Hotel
The Silo Hotel
Set in the upper floors of the converted grain silo above Zeitz MOCAA, The Silo Hotel has bulging glass windows with views from Table Mountain to…
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Opened in 1899 below Table Mountain, the pink-painted Belmond Mount Nelson is Cape Town's grande dame, set in nine acres of gardens with two pools and famous afternoon teas.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic luxury hotel
- Area
- Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Hotel class
- 5-star
- Official site
- belmond.com
Good to know
- 9 acres of gardens
- 2 outdoor pools
- Afternoon tea
- 196 rooms and suites
- Garden cottages
Why we recommend it
The Mount Nelson opened on 6 March 1899, built by the shipping magnate Sir Donald Currie to give first-class passengers on his Union-Castle liners a hotel as elegant as any in London. It was the first hotel in South Africa with hot and cold running water, and its history is woven into the city's: it served as a British headquarters during the Second Boer War, when the young Winston Churchill was based here as a war correspondent, and later welcomed guests such as the Prince of Wales and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Today the hotel, known affectionately as the Nellie, is part of the Belmond collection. It sits in nine acres of gardens in the Gardens neighbourhood, at the top of the city centre, with Table Mountain rising behind. A palm-lined drive leads up from Orange Street to the main building, and the grounds hold 196 rooms and suites, spread between the original hotel, later wings and a cluster of restored historic cottages that now serve as garden suites.
Afternoon tea at the Nellie is a Cape Town institution, served with a generous spread of cakes, pastries and savouries, and it is popular with non-residents too, so book in advance. The hotel has two outdoor pools, restaurants and bars, and the gardens are a peaceful place to walk, read or simply enjoy the view of the mountain. Small touches recall the past, such as wooden chairs that were once deck chairs on Union-Castle ships.
The Mount Nelson suits couples, families and travellers who appreciate history and old-world service rather than a sleek modern hotel. Rooms range from classic doubles to large suites, and garden cottages give more privacy. Ask for a room with a view of Table Mountain when booking.
The location is a strong point. Kloof Street's restaurants and bars are a short walk away, the Company's Garden and the Iziko museums are just below, and the city centre is within easy reach on foot or by taxi. The V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay are each around 10 to 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic, and the hotel can arrange transfers and tours.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel FAQs
When did the Mount Nelson open?
On 6 March 1899.
How many rooms are there?
196 rooms and suites, including 110 rooms and 86 suites.
Is there a pool?
Yes. The hotel has two outdoor pools.
Can non-residents have afternoon tea?
Yes. Afternoon tea is popular with visitors, so book ahead.
How big are the gardens?
The hotel stands in nine acres of gardens.
Where is it?
At 76 Orange Street in Gardens, at the top of the city centre.
What is nearby?
Kloof Street, the Company's Garden and the Iziko museums.
What is the hotel's history?
It was built for Union-Castle passengers, served as a British headquarters in the Second Boer War and hosted Winston Churchill as a war correspondent.