Fodor's Expert Review The Silo Hotel
Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape 8002, South Africa See on Map
Melding industrial grit and opulent glamor, Cape Town’s hottest new luxury hotel rises out of the historic grain silo complex in the working harbor section of the ever-popular V&A Waterfront. Despite its physical grandeur, the hotel has a mere 28 rooms, and impeccable service reflects this intimacy. Perched atop Africa’s first contemporary African art museum, the hotel’s stunning rooftop bar and excellent restaurant will ensure its destination-status.
room
Fantastical double-volume rooms pop with gorgeous jewel-toned fabrics, edgy artwork, and dazzling chandeliers, offset by exposed steel beams and the hotel’s signature “pillowed” windows--18 feet of tempered glass set in geometric iron frames that enjoy gorgeous views of Table Mountain, Cape Town, and the harbor. The usual amenities are supplemented by perks like a fantastic complimentary mini-bar, great magazines in the room, and two choices of robe.
YOU SHOULD KNOW Deluxe superior suites (floors 8-10) are double-volume, showcasing both the magnificent windows and views. Floors 6 & 7 house some suites that locate bedrooms on a mezzanine: diminishing the wow-factor of the famous windows, but affording extra floor space.
bathroom
The bathrooms tend to be the size of the average New Yorker’s apartment. All boast freestanding tubs with great views, an enclosed toilet, fabulous rain showers, and a plethora of products from bath salts and oils to three types of cotton wool.
lobby
Upon arrival you will be whisked to the 6th floor, where the reception-concierge desk sits between the Granary Café (the hotel’s main restaurant) and the swank Willaston Bar, which is an excellent place to see and be seen. The lobby buzzes with color, in part thanks to displays of jewelry, artwork, and other items for sale by reception, all framed by the signature “pillowed” windows and the views beyond. The impressive contemporary artwork collection found throughout the hotel speaks to the relationship between the hotel and the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA), which occupies the lower floors of the grain silo complex.
pool
Gracing the 11th floor rooftop, this glass-fronted, heated pool enjoys fantastic views of the city, stadium, and Atlantic ocean.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The pool’s walls are glass, so the body-shy might want to bear in mind that visitors to the rooftop bar may get aquarium-style underwater glimpses of you.
spa
Tucked into a small part of the 4th floor, The Silo Spa is a peaceful space made of five treatment rooms, a sauna, and a dedicated manicure and pedicure area. Bookings for non-hotel guests are subject to availability.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The sauna is co-ed, and there is no separate relaxation room.
gym
Next door to the spa, the standard equipment is available, as is bottled water and a few healthy snacks.
dining
The Granary Café is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving all meals plus afternoon tea. The lunch and dinner menu is small but excellent, with classic and beautifully executed contemporary European fare, like steak frites or a salmon ceviche salad.
Breakfast is fabulous and worth a visit for non-guests if bookings are available.
drinking
The Willaston Bar on the 6th floor is a plush emerald- and turquoise-toned space to drink in those fabulous views with a cocktail. The Silo Rooftop on the 11th floor arguably enjoys the best views in Cape Town, particular from the 360-degree viewing platform, which may only be topped by Table Mountain itself. Bar snacks and a tempting array of salads, sandwiches and sweet treats are available in both venues.
A section of The Silo Rooftop is reserved for hotel-guests, while another area is open to the public, subject to availability. Be sure to let staff know if you are a resident, and be sure to make a reservation if not.
area
Located in the grain silo complex, The Silo and its downstairs neighbor the Zeitz MOCAA have catalyzed the development of the so-called “Silo District,” an entirely new section of the always popular V&A Waterfront. With dozens of new restaurants, shops, and art galleries opening in 2018, this new part of the Watefront is positioned as the upscale arty part of what was already one of Cape Town’s most popular areas.
LOCATION
Getting Around
The V&A Waterfront and its attractions are all fully accessible by foot. Uber is probably the best way to experience the rest of Cape Town’s attractions, though if you plan to visit the peninsula and beaches, you could also consider renting a car, as the hotel has ample (valet) parking.
Restaurants
Just a few minutes walk from The Silo is the V&A Waterfront and its plethora of dining options. Some of the best among them include Den Anker (5-minute walk), a Belgian beer and mussels place on the water, or Gibson’s (8-minute walk), for a great burger and milkshake. If you’re feeling fancier, head to Nobu, the Cape Town incarnation of the international sensation located in the One & Only Resort (5-minute drive).
WHY WE LIKE IT
Art-lovers and design mavens will flip their lids for The Silo’s brilliant combination of opulence, contemporary art, and the industrial-glam aesthetic. Although some would say that the price tag for a single night would be better spent purchasing art, the magnificence of this hotel will leave a lasting impression. The concierge-service is also remarkable – and not limited to the concierge. Finally, guest access to facilities like The Silo Rooftop and pool, and the small but excellent restaurant, round off what will undoubtedly be a top hotel experience.
QUICK FACTS
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