Pros

  • Elegant rooms and suites with marble bathrooms
  • Some suites have balconies with Table Mountain Views
  • Two heated pools, one for adults-only
  • Luxurious spa offers a range of treatments
  • Free breakfast is served in Oasis Bistro
  • Gym has modern equipment; personal training is available
  • Planet Restaurant & Bar serves upscale fare
  • Variety of meeting and banquet rooms for corporate travelers and weddings
  • Kids' and teens' clubs
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout property
  • Free on-site parking
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Cons

  • Planet Restaurant is closed on Sundays
  • Some rooms could use a refresh, particularly in the bathrooms
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Bottom Line

One of Cape Town's better-known luxury properties, The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel attracts leisure and business travelers alike with its large number of features and elegant ambiance. There are 201 rooms and suites here, all of which feature classical decor, huge bathrooms, and modern features such as free Wi-Fi and big flat-screen TVs. Some suites also have balconies with gorgeous views of the nearby Table Mountain. Amenities include a pool, luxury spa, gym, and two heated outdoor pools, and the on-site fine-dining restaurant, Planet Restaurant and Bar, serves a varied menu of continental fare. While it has an upscale feel, families are welcome; there are even kids' and teen clubs.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Scene

Elegant interiors, beautiful landscaped gardens, and a mix of leisure and business travelers

The Mount Nelson exudes natural elegance, even from the road, with its light pink facade, large windows, and columned entryway, although the real beauty begins inside. The reception area is located in a long room with wooden desks, cream ceilings, and a crystal chandelier. Just beyond is the classically-decorated lobby with plush velvet chairs and thick rugs on dark hardwood floors. The grounds are equally lovely with a mix of brick pathways and lush lawns dotted with shrubs, palms, and deciduous trees. At the center stands a round fountain with a column at its center, ringed by small flowers in various shades of white and pink. The hotel attracts both leisure travelers with cash to spare and business travelers, and its ballroom often plays host to grand weddings. 

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Location

Centrally located; a short drive from Table Mountain and the waterfront

The Mount Nelson is located in a central, safe area just off the M62 and across the street from a high school and library. It's an eight-minute drive to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and a 10-minute drive to the waterfront. Two Oceans Aquarium, to the northeast, takes 10 minutes to reach by road while getting to the Heart of Cape Town Museum is a 15-minute drive east. Cape Town International Airport is a 20-minute drive east.

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Rooms

Elegant rooms and suites with classical decor and gorgeous bathrooms, some with balconies

There are three room types at the Mount Nelson: Rooms, Suites, and Cottage Suites, each of which can further be broken down into different categories, but all of which are luxurious. Superior Rooms are slightly smaller than Deluxe Rooms and some lack beautiful views, but there's not a huge amount of difference between the two. All rooms include iPod docks, desks, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. 

Suites range from one-bedroom Junior Suites all the way up to the ultra-luxe Presidential Suite, which comes with a kitchenette, private dining room, and spacious balcony with Table Mountain views. All suites come with the same amenities as rooms in addition to separate living areas. Classic Suites and Deluxe Suites also have balconies. Next to the pool, the Garden Cottage Suites feel like small vacation homes. All have king-sized four-poster beds.

Decor is fairly consistent in all guest units and includes lightly patterned carpets, rich cream walls, dark-wood furniture, and upholstered chairs in muted tones of gray and gold. Gilded mirrors and photo frames add vintage appeal. Bathrooms are made of marble and have separate baths and walk-in showers along with double sinks (in most) and big mirrors. Although rooms are kept clean and are generally well-maintained, some past guests have noted a bit of wear and tear, particularly in bathrooms.

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Features

Large array of amenities, including fine dining, pools, a spa, and meeting facilities

The Mount Nelson is home to the swanky Planet Restaurant & Bar, which has black-and-white checkerboard tiles and semi-open veranda seating as well as tables out on a grassy lawn. Inside, the decor mixes classical elements with modern celestial features like chandeliers that resemble clusters of stars and royal blue carpets with night-sky patterns. The menu is dominated by contemporary continental creations, with grilled meats and a few vegetarian and vegan options available along with plenty of rich desserts. Unfortunately, the restaurant is closed on Sundays, although guests still have the option of eating at the Oasis Bistro, where an enormous, free breakfast buffet is served every morning. 

The hotel also has a gym with cardio equipment and weights, along with an outdoor tennis court. Sessions with personal trainers and tennis instructors can be arranged, as can ones with swimming coaches who can help guests perfect their strokes in one of two heated outdoor pools. The main pool is family-friendly, while a second pool is reserved for guests over age 16.  Librisa Spa offers a wide range of treatments, from relaxing massages to facials, and uses Dermalogica and Africology products. The spa also has a dry sauna, steam room, and plunge pool as well as its own leafy conservatory with lounge chairs. There are also numerous on-site activities for young ones, including an activity center for kids ages three to 12 and another dedicated space for guests ages 12 to 18.  And while the Mount Nelson is not a business hotel in and of itself, it does offer significant amenities for corporate guests. Seven rooms are available that can be used for meetings, banquets, and other events. 

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Things You Should Know About Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Also Known As

  • Mount Nelson Hotel by Orient-Express

Address

76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town Central 8001, South Africa

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Scene

Elegant interiors, beautiful landscaped gardens, and a mix of leisure and business travelers

The Mount Nelson exudes natural elegance, even from the road, with its light pink facade, large windows, and columned entryway, although the real beauty begins inside. The reception area is located in a long room with wooden desks, cream ceilings, and a crystal chandelier. Just beyond is the classically-decorated lobby with plush velvet chairs and thick rugs on dark hardwood floors. The grounds are equally lovely with a mix of brick pathways and lush lawns dotted with shrubs, palms, and deciduous trees. At the center stands a round fountain with a column at its center, ringed by small flowers in various shades of white and pink. The hotel attracts both leisure travelers with cash to spare and business travelers, and its ballroom often plays host to grand weddings. 

See More Scene

Location

Centrally located; a short drive from Table Mountain and the waterfront

The Mount Nelson is located in a central, safe area just off the M62 and across the street from a high school and library. It's an eight-minute drive to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and a 10-minute drive to the waterfront. Two Oceans Aquarium, to the northeast, takes 10 minutes to reach by road while getting to the Heart of Cape Town Museum is a 15-minute drive east. Cape Town International Airport is a 20-minute drive east.

See More Location

Rooms

Elegant rooms and suites with classical decor and gorgeous bathrooms, some with balconies

There are three room types at the Mount Nelson: Rooms, Suites, and Cottage Suites, each of which can further be broken down into different categories, but all of which are luxurious. Superior Rooms are slightly smaller than Deluxe Rooms and some lack beautiful views, but there's not a huge amount of difference between the two. All rooms include iPod docks, desks, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. 

Suites range from one-bedroom Junior Suites all the way up to the ultra-luxe Presidential Suite, which comes with a kitchenette, private dining room, and spacious balcony with Table Mountain views. All suites come with the same amenities as rooms in addition to separate living areas. Classic Suites and Deluxe Suites also have balconies. Next to the pool, the Garden Cottage Suites feel like small vacation homes. All have king-sized four-poster beds.

Decor is fairly consistent in all guest units and includes lightly patterned carpets, rich cream walls, dark-wood furniture, and upholstered chairs in muted tones of gray and gold. Gilded mirrors and photo frames add vintage appeal. Bathrooms are made of marble and have separate baths and walk-in showers along with double sinks (in most) and big mirrors. Although rooms are kept clean and are generally well-maintained, some past guests have noted a bit of wear and tear, particularly in bathrooms.

See More Rooms

Features

Large array of amenities, including fine dining, pools, a spa, and meeting facilities

The Mount Nelson is home to the swanky Planet Restaurant & Bar, which has black-and-white checkerboard tiles and semi-open veranda seating as well as tables out on a grassy lawn. Inside, the decor mixes classical elements with modern celestial features like chandeliers that resemble clusters of stars and royal blue carpets with night-sky patterns. The menu is dominated by contemporary continental creations, with grilled meats and a few vegetarian and vegan options available along with plenty of rich desserts. Unfortunately, the restaurant is closed on Sundays, although guests still have the option of eating at the Oasis Bistro, where an enormous, free breakfast buffet is served every morning. 

The hotel also has a gym with cardio equipment and weights, along with an outdoor tennis court. Sessions with personal trainers and tennis instructors can be arranged, as can ones with swimming coaches who can help guests perfect their strokes in one of two heated outdoor pools. The main pool is family-friendly, while a second pool is reserved for guests over age 16.  Librisa Spa offers a wide range of treatments, from relaxing massages to facials, and uses Dermalogica and Africology products. The spa also has a dry sauna, steam room, and plunge pool as well as its own leafy conservatory with lounge chairs. There are also numerous on-site activities for young ones, including an activity center for kids ages three to 12 and another dedicated space for guests ages 12 to 18.  And while the Mount Nelson is not a business hotel in and of itself, it does offer significant amenities for corporate guests. Seven rooms are available that can be used for meetings, banquets, and other events. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.