Mount Nellie gets a facelift

The same dignified old lady, but now in a new garb.

In 1990, however, an aggressive acquisition of surrounding properties began which now includes historic homes and a nearby hotel, The Helmsley - which today forms part of the Mount Nelson Hotel's accommodations.

The latest refurbishment of rooms in a contemporary and pared-down style, is another indication this hotel is trying to loosen the petticoats of its past. Orient-Express Hotels' Africa managing director Sandro Fabris is the proverbial "new broom" who is creating a fresher hotel. He is the first to say that guests now have a choice of room styles. The exquisite period interiors still exist. If you want a four-poster carved timber bed with a canopy you'll still find that here but I prefer the unfussy newer interiors.

A uniform approach to the staff

Fabris tells me he is also planning to overhaul the staff's uniforms. This is especially good news for me - I've disliked the bland beige that reception and management staff have been wearing. I like the fact that he plans to dress lounge staff more formally.

Where better to settle down with a delicious drink and a good book, or good company, than the lounge. (Image: Alain Proust)

The Planet Restaurant has a spanking new interior and the Oasis Restaurant which looks out to the pool, is also about to go under the knife. I think the plan to incorporate the veranda seating into the restaurant is a good one. Whenever I dine in the Oasis I forget I am in the CBD. That The Mount Nelson Hotel is set in such vast gardens is perhaps its biggest selling point.

Meeting your expectations... and more

I love the fact that there are staff members who have been at the Mount Nelson Hotel since I first encountered them in the 1980's. In some areas, like at the pool, service needs to smarten up but my overall experience is of a staff that is friendly and interested in assisting.

Or you can relax out in the fresh air.

This hotel exceeds the needs of both leisure and business travellers - free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and there is a swish business centre if you need to print things but it is also a wonderful place for non-residents to visit for Afternoon Tea or for drinks in the bar.

Orient-Express Hotels has managed to give this property such new vitality that she is no longer our loving English grandmamma but a cougar who has had so much work done if you bumped into her in Louis Vuitton you'd say she isn't a day over 50.

For more information go to www.mountnelson.co.za.