Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel is, quite simply, lovely. For me, living in the Gardens area means driving past this iconic spot daily, as many of us locals do, and there’s always a moment of appreciation for its enduring pillared presence that has graced Orange Street since 1899.
Returning as guests after six years felt like reconnecting with an old friend. The world has shifted dramatically in that time, with global uncertainty on so many varying levels – yet stepping through those familiar doors, we found the Nellie beautifully, reassuringly unchanged, while somehow feeling more relevant than ever.
…we found the Nellie beautifully, reassuringly unchanged, while somehow feeling more relevant than ever.
A Neighbourhood Icon
The Nellie occupies an enviable position – stretching across a city block, it serves as the beating heart of the Gardens district, nestled between the bustling nightlife of Kloof Street and the tranquil expanse of Company’s Gardens. This prime location is ideal for guests, allowing them to step seamlessly between the hotel’s cocoon-like embrace and the authentic rhythm of life in the Mother City.
Our suite overlooked the hotel’s meticulously maintained gardens and famed fountain area, and, as the sun set over the city, on what turned out to be an unseasonably warm winter’s day, the pinky-coral tones of the sunset seemed to almost mirror the Nellie’s famous pink façade.
Contemporary Luxury Meets Historic Charm
What continues to impress about the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel is how effortlessly it marries old-world grandeur with contemporary conveniences. Hotels of a certain calibre always offer stunning rooms, but each property’s accommodations are distinct, guided by the look and feel of the space itself. In the Nellie’s case, it’s about space, luxury, and old-world refinement blended with modern amenities and style.
Our spacious suite, complete with separate lounge area, welcomed us with thoughtful South African touches like fresh local fruit, pink macarons and The Pink Lady gin made by the Cape Town Gin Company. Preferences that were asked for in the pre-arrival check-in were also catered for, which also adds to the feeling of being unobtrusively looked after and thought of.
What continues to impress about the Nellie is how effortlessly it marries old-world grandeur with contemporary conveniences.
The hotel’s ability to stay current while honouring its heritage has only become more remarkable. From pet-friendly accommodations to innovative collaborations like their partnership with Field Bar to create the iconic Nellie Pink cooler, the hotel proves that tradition and innovation can coexist. They are continually adapting to modern travellers’ needs without compromising their essential character.
Afternoon Tea: A Ritual Worth Savouring
No return to the Nellie would be complete without afternoon tea, and this experience reminded us why it’s achieved legendary status. Under the expert guidance of tea sommelier Craig Cupido, my sister and I explored several options from the impressive menu of 65 teas, with different options suggested for the savoury and sweet courses. We were particularly drawn to the local buchu blend and the fragrant orange rooibos – both perfect ambassadors for South African tea culture.
Seated in the conservatory, surrounded by the hotel’s gardens, and with live piano music in the background, we agreed there are few more civilised ways we could think to spend a Saturday afternoon.
For us, the most delightful aspect wasn’t just the beautiful treats created by Chef Vicky Gurovich and her team, but the gift of unhurried time. In our increasingly frantic world, these pockets of genuine connection feel precious and rare. The Nellie created space for us to simply be present with each other, and we found ourselves reluctant to break the spell by leaving. In this instance, fortunately, leaving to go to our room felt far less jarring than having to re-enter the real world.
Seated in the conservatory, surrounded by the hotel’s gardens, and with live piano music in the background, we agreed there are few more civilised ways to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Dining, Drinking, and Gathering Spaces
The beloved Planet Bar remains a constant at the hotel; the verandah space overlooking the gardens continues its role as a gathering place for locals and international visitors alike. We spent the evening here, drinks in hand. The bar has a comprehensive list of beautifully crafted bespoke cocktails and a wide variety of local wines. They make a wonderful Whisky Sours and Old Fashioned, which we sipped on while the sun set over the famed central fountain.
The Lord Nelson Room offered a more intimate setting for post-dinner drinks, where we enjoyed a game of pool by the fireplace – one of those perfect hotel moments where luxury feels comfortable rather than stuffy. The Nellie’s various spaces each welcome guests with warmth, whether after lively conversation or quiet contemplation.
Oasis Restaurant lives up to its name, offering the ideal setting for breakfast overlooking the hotel’s pristine pool and cabana area. It offers an impressive and varied breakfast menu that caters to every palate, from crisp pastries and indulgent pancakes to fresh oysters paired with local Cap Classique, as well as hearty cooked options.
Whether you choose to dine indoors alongside the beautiful wall mural (that you almost feel you could step into and disappear), or opt for alfresco seating with tranquil pool views as we did, the attentive team ensures you get your morning started in the best possible way.
Service – The Nellie’s Greatest Asset
What continues to set the Nellie apart isn’t its pink walls or prime location, though; it’s the people. Team members move through the hotel with a grace that speaks to genuine pride in their work. Their attentiveness never feels performative; instead, it stems from a clear understanding that hospitality, at its finest, is about anticipating needs and creating space for guests to simply be. We felt this the most acutely – the luxury of time and quiet space to fully unwind and not have to think about much at all. What bliss.
What continues to set the Nellie apart isn’t its pink walls or prime location, it’s the people.
Discretion, for which the Nellie has become known, has made the hotel a sanctuary for everyone from Hollywood stars to politicians to punk rock bands. Everyone receives the same respectful attention though, regardless of their public profile.
Why the Nellie Endures
As we reluctantly packed our bags, we reflected on what makes the Nellie special in an age of boutique hotels and design-forward properties. Perhaps it’s the way the hotel manages to feel both grand and intimate, both historically significant and refreshingly current. Or maybe it’s simply that after 125 years, the Nellie has perfected the art of making guests feel not just welcomed, but cherished.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel represents a commitment to hospitality as it was meant to be – generous, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine care for human comfort. In a world that has changed dramatically, the Nellie remains wonderfully, reassuringly itself. I have no doubt it will continue to thoughtfully adapt, remaining relevant for each new generation of guests still to come.
The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel | 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 483 1000 Reservations: +27 21 483 1000
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