Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town Named No. 34 In The 50 Best Hotels 2026
The highly-anticipated list celebrates hotels across six continents worldwide
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town has been named No. 34 in the global ranking of The 50 Best Hotels 2026. The fourth edition of The 50 Best Hotels has been announced at an awards ceremony in Paris and features industry-defining hotels spanning six continents worldwide.
This evening’s awards ceremony once again united the global travel and hospitality community to celebrate the world’s finest hotels. For the first time in Paris, at one of the city’s most unique locations, Les Salles du Carrousel, the event showcased experiences that will inspire consumers, travellers and hoteliers around the globe.
In the heart of Cape Town, nestled within an eight-acre oasis of verdant gardens and ancient trees, Mount Nelson has long stood as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Since 1899, the celebrated “Pink Lady” has been at the centre of Cape Town’s cultural and social fabric, renowned for its lush grounds and pioneering culinary experiences that showcase the richness and diversity of South Africa. This year marks an exciting new chapter with the unveiling of a dedicated suite and atelier in collaboration with acclaimed South African designer, Thebe Magugu, inviting guests into his creative world. The hotel also opened Amura, an exceptional new dining destination from Ángel León, the three-Michelin-starred ‘Chef of the Sea’, further cementing Mount Nelson’s position as a leader in culture and contemporary luxury.
Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Hotels, says: “Bringing The 50 Best Hotels to Paris for the first time has been a privilege, and a fitting backdrop to celebrate the hotels shaping the future of travel. This year’s list recognises not only extraordinary places to stay, but the exceptional people whose vision, craft and care create truly memorable guest experiences. Congratulations to every hotel honoured in 2026, thank you to our Academy whose votes shape the list and everyone who continues to make this a moment the industry look forward to each year.”
“To be recognised among The 50 Best Hotels means a great deal to us at Mount Nelson,” says General Manager Patrick Fisher. “The Nellie is always moving forward and over the past year we’ve brought to life exciting new projects across culture, design and gastronomy, while staying true to what people have always loved about the hotel. None of it happens without our incredible team, who bring so much care and energy to Mount Nelson every day. To see an institution with more than 125 years of history continue to be curious and relevant is something we’re very proud of. We’re thrilled to be recognised among the world’s best.”
The 50 Best Hotels 2026 was revealed as part of a live countdown from No.50 to No.1. The ranking is complemented by a series of special awards alongside the extended 51-100 list and reflects the very best travel experiences around the globe, collated from the votes of more than 800 anonymous experts. This voting panel – The 50 Best Hotels Academy – comprises a balanced mix of hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and seasoned luxury travellers, led by a group of industry-leading Academy Chairs.
ABOUT MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL, CAPE TOWN
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, first opened in 1899 and has been affectionately known by locals as ‘The Nellie’ ever since. Nestled in the heart of the city between Table Mountain and the Company’s Garden, the legendary property is framed by craggy coastlines, expansive beaches, and verdant winelands, while just steps away from the urban cool of Kloof Street. Steeped in history, it has welcomed famed guests including John Lennon, David Bowie, and Nelson Mandela, and its iconic façade was first painted pink in 1918 as a lasting symbol of peace and joy. Mount Nelson is home to 198 rooms and suites, including Signature Suites such as the Strelitzia and Honeysuckle, and the recently launched THEBE MAGUGU SUITE – a creative collaboration with acclaimed South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu – alongside MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN, a creative concept store and gallery dedicated to cultural exchange. Spread across seven wings and set within nine acres of lush gardens, the estate is a serene sanctuary in the heart of Cape Town, complete with two tennis courts, two heated pools, and a spa housed in a heritage building. Its dining offering ranges from world-famous Afternoon Tea and Mediterranean-inspired dishes at The Fountain by Planet Bar, to Pan-Asian cuisine at The Red Room and relaxed poolside fare at Oasis. In December 2025, the hotel opened Amura by Ángel León, an immersive marine dining experience led by the three-Michelin starred chef celebrated for his groundbreaking Spanish restaurant Aponiente.
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