Mount Nelson Hotel
<p>Since 1899, this pink-faced colonial beauty—just a stroll away from the Company Gardens—has been the reigning queen of Cape Town's hotels. Originally built by a shipping magnate to host wealthy Europeans, “The Nellie” today is operated by Orient-Express and hosts celebs like Richard Gere and Paris Hilton. The property includes nine acres of sweeping lawns and rosebushes, burbling stone fountains and swimming pools; the 201 high-ceilinged guest rooms are sophisticated aeries, decked out in white and cream–colored damask, dark-wood antique furnishings, and (in many cases) dramatically canopied or swagged beds. Colonial-era tradition is observed during afternoon tea service in The Lounge, while modern-day decadence abounds at the new (opened in 2008) Librisa Spa.</p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> To get a real taste of swinging white-collar Cape Town, hit the hotel's swanky Planet Champagne Bar on a Friday afternoon from 4 p.m. on. </p> <p><strong>Room to Book:</strong> The gorgeous lodging options here are in the outlying gardens. Room 907 in the Garden Cottage (1,500 square feet) is a romantic dream with a living-room fireplace, chinoiserie wallpaper, and a striped marble Deco bathroom. </p>
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From Travel + Leisure , JAN 2005
'I love staying at different hotels, experiencing the new and unfamiliar,' says Menzel, who unpacked at the Mount Nelson Hotel. 'The best part—whatever you ask for, no matter how crazy, they will always bring it.'...MORE>>
Last updated January 2008
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