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The Mother City’s iconic Pink Lady has once again checked into the global big leagues.
Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, has been named No. 34 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026, placing the grand dame among the planet’s most celebrated stays.
The ranking was unveiled at an awards ceremony in Paris, marking the fourth edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels and bringing together hotels spanning six continents. More than 800 anonymous experts, including hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and seasoned luxury travellers, cast the votes.
For Mount Nelson, the recognition marks another chapter in a story stretching back more than 125 years.
READ:
Three South African hotels given the nod in World’s Most Beautiful list
Heritage reimagined
Nestled in eight acres of gardens beneath ancient trees, the hotel has been part of Cape Town’s cultural and social fabric since 1899. And while the famous pink façade remains gloriously old-school, the hotel has no intention of becoming a museum piece.
Over the past year, Mount Nelson has doubled down on culture, design and gastronomy.
One of its headline additions is a dedicated suite and atelier created in collaboration with acclaimed South African designer Thebe Magugu, giving guests a peek into his creative universe.
Then there’s Amura, the hotel’s new dining destination from Ángel León, the three-Michelin-starred Spanish chef famously known as the “Chef of the Sea”.
“To be recognised among The 50 Best Hotels means a great deal to us at Mount Nelson,” beamed 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.”
He also credits the hotel’s team, adding that seeing an institution with more than 125 years of history “continue to be curious and relevant” is a source of pride.
READ: Local Intel: Stacey Hopkins, the Nellie's new manager
Worthy contenders
At the very top of the 2026 ranking is Rosewood Hong Kong, which has reclaimed the No. 1 spot after also taking the title in 2025. The 65-storey landmark overlooking Victoria Harbour also claims the title of The Best Hotel in Asia.
Capella Bangkok takes No. 2, climbing from No. 3 last year, while Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River lands at No. 3.
Back home, No. 34 is the number Cape Town will be talking about.
Mount Nelson isn’t another luxury hotel. It’s one of those places that has somehow managed to become part of the city itself. A leafy, pink institution where history, hospitality, food, and culture continue to mingle.
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