The Mount Nelson Hotel. Known fondly to locals as The Nellie, she has been around for 116 years but is showing no signs of ageing. The fact that Taylor Swift stayed here when she was in Cape Town could not be a better indicator of how relevant the MNT NLSN still is today.
In keeping with our current theme of resisting the urge to hibernate surrounded by 19 bowls of pasta, Keenan and I spent a night away at the iconic hotel, in celebration of winter…and winter rates.
The hotel has been this shade of pink for years and she makes for some beautiful pictures. We arrived on Saturday afternoon and checked in before heading down to the hotel’s Planet Bar for some cocktails and fancy bar snacks.
Our friend Lauren joined us for drinks and we soaked up the feeling of being in one of Cape Town’s most beautiful and luxurious hotels. The hotel bar was packed, which is not very common in Cape Town. It just goes to show that people really do love this iconic hotel. For dinner we had booked a table in the restaurant – at the Chef’s Table to be exact, which was an incredible experience.
They were not kidding when they called it the Chef’s Table. We were seated right in the heart of the kitchen, with a view of all the action. It felt like a live-action episode of Master Chef, but much better, because we got to eat everything that was being prepared. I got to meet Chef Dion, who prepared a delicious menu. We opted for the wine pairing, which I always think is the best way to experience food.
This dinner was seriously one of my favourite foodie experiences ever. If you love food or you love someone who loves food, you have got to experience it. It’s intimate and special and over the top delicious.
The next morning was crisp and clear and after our big dinner we needed some exercise before breakfast. The Company’s Garden is right across from the hotel, so we went for a run before tucking into breakfast whole-heartedly.
Winter Offers at The Mount Nelson
We were invited to experience The Mount Nelson’s Epicure Winter package which includes the following:
The Epicure
- Accommodation in one of The Mount Nelson’s luxurious rooms
- Five-course meal at the exclusive Chef’s Table (subject to availability) or a spectacular dinner at Planet Restaurant to the value of R595 per person
- Breakfast included
R3 450 per room
*Just a note that if you’re budgeting, the wine pairing is not included and costs R450 per person.
Other offers that locals should take advantage of during the off-peak season:
The Suite Life
- Accommodation in one of The Mount Nelson’s luxurious rooms
- Bottle of Cap Classique and sumptuous afternoon tea in plush sofas
- Breakfast included
The Spicy Life
- Accommodation in one of The Mount Nelson’s luxurious rooms
- Librisa Spa’s Signature Back and Neck Massage for two, with hot compresses to loosen tight, tired muscles and your very own blend of deeply relaxing aromatherapy essential oils,
- A relaxing bath with spicy bath oils, fragrant candles and rose petals
- Breakfast included
R3 450 per room
Simply Sublime
- Accommodation in one of The Mount Nelson’s luxurious rooms
- Sumptuous breakfast in the Oasis bistro with spectacular views of the hotel’s gardens
R 2 995 per room or R3 550 for a spacious suite
Valid from 15 March 2015 – 30 October 2015
Contact:
www.belmond.com/mount–nelson–hotel-cape-town/
Call: 021 483 1000
