Belmond Mount Nelson

This experience represents a significant failure in luxury service standards at the Mount Nelson, again, where high costs were matched with, at best, mediocre service and subpar food. The combination of arrogant, untrained staff during the, admittedly, difficult transition from the Verandah to indoors, because of rain, followed by lackluster, overpriced, and uninspired food in the Planet Bar, highlights a severe lapse in the attention to detail that a 5-star establishment should maintain. Critique Breakdown: Service & Staff Competence: The waitron's behavior (arrogant, pushy & actually quite ignorant of the menu) is entirely unacceptable for a luxury hotel. Misrepresenting the 72-tea menu (specifically honeybush varieties) and improperly pouring MCC (sparkling wine) from a height that it flowed over the rim onto the stem and table is quite frankly stokvel style boorishness & shows a lack of training. The inability to secure a wine list in the Planet Bar after three attempts confirms a breakdown in basic, proactive service, plus we had to put the wine in the end despite a plethora of staff hovering over the till points! The Move & Atmosphere: While rain is unavoidable, a 5-star venue should handle transitions smoothly. If the indoor seating felt chaotic or less attentive, it suggests a lack of robust contingency planning. Food Quality (Planet Bar): Underwhelming club sandwiches and burgers, especially after a disappointing high tea, indicates a failure to deliver quality across all dining venues, suggesting the food standard is not consistently "5-star". Overall Value: Given the premium price point of the Mount Nelson, this experience fails to provide value, relying too heavily on its reputation rather than providing high-quality service and culinary excellence. The experience, as described, suggests the hotel needs to urgently address staff training, service consistency, and food quality, ensuring that the "Nellie" charm is not replaced by impersonal, high-pressure, and unrefined service. Just a sad reflection on what could have been a very happy Sunday.

The High Tea at Mount Nelson Hotel was fantastic! Thanks Thuli for the great service! The atmosphere and outdoor seating was really nice, and thankfully we had some nice shade despite the sunny day. We tried six different and fantastic teas, guided by Thuli and the tea sommelier. The food was delicious - we had the vegetarian option - and more than we could eat. Overall a very nice experience and we would do it again.

Back for the 2nd time at The Mount Nelson for afternoon tea . Top class 5 star experience in an unbeatable wonderful atmosphere and class surroundings . The staff throughout this hotel are fantastic. Professional friendly and super efficient. The food is exceptional and the afternoon tea experience not one to miss for any visitors to Cape Town . A special mention to Shannon who looked after us again on this 2nd occasion. An ultimate professional who is a massive credit to herself and to this hotel. We will be back !!

Outstanding hotel that set us up for our 4 day visit in Cape Town before heading out on Safari to Sabi Sabi

Thali did a wonderful job. 10/10 would highly recommend. We’ve had afternoon tea in every part of the world and I have to say this is one of the best experiences, hands down.