Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

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. 

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.

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.

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.