The Silo Hotel, Cape Town

With a concrete facade balanced with glamorous, eclectic interiors, the Silo is a cutting-edge hotel oozing with contemporary Cape Town design. The hotel is an industrial reconversion by British designer, Thomas Heatherwick of a former 1920’s grain silo.
Towering 6-stories high above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, it is both a cultural landmark and iconic addition to the city skyline.

Location 

The hotel spares nothing when it comes to its unbridled views of the picturesque city, the mercurial shades of a table-top mountain, and a miniaturized scene below of boats and pedestrian life in the Table Bay harbour.

Affording easy access to the pedestrian hub of the V&A Waterfront, it is a few minutes walk from the Robben Island ferry, Two Oceans Aquarium, shopping malls, markets and restaurants. While a further 10-minute walk will take you to the Oranjezicht City Farm market open on Saturdays.

Style & attributes

Eclectic art in the foyer – Silo Hotel

Colourful interiors and artwork of the Royal Suite – Silo Hotel

Irregular geodesic windows were inspired by the shape of grain seeds. Meant to light up the harbour like a lantern, they are the most striking feature of the hotel. Inside, industrial-height spaces, polished stone and heavy black metal frames are balanced with the flamboyant design style of owner Liz Biden, blending classic glamour with modern comfort. Her eccentric curation includes collectables and artefacts from her travels; vintage and modernist outfits aside African prints; East African vases and masks; and colourful wooden tables.

In keeping with the cultural heritage of the site, features of the old grain silos can be seen throughout like exposed cross-sectional cylinders in the foyer, and original grain hoppers alongside Egyptian crystal chandeliers and vibrant African art. A visceral use of colour somehow bringing it all together.

Rooms

Superior Deluxe Bedroom – Silo Hotel

Superior Deluxe Bedroom Suite – Silo Hotel

All 28 rooms are the creation of Liz’s individual touches and bird-like attention to detail. The diamond-like windows present a unique backdrop from which to experience every facet of the hotel. Added to the grandiosity of the architecture, the lavish colourful decor has provided something of a luxurious haven towering the city harbour. The bathroom, however, is the real showstopper with deep-soaking tubs taking centre-stage with an angled view of a rainforest shower. All the expanses of glass are adjusted for light and privacy with remote-controlled blinds. All rooms have a balcony, dining area and the usual amenities of a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, minibar, and kitchenette with Nespresso machine.

Wining & dining

Breakfast at the Granary Cafe – Silo Hotel

  Prepare yourself for contemporary soulful dining at the Silo’s eateries, spear-headed by Executive Chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert. At the Granary Cafe’, a hearty breakfast awaits. Freshly squeezed juices are wheeled over, followed by the Harvest Table of fresh-cut fruits, creamy yoghurt, nutty granola, local cheeses, a charcuterie platter and pastry basket. Fluffy smoked salmon, feta and avocado omelette souffle is a delicious entrée on the varied hot breakfast menu. The lunch and dinner choices are rather seasonal but may consist of melt-in-your-mouth salmon ceviche in a zesty pesto dressing, buttery Namibian steak fillet, masala prawns, root vegetable terrine and a decadent honey-thyme pear crumble served with crème fraîche and amber weiss ice-cream.

There is also a four-course Sunday Roast popular among Capetonians, the Royal High Tea, and light poolside and bar menus. The Willaston Bar has soft leather and velvety sofas to relax with a digestive after your meal. Or you might head out to the Silo Rooftop for a sunset cocktail.

Facilities & services

Entrance to The Silo Vault

Art and relaxation are the two best ways to spend your time in The Silo. The staff is well versed in the site’s history and the Zeitz Mocca below houses the world’s largest collection of 21st-century African artworks. So go and indulge your inner-Pollock with an exclusive private tour of the museum, the hotels small private collection in the basement Vault or tailored tours of the City’s art galleries and studios.

A Silo Spa treatment

The aromatic Silo Spa is a wonderful place for some me-time with indulgent therapies and signature treatments of Ling and Black Pearl products and a 24-carat gold facial for the utmost decadence. There is also a gym and sauna. From a heated infinity pool on the rooftop, one is privy to a spectacular 360° view.

The Silo Rooftop pool

The room includes:

• Breakfast at the Granary Café
• A welcome bottle of bubbly wine 
• Entrance to the Zeitz MOCAA
• Free Wi-Fi
• Underground parking