s well-heeled First Class passengers. It opened in March 1899, survived the South African War and two world wars (the young Winston Churchill stayed here as a war correspondent and we still have the Churchill Writing Room). The end of the First World War was celebrated by painting the hotel a cheerful coat of pink – and the hotel remains the same rosy hue today. The Prince of Wales visited the hotel in 1925 and the Prince of Wales Gate and Palm Avenue were created in honour of his visit.
Date added extensions
• 1973 Oasis wing was added to the main building
• 1990 Eight historic cottages converted in to Garden Cottage Suites
• 1996 acquired three historical buildings adjacent to Palm Avenue – Taunton House Cottage, Green Park and Hof Villa as well as the Helmsley hotel.
Main strengths, special touch
• Gracious hospitality
• Set in a city resort with nine acres gardens and sweeping lawns
• The hotel offers seven different wings offering a variety of accommodation
• Two swimming pools
• Two floodlit tennis courts
• A vibrant Children’s Club with professional childminders
• A beautiful historic building which houses the Librisa Spa
Location
Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, is located in the vibrant, eclectic and cultural heart of Cape Town. Rich in history, the hotel has been welcoming visitors since 1899. The nine acre resort is an oasis of flowering gardens and rolling lawns, two heated swimming pools, two tennis courts and a glorious spa, all boasting magnificent views of iconic Table Mountain. A feast of dining options are offered, al fresco as well as in hidden storied spaces. Take just one step out of the hotel gates and discover the city’s top attractions as well as authentic vibrant daily Cape Town city life.
Key sites/activities in the area
It is perfectly positioned below Table Mountain, a few minutes away from the city and a step away from the cultural and historical heart of Cape Town.
Children’s corner
The Children’s Club offers fun-filled, creative as well as educational activities. A professionally staffed playroom offers something different for children every day.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
• Deluxe rooms
Deluxe rooms include a lounge area and an en-suite bathroom. Connecting options to another deluxe room, which is perfect for families. Maximum occupancy 3 persons using 1 rollaway bed.
For guests requiring more spacious accommodation, Junior Suites offer a bedroom with an open-plan lounge area. Views of Table Mountain or the hotel gardens. Connection options to another Junior Suite or a One Bedroom Suite. Maximum occupancy 3 persons using 1 rollaway bed.
Deluxe Junior Suites are large open plan suites with a spacious bedroom and lounge area and a balcony or a terrace with garden or mountain views. These suites are perfect for families travelling with children. Maximum occupancy 3 persons using 1 rollaway bed.
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. Maximum occupancy 3 persons using 1 rollaway bed.
These large open plan suites feature a luxurious and spacious bathroom, balcony or a terrace with mountain or garden views. With added space, they’re a perfect choice for families travelling with children. Maximum occupancy 3 persons using 1 rollaway bed.
• One Bedroom Suites
These suites feature spacious bedrooms and a large separate lounge area with views of either Table Mountain or the hotel gardens. Connecting options to a Superior Room, Deluxe Room or Junior Suite. Maximum occupancy 3 persons using 1 rollaway bed.
Enjoy the luxury of space in these premium suites which have a separate living area and a large bathroom. The living room offers a sofa, a desk and a dining area. Maximum occupancy 4 persons using 2 rollaway beds or 1 rollaway and 1 cot.
A row of restored historic cottages adjacent to the secluded pool make up our sought after Garden Cottage Suites. Located behind a scented rose-garden, these suites are enclosed by a charming picket fence. Interiors boast toile wallpaper and elegant furnishings. They’re tucked away in our gardens making them an idyllic romantic hideaway for honeymooners or couples. Maximum occupancy 2 persons.
The Honeysuckle Suite is one in a row of historic terraced houses built in the 1890s, featuring an original trellised verandah. Overlooking the pool and resplendent with beautiful private flowering gardens, admire the sense of calm, the collection of antiques, and the direct access to a heated swimming pool. Our two-bedroom suite is a light and lavish residence, formed from two neighbouring cottages. 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 kitted-out kitchen, dining room and lounge, you and your gathering of loved ones will feel right at home. Maximum occupancy 2 persons per bedroom plus 1 rollaway bed in lounge.
Located on the top floor of the 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 honour 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 cosy 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.
Restaurants & bars
• The Chef’s Table
Step into the gastronomic heart of the hotel and take your seat in an exclusive, hidden dining space. Watch in wonder as dishes are prepared right before your eyes—then uncover the inspiration behind each creation. Menus change daily according to the seasonal ingredients available locally.
• Oasis
Elevated casual dining with a farm to table approach, a menu inspired by our beautiful surrounding gardens. Tuck into wholesome buffet breakfast in the mornings, a lazy poolside lunch or a sumptuous Saturday “Braai” or Sunday Jazz Brunch while overlooking the main hotel pool.
• Planet Bar
A globally inspired snack offering, utilizing only fresh and local ingredients. Cool, chi and timelessly elegant, Planet Bar buzzes year-round whether you’re out on the sunny terrace or curled up in a plush armchair fireside.
• Afternoon Tea
Embrace tradition with our iconic Afternoon Tea, served in the Lounge. With more than 60 carefully chosen fine loose-leaf teas from across the globe, a unique coffee experience, and a sumptuous array of sweet and savoury delicacies.
Embark on a remarkable dining journey at our Mediterranean-inspired outdoor eatery, where fresh, locally-sourced ingredients take center stage and flavor is celebrated. Experience the artistry of our Neapolitan pizzas, each crafted before your eyes, delivering an authentic taste of Italy that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Naples. Our inviting outdoor setting creates a serene ambiance, perfect for leisurely meals with friends and family. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails that showcase seasonal ingredients and explore our thoughtfully curated selection of local South African wines, each chosen to complement the vibrant flavors of our menu. This is more than just a meal; it’s an experience designed to awaken your senses and celebrate community.
• The Red Room
Inspired by Chef Liam Tomlin’s journeys, The Red Room is an ode to Asia’s irresistible flavours. Enter through an exclusive side entrance and down an evocatively lit stairway, entering a forgotten room shielded by time.
• The Verandah
Wellness
Librisa Spa focuses on calming the mind, healing the body and renewing the spirit. A complimentary child minding service is available all day whilst you enjoy your treatment. There is also a well-equipped gym and fitness centre and two swimming pools.
Corporate and celebration events
Mount Nelson, boasts a stunning collection of conference venues catering for any corporate function or meeting — however large or small, conventional or extraordinary.
Hotel and restaurant(s) awards
Forbes 5 Star Accreditation
2025
• Fodor’s 100 Best Hotels in the World for 2025 | “The Best Hotels in Africa”
2024
• Robb Report Best of the Best Art Deco Hotel 2024
• Conde Nast Traveller #12 in the category Best Hotel in Africa
• World’s 50 Best | Best Hotel in Africa & Ranked #28
• Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star Rating
• Travel + Leisure 500 List
• Hotels Magazine’s Top 25 Hotels of the World
• Luxe Travel Awards: Heritage Hotel of the Year: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
2023
• Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star Rating
• EarthCheck Silver Certified
• Travel + Leisure | Winner | Readers’ 5 Favorite City Hotels in Africa
• Condé Nast Traveler | Seventh | The best hotels in Eastern and Southern Africa
• World’s 50 Best « Discovery » List
• Tourism Grading Council of South Africa: 5 Star Premium Status
• Elite Traveler | Top 100 Suites | Honeysuckle Cottage
• Amex | Satisfaction Rating |100% Excellent Scores
• Tripadvisor | Top 10% of Dining Experiences Globally | Afternoon Tea
• Vogue Italia | Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations
• British Airways Customer Excellence Award
TEAM AWARDS
2023
• Luxury Lifestyle Awards Top 100 General Managers of 2023 | Tiago Sarmento
• Inter Hotel Challenge | 2nd Wine Steward of the Year | Lucian Hendricks
• Inter Hotel Challenge | 2nd Best Cocktail | Lucian Hendricks
2021
• Inter Hotel Challenge | Most up & coming wine steward “the Wonga Award” | Mandu Solani
• Inter Hotel Challenge | 1st Best Cocktail | Mandu Solani
• Inter Hotel Challenge | Top 10% Sommelier Academy Results | Monique Du Preez
• Inter Hotel Challenge | 3rd Ultimate Lancewood Pastry Chef of the Year | Chelsea Smith
• Inter Hotel Challenge | KitchenAid Africa Most Promising Bio-Wheat Baker | Kirstin Hellemann
• Inter Hotel Challenge | Concierge of the Year | Muchi Gubwe
• Inter Hotel Challenge | The KitchenAid Africa Best Team Award | Mount Nelson Hotel
2020
• Inter Hotel Challenge | Wine Steward of the Year | Keegan Terry
• Inter Hotel Challenge | Best Food & Wine Pairing – Main Course | Rameez Ceres
• Inter Hotel Challenge | Best Food & Wine Pairing – Dessert | Rowan Pollecutt