Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

Let me say at the outset that Anne and I normally avoid staying at luxury hotels with a large number of bedrooms-the Mount Nelson Hotel has 201 rooms and suites. This is because we believe that smaller hotels offer a much more personal service. However three years ago we flew from England to Cape Town to attend a wedding and had afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel. We were so impressed with the feel for the hotel that we promised ourselves that should we visit Cape Town again we would spend a night their. Our friends have recently had a baby so it was a good excuse to visit them which we did in March 2007.

The Mount Nelson Hotel is owned by the Orient-Express group of hotels. It is centrally located in Cape Town within a few minutes walk of the centre set in nine acres of beautifully tended gardens at the foot of Table Mountain.

Bedrooms are furnished with antique furnishings, beautifully decorated, have internet access, a mini bar, bathrobes, luxurious toiletries. Bedrooms are located either in the original part of the hotel or in a number of wings or separate buildings within a couple of minutes walk from the main building. There are two heated outdoor swimming pools-one for adults only. Tennis courts. A new spa is scheduled to be opened in December 2007. The public rooms are a delight to relax in with wonderful antique furnishings and beautifully decorated.

Upon arrival at the Mount Nelson Hotel our luggage was whisked away from us before we got to the front door of this luxury colonial hotel which is painted in a pale pink. Check in was most personable, efficient and they even confirmed an earlier booking I had made for afternoon tea. But to make the experience so very special they gave us a triple upgrade to an executive suite. We were given a tour of the hotel and grounds before being escorted to our suite which was located in a building about thirty metres from the main hotel building. The suite was vast with its own balcony-beautifully decorated and furnished with antiques. The bedroom area and lounge area had an open plan aspect. I had asked for a bright and airy room and got one that met our requirements perfectly. The marble bathroom was huge with a separate bath and shower.

The concierge service at the Mount Nelson Hotel was most efficient-they confirmed a booking we had made for dinner that evening at The Aubergine restaurant and assisted with a car that I had hired.

We made use of the laundry service at the Mount Nelson Hotel which was exemplary.

Our friends joined us for afternoon tea which I can only describe as a "theatrical" experience-nowhere else have we had such a selection of sandwiches and cakes and pastries to chose from-if you visit Cape Town you must take afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel.

Breakfast was served on a terrace outside the Oasis Restaurant overlooking one of the swimming pools. The choice of food for breakfast was extensive-whether you wanted something cooked or from the cold table there is something to satisfy most tastes.

We enjoyed many a walk in the extensive hotel grounds which were a delight.

The Mount Nelson Hotel has an excellent staff to guest ratio-there was always someone on hand to serve you without being intrusive.

Would we return to the Mount Nelson Hotel?

Definitely!

We did not want to leave.

Enjoy!