The Belmond Mount Nelson
Hotel Name: The Belmond Mount Nelson
Number of Rooms: 198
Location: Situated at the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, The Belmond Mount Nelson occupies a prime spot in the city's prestigious Gardens area.
Cape Town’s grand dame opened its peach-colored doors in 1889 and, today, the atmosphere remains delightfully stuck in time. Spread across nine luscious acres, the grounds are exquisitely manicured and the facilities list is extensive. Although rooms have been updated with modern conveniences, the details of original charm, like antique canopy beds, are what make a lasting impression. As you stare across the postcard property toward Table Mountain, it's easy to imagine the hotel's hallowed halls filled with esteemed guests -- a young Winston Churchill on journalistic assignment, John Lennon meditating in the gardens, or a dignified Nelson Mandela enjoying afternoon tea on the terrace.
What We Loved: The picturesque setting surrounded by majestic mountains and vibrant gardens, the impeccable service, and the hotel's rich history and heritage.
What We Didn’t Love: Some may find the hotel's classic decor and ambiance a bit traditional for their tastes.
Right For: Visitors looking for an urban resort, who also appreciate a bit of history and an old-school twist.
Wrong For: Fans of contemporary art and design may be happier at the Silo or Ellerman House
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) months when the weather is mild, and the gardens are in full bloom.
TLF Tip: During World War II, the hotel was used as a military headquarters, and its famous pink exterior was camouflaged with gray paint to avoid detection by enemy ships patrolling the coast.