The Silo Hotel: a modern hotel that occupies six floors within a historic grain silo complex towering over Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. Beneath the hotel lies the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) which houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art. It seems only right, then, that The Silo celebrates this in some way. And it certainly does just that.
An architectural masterpiece, The Silo Hotel is defined by its pillowed-glass windows which offer panoramic views stretching from Table Mountain to the Table Bay harbour. The hotel is filled to the brim with art and carefully considered design details in an eclectic and vibrant style.
The hotel has its own private art collection with more than 300 pieces of contemporary African art, and a visit to the iconic Zeitz MOCAA museum can even be paired with an art and design tour of The Silo Hotel because it has its very own Art Concierge. His name is Michael Jacobs whose passion is how art and design can be used to forge connections between people, both locally and globally. He believes that Africa’s stories should be told by African voices, and this philosophy informs his nuanced approach to interpreting the artworks at The Silo Hotel and on display in the co-located Zeitz MOCCAA (where Michael was a member of the founding team).
As you step into the hotel’s entrance, you’re welcomed by the lobby which blends old with new. Having just visited The Silo’s sister hotel in the heart of the African bush, Royal Malewane, it was immediately noticeable to me how different the two hotels are. The lobby felt more like the entrance to an art gallery than a hotel, but as I took the elevator up to the sixth floor to check-in at reception, I was welcomed by those same friendly Royal Portfolio smiles and felt as though I was right at home.
Rooms are spacious – especially vertically. The unique architecture of The Silo and in particular the ingenious design of the pillowed window bays mean that the rooms have very high ceilings and impressive views. Our room had a view of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head and even some of the V&A Waterfront, while other room categories offer views of the ocean and Robben Island. Either way, the view is most definitely that – a view. Floor to ceiling glass in every guest room – and throughout the rest of the hotel – makes you feel as though you’re staying in the beating heart of the city as it calls you to it from every angle.
We stayed in a Duplex Suite Room which is quite the jaw-dropper. Upon entering the room, we found ourselves somewhat ignoring the room itself and heading straight for the windows to take it all in. A bright pink rug lined most of the floor, with a mix of peach and coral coloured soft furnishings atop it. A beautiful mirrored in-room bar resided in the corner, complete with cocktail shakers and every mod-con you wouldn’t necessarily expect.
Downstairs lied the en-suite bedroom. An oversized lime green headboard and matching night stands contrasted with pink floral cushions. The room oozed vibrancy everywhere I looked. Owner, Liz Biden, has well and truly put her stamp on The Silo Hotel which makes it like nowhere else in the world.
The en-suite had a freestanding bath tub positioned in pride of place in the centre of the bay window, as well as a double vanity unit, walk-in shower, and dressing table. I’d only just arrived, and already I didn’t want to leave.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the hotel’s rooftop which is complete with infinity swimming pool with views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head to the left and the Atlantic Ocean to the right, as well as a rooftop restaurant and sky terrace. The Silo Rooftop is a scenic spot for a sunset drink or a light lunch with 360 degree views from what is the tallest building in the V&A Waterfront.
The Willaston Bar on the sixth floor is also a great spot for a drink or two, whether it be a pre-dinner cocktail or an after-dinner night cap, and The Granary Café is a picture-perfect setting for an indulgent Royal Tea. It also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Affectionately known as the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town is a colourful and vibrant city surrounded by dramatic mountains and sandy beaches. It’s home to diverse cultures, art, design, and a thriving food and wine scene. Kloof Street House is a must-visit whilst in the city. At the foot of Cape Town’s vibrant Kloof Street, the restaurant rises from a fairy-lit garden in a renovated Victorian house. More than just a restaurant, it is a collection of quirky rooms each bursting with a character of their own, and the food is without a doubt unrivalled in Cape Town.
Just a few minutes’ walk from The Silo Hotel lies the V&A Waterfront which is a lively hub of world-class eateries and designer shops, talented street performers, and authentic arts and crafts from the Cape – all gathered together on the historic working harbour in the shadow of Table Mountain. Speaking of which, Table Mountain is a must for first-time visitors to Cape Town. The easiest and quickest way to reach the top is by cable car, but it’s also possible to hike which is undoubtedly the more scenic and exhilarating choice. For thrill seekers, it’s also possible to abseil down Table Mountain.
For those into hiking, a must is to hike to Lion’s Head in time for sunset. It has a steep screw top route circling the mountain which takes a couple of hours to complete, but it’s a popular spot in time for sunset and it’s not hard to see why. Locals take a bottle of wine and enjoy the view of their city from above, and are so friendly that more often that not, they end up sharing their wine with visitors from around the world.
South Africa is genuinely one of the friendliest countries I’ve ever visited, and the same can be said for the Royal Portfolio. The Silo Hotel is one of four hotels in the collection, and each and every one is among the friendliest hotels I’ve ever stayed at. They feel like home.
theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo-hotel
Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
