Cape Town, South Africa
Classic landmark hotel set in lush gardens below Table Mountain, offering refined dining and renowned afternoon tea in central Cape Town
Our review
Handily situated a short drive from the city centre, Cape Town’s distinctive grand dame was the first luxury hotel in the city. Painted pink to celebrate the end of the First World War, afternoon tea here is something of an institution. There is a choice of seating – in the lounge area, on the covered terrace or outside on the grassy lawn under shady umbrellas.
We opted to sit in the cool inside. Here, traditional armchairs and sofas are arranged in small groups with some settings for just two people. There are attractive original portraits from the mid 19th century and other artefacts from the period, when afternoon tea drinking became almost a national obsession for the middle and upper classes. There are a choice of several leaf teas from around the world, all properly served with boiling water in a teapot and left to brew by your waiter for the required length of time. Tea is served in fine bone china to enable one to taste the subtlety of the drink properly. Paul was unimpressed, being a coffee drinker and ordered a cappuccino. From a loaded buffet, there is a large choice of pastries from the kitchen, along with strawberries and clotted cream. But first, the savouries are brought to your table on a tiered rack. We had finger sandwiches, small mushroom choux buns and savoury smoked salmon tartlets. This is followed with fresh scones with strawberry jam. (No other jam will do). If you have the ability to raise yourself from your seat after this, there is the dilemma of which cakes to choose from the buffet. Along with Reid’s Palace in Madeira and the Isle of Eriska in Scotland, this is the best afternoon tea I’ve had outside England. Booking is essential, especially at weekends.
There is much more to this hotel than its famous afternoon tea, however. Oozing history, the hotel has terraces and flower filled gardens – a unique advantage for a city hotel – with art displays and sculptures, a wide choice of rooms from traditional in the main building to cottage style – with white picket fences and English gardens to contemporary in separate wings. A unique chef’s table at the culinary heart is arranged like a mini restaurant, with two persons able to reserve a space (up to around ten guests total). There are two heated outdoor swimming pools, an award-wining spa and tennis courts. The hotel has both a children’s room and teen room for its younger guests.
It was my father’s favourite hotel in Cape Town and I still have a letter he sent to me from here in the 1960s. I’m glad to say it is as wonderful now as it was then.
Rooms
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel offers approximately 200 rooms and suites across its historic main building and garden wings. Accommodation blends classic colonial style with modern comfort, featuring high ceilings, generous layouts and elegant furnishings. Many rooms overlook the landscaped gardens or Table Mountain, with suites offering separate living areas and enhanced amenities.
Food and Drink
The hotel’s culinary offering includes Lord Nelson Restaurant, presenting contemporary international cuisine with South African influences. Afternoon tea is served in the Lounge and on the terrace and is one of the hotel’s signature experiences, featuring fine teas, pastries and savoury selections.
The Planet Bar provides a relaxed setting for cocktails and light meals, while seasonal garden dining offers a more informal option in warmer months.
Wellness
Librisa Spa is the hotel’s dedicated wellness centre, offering a range of massages and beauty treatments alongside sauna, steam room and relaxation areas. The hotel also features a fully equipped fitness centre and outdoor swimming pools set within the gardens.
Facilities
- Landscaped gardens
- Outdoor swimming pools
- Librisa Spa and wellness facilities
- Fitness centre and tennis courts
- Restaurants, lounge and bar
- Afternoon tea service
- Concierge and tour services
- Meeting and event spaces
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is located in Cape Town’s Gardens district, at the base of Table Mountain. Nearby attractions include the V&A Waterfront, Company’s Garden, Table Mountain Cableway and the city’s museums, galleries and beaches.
Getting there
Address: 76 Orange Street, Cape Town, 8001 South Africa
Arriving by train: Cape Town railway station – 1.8 miles (3km) 6 minutes by car. Transfers are available to the station for the Blue Train and Rovos Rail connections.
Arriving by air: Cape Town International Airport – 11 miles (19 km) located 20 minutes by car.
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.