Mount Nelson Hotel

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Fodorite Reviews

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  “Poor Service & Location Really Hurt this Pink Lady”

  With Table Mountain as a backdrop, this historic hotel has so much potential, but it fails to meet expectations. Built on land formerly used for slave and horse auctions the Mount Nelson was the first hotel to offer hot and cold running water in South Africa… today service lacks. As one example when it came to cleaning our room (or more literally not cleaning our room) the hotel was very quick to make excuses, placing blame on the guest first, and taking responsibility last. The hotel is renowned for two things - there afternoon tea and there gardens. The gardens, in my opinion are neither extravagant nor are they bad, but instead somewhere in the middle. I noticed weeds coming up between many of the paving stones. The afternoon tea is the hotels only saving grace. With 32 teas including their own blend, and hosts to assist with recommendations and steeping, all you have to do is sit back, enjoy the cucumber sandwiches and scones (the have an amazing spread of sandwiches, pies, cakes, and other sweet and savory treats laid out) as a pianist tickles the ivories. Once you have experienced the afternoon tea, it's easy to see why it's so popular – from multi generational families to middle aged women, to young professional Capetonians dressed in their finest. The pros of this hotel include the gardens, an excellent afternoon tea and breakfast and a decently sized gym and pool. The cons however outweigh the pros. Specifically service was poor, there is only one small elevator and views are limited in a town where almost every hotel has jaw dropping vistas. Honestly, while staying here, with my view of the pool and surrounding office buildings / shops it didn’t feel very Cape Town’ish. Too bad Table Mountain is behind the hotel! Also I was not impressed with the Prius vehicles used for free transfers (other comparable hotels in Cape Town offer transfers in BMW’s, Jags and Mercedes’). Interesting as well that free transfers are offered to Camp’s Bay and Table Mountain but not to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Perhaps they are concerned guests will see the waterfront and want to stay at one of the nice hotels there! My personal recommendation is visit it for afternoon tea, but don’t stay overnight.

  by Safari_Tim, 5/3/13
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  Mount Nelson Hotel Review

  Having visited some of the worlds' top hotels, I can wholeheartedly recommend this hotel as one of the best in the world. From the moment you drive up the palm tree lined entrance, you feel the luxury and elegance. Although it is a City center hotel, it is like an oasis. The rooms are elegant, the suites are superb, and the various restaurants are of the very highest standard. Service is 5 star and despite the prices you will enjoy your stay.

  by dannu0708, 1/24/12

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