Review of The Silo Hotel

Nestled in Cape Town’s renowned V&A Waterfront, The Silo Hotel stands as an icon of contemporary luxury and South African creativity. This boutique property, part of the esteemed Royal Portfolio collection, offers just 28 exclusive rooms and suites, each designed for discerning travelers seeking a blend of heritage, art, and innovation.

Occupying the repurposed grain elevator atop the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, The Silo seamlessly merges industrial history with avant-garde design. The hotel’s six guest floors rise above Africa’s largest collection of contemporary art, making it a magnet for art aficionados and style-conscious guests alike.

Once the tallest building in Sub-Saharan Africa, the 57-meter (190-foot) silo was erected in 1924 as a grain storage facility. After its industrial use ended in 2001, the structure was meticulously transformed as part of Cape Town’s ambitious waterfront rejuvenation. Today, it remains the tallest point on the Waterfront, affording panoramic vistas of Table Mountain, the city skyline, and bustling harbor activity. 

The Silo Hotel is recognized on our curated list of The Best Luxury Hotels in Cape Town

Perfectly positioned in the vibrant heart of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, The Silo commands the skyline of the Silo District and towers above its surroundings, just steps away from the historic Clock Tower Precinct. 

Guests are spoiled for choice with world-class attractions at their doorstep. The revitalized Waterfront buzzes with energy—its blend of maritime history and modern entertainment includes artisan boutiques, fine dining, craft markets, theaters, and cinemas, all within walking distance.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is conveniently located 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the hotel, ensuring swift transfers for both international and domestic guests.

The Silo Hotel offers an intimate collection of 28 rooms, including six signature suites and a breathtaking penthouse, all spanning the upper levels above the Zeitz Museum. Each space is individually styled, marrying bold colors and eclectic furnishings with the building’s original industrial features.

Upon entering our suite, we were greeted by vibrant interiors—think jewel-toned upholstery and curated local artwork—contrasted against soaring ceilings and vast windows. The floor-to-ceiling, pillowed glass panels frame spectacular panoramas: Table Mountain, the Atlantic, the cityscape, and Robben Island are all visible from different vantage points.

In-room technology is state-of-the-art, with intuitive touch panels for lighting and blinds, and thoughtful touches like a Nespresso machine. Bathrooms are lavish, featuring deep soaking tubs set before panoramic windows. Eco-friendly Penhaligon’s Quercus toiletries in refillable containers add a sustainable yet indulgent note.

Room categories vary by size and view but all feature a private balcony and a striking collection of contemporary African art. The Silo Room starts at 44 square meters, while Deluxe Superior rooms offer up to 60 square meters of space.

Superior Suites, split over two levels on the 6th and 7th floors, feel like chic city residences with separate living spaces and balconies overlooking either Table Mountain or the harbor, ranging from 76 to 88 square meters.

Deluxe Superior Suites, located on the 8th to 10th floors, are distinguished by their soaring 5.5-meter pillowed glass windows—an architectural marvel.

For those desiring the ultimate in space and exclusivity, the Royal Suites (132 square meters) offer two bedrooms, expansive living and dining areas, and wraparound balconies with triple-aspect views of the Atlantic, Robben Island, and distant mountains.

Service at The Silo is consistently attentive, warm, and highly personalized—reflecting the standards of a truly boutique hospitality experience.

The Silo Spa offers a serene sanctuary with five treatment rooms, an all-white calming ambiance, and a curated menu of therapies using top-tier Ling and Black Pearl skincare products. Facilities also include a modern fitness center, sauna, and a dedicated nail studio for full pampering.

The rooftop pool, one of the most celebrated in Africa, boasts unrivaled views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, the Atlantic, and the city below. It is a showpiece for the property—ideal for sunrise swims or sunset lounging with panoramic cityscapes. 

Families are thoughtfully accommodated with two-bedroom duplex Family Suites on the 7th floor, offering ample space (111–128 square meters), separate bedrooms for children, and sweeping views over the historic harbor or Signal Hill. The hotel is fully accessible, ensuring comfort for guests with mobility needs.

The Silo Hotel stands as a beacon of Cape Town’s urban revival, epitomizing sophisticated design and architectural ingenuity. It attracts a global clientele—especially those drawn to art, architecture, and high design—thanks to its fusion of industrial heritage and contemporary luxury.

The lower levels house the Zeitz Museum, created by hollowing out the original silo tubes with pioneering engineering methods. The hotel itself is crafted from the upper floors and original lift shaft, adorned with over 300 pieces of curated African artwork, many available for purchase.

The exterior is instantly recognizable for its 104 geometric, hand-cut glass windows—each domed outward to dramatic effect, a vision brought to life by acclaimed British designer Thomas Heatherwick, who continues to set trends in global architectural circles.

Inside, the sense of wonder carries through, from the chic reception on the 6th floor to each uniquely decorated guestroom. Opulent accents—velvet chaises, antique chandeliers, Persian rugs, and bespoke furniture—are hand-selected by Royal Portfolio founder Liz Biden, whose distinctive flair permeates every corner.

Each suite is a singular creation, brimming with local art and design. Even the teacups are hand-painted by Cape Town artisans, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to supporting and showcasing South African craftsmanship.

The Silo presents three distinctive culinary destinations. The Granary Café and Willaston Bar dominate the sixth floor, mirroring the hotel’s bold, contemporary aesthetic with vibrant seating and statement animal prints. 

At the Granary Café, Executive Chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert and her accomplished team focus on honest, ingredient-driven cuisine. Menus are crafted around seasonal produce and daily catches—think West Coast oysters with tropical salsa or signature Cape seafood dishes. The Sunday brunch has become a local institution, attracting both residents and travelers.

Guests can expect a cosmopolitan menu that reimagines classic Cape flavors, including Cape Malay-inspired specialties and inventive pasta and seafood dishes. Standouts from our visit included the prawn tagliatelle, fragrant seafood curry, and crab ravioli with crisp apple salad. 

Willaston Bar is a lively gathering spot, with electric blue velvet seating and industrial-chic lighting. It’s the perfect venue for creative cocktails, afternoon tea, or relaxed evening drinks. The bar highlights Cape Town’s flourishing gin scene, with local botanicals such as Honeybush and fynbos, and house cocktails like the Rose Gin Spritz, blending regional flavors.

The Silo Rooftop, encircling the 11th floor, offers an open-air dining concept protected by glass screens. Here, guests savor light bites—think wood-fired pizzas, sharing platters, salads, and poke bowls—against a backdrop of panoramic city and ocean views. The setting is ideal for sipping South African sparkling wine as the sun sets over Table Bay. 

Since opening, The Silo has drawn a cosmopolitan clientele, reinforcing Cape Town’s reputation as Africa’s answer to New York for its style, culinary innovation, and international flair.

In addition to championing local community upliftment programs, The Silo Hotel leads with innovative sustainability practices that set benchmarks for luxury hospitality in Africa.

The hotel’s dedication to supporting South African artists is evident throughout its public spaces and guestrooms, with all artwork and most furnishings sourced locally to empower artisans and small-scale producers.

Prioritizing local procurement, The Silo sources fresh produce, baked goods, dairy, seafood, wine, and chocolates from regional suppliers—many of whom operate small businesses that benefit the wider community. The hotel also partners with local entrepreneurs for a range of services, further driving positive economic impact.

Environmental initiatives include energy-saving lighting, elimination of single-use plastics, and the use of succulents and artificial turf on the rooftop to conserve water. 

Additional water-saving measures have been implemented such as certified low-flow taps and showers, minimized laundry through disposable napkins, and creative reuse of water for cleaning. The innovative seawater-cooled air conditioning system greatly reduces both energy and water usage.

Double-glazed windows throughout the property enhance insulation, reducing the need for heating and cooling and thus lowering the hotel’s carbon footprint. 

• Unbeatable Setting – Situated at the heart of the V&A Waterfront, The Silo provides effortless access to Cape Town’s best attractions. The serenity of the property is so profound, you might be tempted to simply soak in the city’s vibrancy from your suite or the rooftop, cocktail in hand.
• Distinctive Character – Who would have imagined a grain silo could become Cape Town’s most stylish address? The Biden family’s deep expertise in luxury hospitality is evident in every detail. Whether starting or ending your South African journey, The Silo is a must—and don’t miss a stay at
  The Royal Malewane
  for an unforgettable safari experience (review coming soon).
• The Rooftop Pool – This spectacular oasis offers 360-degree views of Cape Town, the Atlantic, and Robben Island. On warm days, there is simply nothing more refreshing than a swim at sunrise or dusk high above the city. Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

• Our People: With over four decades in hospitality, I can confidently say the team at The Silo is the most inspiring I have worked with. Their dedication and expertise are unmatched—over 70% have been here since the hotel’s 2017 opening. We foster a culture of fun and authenticity, blending informality with high standards. Our mission: deliver a flawless guest experience every time.
• The Setting: Cape Town is among the world’s most stunning destinations, and The Silo is a marvel of modern architecture as well as a true cultural hub. The hotel’s iconic silhouette and commitment to the arts bring our values to life.
• The Product: Every room at The Silo is a reflection of Liz Biden’s vision and artistry. As General Manager, I am privileged to oversee such an exceptional property—my focus and that of my team is on exceeding guest expectations, as the hotel itself is already a masterpiece.Luis PinheiroGeneral ManagerThe Silo Hotel

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