Announced at a captivating awards ceremony in London and featuring industry-defining hotels from across six continents worldwide, the 2024 edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels was a glittering affair. Held at the historic Guildhall, the event showcased exceptional hotel experiences that will inspire consumers, travellers, and hoteliers around the globe.
The global travel and hospitality community came together to celebrate the world’s best hotels, with South Africa’s Mount Nelson earning two notable distinctions. Skirted by mountain and metropolis, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town fuses its 125 years of heritage with 21st-century relevance in the urban heart of the city, surrounded by the country’s leading designer boutiques and buzzing cafés.
Nestled within 8 acres of verdant gardens that unfold beneath the gaze of Table Mountain, the hotel plugs guests into the pulse of this iconic Southern African locale. Here are three reasons why the hotel stands out in global and African rankings:
SIGNATURE SUITES:
Rooms and suites are individually designed to ensure they appeal to different moods and offer different views. Options on offer include Honeysuckle Cottage which is one in a row of historic terraced houses built in the 1890s, and features an original trellised verandah. Decorated by interior designer Graham Viney, Indian prints and marble bathrooms add a hint of 18th-century opulence to a modern luxe space. Garden Cottage Suites are a row of restored historic cottages that sit adjacent to the secluded pool area. Located behind a scented rose-garden, these suites are enclosed by a charming picket fence. Interiors boast toile wallpaper and elegant furnishings. Then there’s the esteemed Presidential Suite which is located on the top floor of the Green Park wing, offering exceptional views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. An entrance hall, plush bedroom, dining area, large lounge, wet bar and balcony with loungers make up this spacious haven. It’s decorated in soft hues and luxurious silk fabrics and features 1930s light fittings with baccarat crystal and an original desk from when the hotel opened in 1899.
PRIME LOCATION:
One step out of the Prince of Wales gates and guests are able to discover the city’s top cultural attractions within walking distance. Exiting from the Kloof Street gate leads to the place where Capetonians live and play, a street lined with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries. Cape Town’s famous white sandy beaches are ten minutes away while the Cape’s oldest award-winning wine land estates are a mere twenty minute drive away.
SUPERB DINING OPTIONS:
Guests at the hotel can experience culinary variety without having to leave the premises, while day visitors have plenty of reasons for repeated visits. The vibrant flavours of Cape Town can be enjoyed at Oasis which celebrates the provenance of summer. Dishes are prepared over wood flames, hot coals, or the warmth of smoke, giving an the authentic taste of the Mother City. Book a table for lunch to indulge in al fresco dining set in serene surroundings.
One of the hotel’s best known offerings is Afternoon Tea. Head Pastry Chef, Vicky Gurovich and South Africa’s first expertly trained tea sommelier, Craig Cupido, have curated a menu that presents five delicacies from the tea service, with a perfectly matched global tea pairing. The Harvest Table is another delicious option. Its set in the gardens, and accompanied by a selection of seasonal and innovative multi-cultural dishes that are served family- style to the table. Available from Tuesday to Saturday, the Chef’s Table is fit for special occasions. It’s all about interaction – meaning diners can talk to the chefs about their specialities, discover stories behind the recipes and the local, seasonal ingredients. Other options at the hotel include The Lounge which serves an all-day à la carte menu and The Red Room by Chef’s Warehouse which features fragrant sharing plates gem and crystalline cocktails for dinner.
