Mount Nelson Hotel
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A colonial jewel at the foot of Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain, the Mount Nelson has been at the heart of the city's haute social scene since it opened in 1899. The pink-hued hotel is grand in every respect of the word, with nine acres of beautifully manicured grounds, elegant rooms and suites individually decorated with antiques, and an impeccable staff that seems to want nothing more than your comfort. The lavish afternoon tea is such a local institution that it's now offered every day (with a lighter version served each morning); reservations are a must. The lovely constellation-themed fine-dining restaurant and elegant spa are other attractions for the legions of regulars, many of whom come yearly for extended vacations. Past guests range from Sir Winston Churchill (as a young man) and mystery writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Hilary Swank.

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  • Best for
  • Romance
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Pool
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