Tucked into the foothills of Table Mountain, the historic Upper Gardens neighbourhood is one of Cape Town’s most prestigious places to stay. This elegant neighbourhood is known for its Victorian heritage homes, leafy streets, and a quietly luxurious atmosphere, while its location just above the city centre places guests within easy reach of culture, dining, and nightlife.

The Historic Gardens Triangle
Within a 4-minute walking radius sits a unique “triangle” of three of  Cape Town’s most iconic heritage hotels:
• Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel,
• Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, and
• Nicol Street Heritage Cottages.
Each offers a different interpretation of The Mother City’s colonial heritage and 5-star luxury accommodation. Together they form a small triangle of historic hospitality just steps from Kloof Street – voted by Time Out magazine as one of the world’s coolest streets – where guests can explore outstanding restaurants, stylish cafés, and lively cocktail bars, all within easy walking distance.

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel: Often referred to simply as “The Nellie,” Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Africa. Established in 1899, the hotel is renowned for its iconic pink façade, expansive gardens, and long tradition of refined hospitality. Guests come for its elegant rooms, celebrated afternoon tea, and a collection of restaurants set within beautifully landscaped grounds. It remains one of the grand dames of Cape Town’s hospitality scene.

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel: Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel offers a more intimate luxury experience. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored Georgian and Victorian property and combines historic architecture with contemporary design. Its acclaimed restaurant, Upper Union, has become one of the city’s most sought-after dining spots, known for inventive cuisine and a lively atmosphere.

Nicol Street Heritage Cottages: Set quietly within the same historic enclave, Nicol Street Heritage Cottages (since 1879) offers a collection of restored heritage cottages that combine five-star comfort with the privacy of a residential retreat. 5-star service, luxury décor and finishings, in an atmosphere that feels personal, quiet, and is distinctly Cape Town. Richly decorated with custom wallpapers, heritage tones and chandeliers – homage to the City’s history – a specific focus on wanting guests’ luxury experience to feel local. Guests are within a few minutes’ walk of Kloof Street’s best restaurants and cafés, while the property’s own signature dining experience at Our Local provides a distinctly local culinary option.

Is Gardens a Good Area to Stay in Cape Town?
Yes – Gardens is widely considered one of the best areas to stay in Cape Town Central. Positioned between the city centre and the slopes of Table Mountain, it offers the rare combination of tranquility and proximity. Visitors can easily walk to cultural landmarks, restaurants, and shops, while still returning to a peaceful, residential environment. The area’s preserved Victorian and colonial architecture gives it a distinctive sense of history that is increasingly rare in a modern city. As a launch pad for your Cape Experience, it offers easy access to the airport (25 mins) and Cape Town’s main attractions – away from the traffic congestion of the lower part of the city.
10 mins to Table Mountain
20 mins to Camps bay beaches and night life
25 mins to V&A Waterfront
35 mins to the peace and quiet of the Constantia Winelands
80 mins to Cape Point Nature Reserve

What makes Kloof Street one of the coolest streets in the world? (TimeOut)
Kloof Street’s coolness lies in its fusion of history, culture, and creativity. It’s not just a street—it’s a lifestyle hub where you can eat globally, shop locally, and soak in Cape Town’s iconic mountain views. That combination of authenticity and trendiness is what makes it stand out on the world stage.