The Silo – Cape Town, South Africa
With a plum position on the V&A Watefront, right above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, The Silo is the talk of the town. Once a grain silo, it is now one of Cape Town’s coolest hotels. And through its eye catching, bulbous windows, there are three hundred and sixty degree views over the bay towards Robben Island and behind of the city and Table Mountain. The light filled interiors are exuberant and colourful, with vibrant silk and velvet fabrics, large chandeliers and eclectic furnishings.
The hotel celebrates African culture, with its very own art collection from both established and emerging artists – much of which is found in the individually designed and decorated rooms and suites, and in its private gallery, The Vault. And most importantly, it is family run, with an exceptionally helpful and enthusiastic team.
At A Glance
Boutique Hotel
Why We Love It:
As it is a quirky modern hotel that is tourist attraction in itself with undoubtedly the best views of the Waterfront & Table Mountain.Style:
Contemporary design meets art gallery.Location:
On the Victoria & Albert Waterfront.Rooms:
28 individually designed rooms & suites.Swimming:
A rooftop pool & bar.Children:
Families are most welcome with plenty of activities for children to enjoy across Cape Town.Accessibility:
One of the rooms is suitable for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Think room with a view and you won’t be disappointed. Whichever way you face, your room or suite looks up towards Table Mountain or over the city and the ocean – even from the bathrooms. Each wonderfully light-filled room is individually styled with eclectic furniture, contemporary African artwork and colourful fabrics, and some of the larger suites include a balcony. The split level Family Duplex Suite sleeps up to four, and many other suites can accommodate extras.
food
The fabulous Granary Café and Willaston Bar take up the whole of the sixth floor. The former serves excellent contemporary cuisine, using local and seasonal ingredients. The chef gets a phone call every day from the fishing boats, with a list of what’s been caught, and the menu is paired with carefully curated wines. The refined but relaxed Willaston Bar is the place for a light lunch, tapas style dinner or cocktails. And the breakfasts are magnificent. If you just want to kick back and admire the view, kick back at the roof top pool and bar with a high tea of oysters and tempura.
activities
Right on the doorstep you have galleries, designer shops and restaurants on the waterfront, and below the hotel itself is the world’s largest contemporary African art museum – Zeitz. For art lovers, you can have a private tour of the hotel’s private gallery. The Silo is a great base for exploring the city and its surrounds, with no end of things to see and do. Hike up Lion’s Head or take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain.
Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for twenty seven years, is just a short ferry ride away. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are definitely worth a visit, with over seven thousand species of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered. And if the weather’s good, head to one of Cape Town’s many beaches.
family
Families are made to feel most welcome, and the Family Duplex and Royal Suites sleep up to four. However, there are no gardens or space outside, so may only suit less active children! The concierge team can suggest excursions and itineraries to entertain the whole family. The Two Oceans Aquarium on the waterfront, is the perfect start.
Location
Cape Town, South Africa
On the Victoria & Albert Waterfront – 25 minutes from the airport.
