Mount Nelson Hotel Is A Tranquil Cape Town Retreat That Provides Visitors With A Perfect Introduction To South Africa
Cape Town has emerged as a leading destination for world travelers. It offers a comfortable and safe introduction to the natural beauty, interesting history, and exotic experiences of South Africa. First time visitors will find an abundance of quality resorts in the city near the popular V&A Waterfront, but the tranquility, luxury, and hospitality of the Mount Nelson Hotel operated by the Belmond Hotel Group make that hotel a sound choice for a Cape Town stay. The Mount Nelson has been recognized as one of Africa’s Best Hotels by respected publications and travel-related organizations. We were intrigued by the classic pink buildings and stylish amenities offered by the Mount Nelson, so we booked a five day stay there following our arrival on a direct flight from the United States. The beautiful grounds, modern and fashionable rooms, pool and tennis activities, quality food, and special amenities of the resort fulfilled our expectations and helped us enjoy our initial tours around Cape Town.
BACKGROUND AND LOCATION
The hotel recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. The background and history of the establishment is described on the hotel’s website and in its publication “The Nellie Times.” Built in 1899 by Sir Donald Currie, a shipping company executive, the Mount Nelson was developed to provide Cape Town with a “stylish and elegant” hotel that would rival the leading hotels of London. To make the Mount Nelson a centerpiece for city business and social activity, Currie selected a prime location with a mountain view, fountains, vineyards, and shade trees that had previously been used as a garden. Success followed during the 20th century as dignitaries including Winston Churchill, Bobby Kennedy, and the Dalai Lama, along with celebrities such as John Lennon and Sir Arthur Cannon Doyle, stayed at the hotel. One unique feature, the classic entrance gate and white columns of the hotel was built to commemorate a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1925. Vehicles and people arriving at the front gate pass through security and are welcomed by finely attired doormen. Fortunately, the hotel’s roots in the imperial age did not prevent its operators from redesigning and upgrading the hotel’s facilities to meet the needs of 21st century guests.
HOTEL PUBLIC AREAS AND ROOMS
The hotel’s public areas and most of the rooms are in a series of buildings and small outbuildings located in the center of the property. While this area is a bit crowded with little greenery, the rest of the nine-acre estate is spread out and full of walkways, well-manicured lawns, and trees. The main section of the hotel is a five-story rectangular structure with connected four-story wings. At the front entrance, you pass through the registration desks and a small lobby before entering a large lounge area full of couches, sitting chairs, and parlors for conversation and relaxation. Other rooms there include the Planet Bar which offers cozy cocktails and a coffee area with state-of-the-art equipment and a skilled barista.
The main building of the hotel also features a recreation and retreat area called the Lord Nelson Room which is decorated like a Victorian club except for the modern flat screen and computer terminal. A few steps away is a large, covered patio with more couches and tables. This indoor and outdoor area is a popular place to see and be seen among expatriates and visitors to Cape Town. Just below the patio, you enter a garden with leafy trees. The garden is a romantic and peaceful setting for guests to take a walk or sit and contemplate nature.
There are 198 rooms and suites in the hotel. A typical Deluxe Room is about 270 square feet in size and is furnished with either a king-sized bed or two double beds, marble and tile bathrooms with a soaking tub, separate shower, sink and toilet, and sitting areas. Some rooms have private balconies. Room amenities include free Wi-Fi, an expresso maker, a small refrigerator, climate-controlled AC and heat, a flat screen television, bottled water, and boutique bath products. Many rooms look out on the gardens to the rear and some suites have views of Table Mountain. There are also separate Garden Cottages available which are described as being a “historic home-away-from-home, picture perfect cottage, sitting behind a fragrant rose garden and picket fence.”
AMENITIES AND RELAXATIONS
In addition to the attractiveness of the public areas of the hotel and the gardens, Mount Nelson is a self-contained resort that provides guests with many options for relaxation when they return from exploring Cape Town. Some of these include:
Pools – The main pool, surrounded by comfortable lounges and trees, is heated to 28 degrees centigrade to provide a relaxing outdoor swim for adults and children. Poolside service of drinks and light fare is available there from October to April. A second adults only pool is located by the cottages.
Concierge – The concierge service offered by the hotel is outstanding. They help guests schedule excursions and guided tours of the area, or book transportation, offsite restaurant reservations, and tickets for attractions.
Spa – The Librisa Spa at the Mount Nelson offers a wide variety of treatments and services. The facility’s new menu focuses on “holistic wellness and the enhancement of natural beauty that weaves in elements of mindful meditation, yoga, and acoustic therapies.” The spa is in a restored Victorian residence adjacent to the main pool and includes eight treatment rooms, a steam bath, Finnish sauna, and cold plunge pool.
Neighborhood Activities and Shopping – There are two small boutique stores with designer goods and specialty items produced by South African craftspeople on the main floor of the hotel. In addition, the walkable neighborhood adjacent to the hotel’s rear entrance known as Kloof Street is renowned for its restaurants, vintage shops, and designer boutiques.
Fitness -The hotel has two well maintained tennis courts and offers the excellent services of a skilled and pleasant tennis pro Barkie McKrea. The fitness center is equipped with the latest aerobic and weight training machines needed for a good workout and body rejuvenation. Personal training and classes are also available.
Other Services – A laundry, hair salon, and children’s activity center are provided too.
DINING
Guests at the Mount Nelson have high expectations for distinctive cuisine and quality service, and the hotel responds with four principal offerings. First, breakfast starts for most guests with a visit to the Oasis, which is an inside pavilion, and an outside terrace located next to the main swimming pool. With temperate weather most of the year, a sumptuous buffet is served there. The breakfast includes specialty coffees and fresh squeezed juices, followed by omelets, eggs, and other grilled items cooked to order, and continuing with a large selection of hot and cold meats, fruits, yogurts, croissants and breads, cereals, wellness items, and everything else you would associate with a great start to your day. No one misses the breakfast which is served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Second, lunch is available in Oasis and the Verandah located behind the lobby, but people also enjoy the Mount Nelson’s afternoon tea that has been served for thirty years in the Lounge. It features a classic South African milk tart and expert Assam blends.
Third, the principal place for evening dining is to reserve a table on the Verandah or in the Garden. The atmosphere is relaxing, and the service is attentive. The menu features casual and recognizable favorites like grilled fish and curry, but also beef entrees, interesting appetizers, and items honoring South African flavors and cooking techniques. All menu items are prepared under the direction of the hotel’s experienced executive chef. Finally, the hotel has opened what it calls a “smart, sophisticated pan-Asian underground restaurant” called The Red Room located in a reopened basement level dining room. The menu features a variety of Asian dishes in the form of dim sum and small plates, and main dishes like Peking Duck.
Rooms service is available in the hotel and the bars offer snacks and drinks.