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MOUNT NELSON HOTEL

"There was a special magic about coming to the Cape which was then the place where Africa met the world through its shipping. I loved my first visit to the hotel. And I loved the sea - it was like coming home. I've stayed at the Mount Nelson countless times since. And I remember the staff were always so good. I have travelled a great deal in the world - I've had to in my life - but my favourite hotel is the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town." Sir Laurens van der Post, writer-explorer and adventurer.

In the 100 years since she first opened her doors in 1899, the Mount Nelson Hotel ('Nellie' to her friends) has hosted an array of royal celebrities, world leaders, and artistic greats, including the Prince of Wales (in 1925), Winston Churchill, Cecil John Rhodes, Joseph Chamberlain, HG Wells, Rudyard Kipling, Agatha Christie, and John Lennon to name but a few. 'Nellie' is shrouded in a sense of history and romance that few hotels anywhere can match.

Set in lush private gardens, and with Table Mountain as backdrop, the Mount Nelson is like an oasis of tranquility and luxury in the vibrant and colorful city of Cape Town. The distinctive Edwardian exterior is remarked upon by many guests, but few are aware that it is the result of a specially-made paint formulated by experts to fade to just the right shade of pink between coats.

As the quote from Sir Laurens van der Post suggests, the 'Nellie' enjoys world renown for her level of warm, friendly, and professional service. This is evident in staff throughout the hotel, and is exemplified in the wonderful meals and teas that are offered in the hotel's various restaurants (each with a very different theme and atmosphere). The Cape Colony restaurant, specializing in an eclectic fusion of Thai and Mediterranean cuisines with a strong Cape Malay influence, has been voted one of the top ten hotel restaurants in the world.

Sumptuous luxury abounds at the 'Nellie'. From the public areas to the bedrooms, the hotel exudes an aura of old world comfort and Victorian style. Each of the 58 suites and 168 bedrooms are individually furnished and provided with fully-appointed private bathrooms and air-conditioning. In addition, each is equipped with television, a refrigerator, and international touch-dial telephones. The hotel also has a swimming pool, two all-weather tennis courts, a gymnasium, and a bodycare clinic, all within its grounds and for the private use of hotel residents.

The Mount Nelson can justifiably claim to be the 'Grand Dame' of Cape Town's hotels, with an unparalleled aura of mystique and romance. For three consecutive years (1997-1999) she was awarded the title of best hotel in Africa by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine, adding to a long list of accolades that she has collected over the last century.

To find out more about the Mount Nelson Hotel, or to make a reservation, call on

27-11-463-7889 or email us.

LIYATSHWA SAFARIS PORTFOLIO - Cape Town and Wine Region