The Mount Nelson Hotel

The Mount Nelson opened its doors in 1899 to provide luxurious accommodation for passengers of the old Union and Castle shipping lines and was swiftly acknowledged as ‘the place to see and be seen in’.… and it still is!

Reclining elegantly at the foot of Table Mountain, and affectionately referred to as the ‘Nellie’ by locals who have witnessed her transformation into Cape Town’s Grande Dame, the Mount Nelson is one of South Africa's much-loved historic landmarks. Distinctively pink since 1923, the hotel is owned by Orient-Express Hotels and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Set amidst nine acres of private gardens, the Mount Nelson boasts four individual wings, separated from the main hotel – each with its own unique character. Rooms and suites are individually furnished in a combination of elegant old world charm and modern luxury, with special emphasis on privacy and seclusion. With views of Table Mountain or the immaculate landscaped gardens – and private balconies and courtyards in some of the suites, there's little doubt that the 'Nellie' resonates with pure decadence!

The über-stylish Planet is Cape Town’s first Champagne Bar – a classic fusion of old and new. Fine champagnes, exotic cocktails and elegant wines are served under twinkling fibre optic lights (representing the Southern Hemisphere’s Milky Way) or alfresco beneath the African night sky.

The lounge at the Mount Nelson is legendary for being the continent's most elegant High Tea venue – unlined taffeta curtains diffuse the afternoon light, whilst sofas and wing-backed chairs, upholstered in rich fabrics of warm creams and duck egg blue, sit beautifully against the wall panels in eight shades of white!

PRICES Prices from £150 per person per night twin share including breakfast. Flights from the UK from £589 (including £120 tax) with South African Airways