The Silo Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
V&A Waterfront
Vibe
Bulging faceted windows glow like lanterns over Table Bay, while the double-height spaces inside showcase eclectic contemporary African art.
“Faceted harbor showcase”
Convex pillowed-glass windows bulge from the 1924 concrete grain elevator, framing Egyptian chandeliers and contemporary African art.
Dedicated Clefs d'Or concierge service, Penhaligon's amenities, and freestanding soaking tubs looking out over Table Bay.
A transformed 1924 grain elevator and harbor landmark, retaining original concrete silos above the historic export terminal.
At the V&A Waterfront, right above Zeitz MOCAA with views across Table Bay Harbour.
“This eye-catching concrete structure, with its bulging, faceted windows, stands atop the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, right on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.”
Rooms
Deep freestanding soaking tubs sit directly against geometric pillowed-glass bays, framing views of Table Mountain and the working harbor.
“Industrial minimalism is juxtaposed by floor-to-ceiling, prism-shaped windows, hinting at the opulence that lies within.”
Wellness
A heated glass-fronted pool crowns the rooftop, while the fourth-floor spa pairs treatments with a sauna and steam room.
“The hotel fills six floors atop a former grain silo overlooking the V&A Waterfront, which also houses Zeitz MOCAA…”
Backstory
Occupying the elevator tower of a 1924 concrete grain complex, the building operated for eight decades before its hotel transformation.
“Inside the hotel, owner Liz Biden seamlessly blends her penchant for bold colors and animal prints with some of the best in contemporary African art.”
Eat & drink
The Granary Café and teal-hued Willaston Bar anchor the sixth floor, while the open-air rooftop serves cocktails until sunset.
The neighborhood
Perched directly above the Zeitz MOCAA in the V&A Waterfront, the hotel sits steps from bustling harbor quays and ferry docks.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.