Luxury Travel

The Silo Hotel, Cape Town (South Africa)

April 5, 2023

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Wednesday newsletters all the time characteristic a resort or flight evaluate.

Last February, I loved a elegant vacation that I’ll bear in mind as my most epic journey ever: a visit to Cape Town (South Africa) and Antarctica (the seventh Continent). You can learn my journey reviews right here:

Today: Review of The Silo Hotel, Cape Town (South Africa)

Topping Cape Town’s Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) on the bustling V&A Waterfront, the family-owned Silo Hotel hits all of the excessive notes. The former grain elevator was reimagined from tough concrete into diamond, with crystalline home windows and a whimsical class. Guests can watch the bustle under whereas soaking in a freestanding tub in one among 28 lofty rooms, designed with a daring combine of colours, prints, and textures. Champagne and carving trolleys roll by way of the resort’s signature restaurant The Granary Café, and the spa is sumptuously serene. A spotlight of the resort is its spectacular wraparound rooftop terrace, which options an infinity pool, two bars and a number of other lounge areas.

The Silo Hotel Cape Town options in my prime 10 lists of the greatest luxurious accommodations in Cape Town and the world’s most instagrammable luxurious accommodations.

Have you ever stayed at The Silo Hotel Cape Town? If so, what was your expertise? Leave a remark.

I made a YouTube video with a full tour of The Silo Hotel Cape Town, which you’ll be able to watch right here:

In this evaluate (extra data and photographs under my YouTube video):

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE

The Silo Hotel enjoys an glorious location on the outskirts of Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The latter is a full of life hub of world-class eateries, designer retailers, gifted road performers, family-friendly actions, and genuine arts & crafts from the Cape, all gathered collectively on the historic working harbour within the shadow of Table Mountain. Both ocean and mountain actions are in your doorstep when staying at The Silo Hotel, for the reason that V&A Waterfront is the middle of all of it, appearing as a departure level for guided whale excursions, sundown catamaran excursions, or stand-up paddle boarding for a self-guided voyage across the harbor.

The Silo Hotel is situated in a historic grain silo constructing, which was accomplished in 1924. The constructing, as soon as the tallest in Sub-Saharan Africa, standing proud at 57 m (187 ft), was used for practically 80 years as a grain silo offering essential infrastructure to the nation’s agricultural and industrial improvement. The final cargo of grain to Europe was on board the MV Anangel Wisdom in 1995 and the grain silo ceased operations in 2001. The constructing was reimagined by UK industrial designer Thomas Heatherwick, who integrated most of the construction’s authentic industrial options. One of the constructing’s most outstanding newly added options are the pillowed glazing panels, inserted into the geometry of the resort flooring, which bulge outward as if gently inflated. The resort is situated within the grain elevator portion of the constructing – usually dubbed the ‘elevator tower’ – which used to type the grain earlier than conveying the grain into the 42 storage silos.

Located on the bottom ground of the silo constructing, the foyer units the scene for the distinction between previous and new design showcased all through The Silo Hotel. Suspended from the double quantity ceiling hangs Haldane Martin’s up to date chandelier, juxtaposed in opposition to the unique grain hoppers. Mohau Modisakeng’s Ditaola collection, commissioned items by Jody Paulsen, Must be the Rain and So Exotic, and Frances Goodman’s Hooded Lady I, II & III assist showcase this contrasting theme. Continuing as much as Level Six is the reception space, which is flanked by the Granary Café on one aspect and Willaston Bar on the opposite aspect. All areas show distinctive variations of whimsical inside ornaments, colourful up to date African artwork, and an authentic machine head rising from what was as soon as the distribution ground of the grain silo working home. The huge home windows supply birds-eye views of town, the harbor and the enduring Table Mountain.

The redeveloped constructing is a fantastically contrasted combination of historic infrastructure and a contemporary decor. This stark distinction between previous and new is augmented by the full of life and eclectic model of inside design, a unusual distinction from the chilly, uncooked really feel of the constructing’s exterior. The inside have been designed by hotelier Liz Biden, who owns The Silo resort and its mother or father firm, The Royal Portfolio, alongside together with her husband, Phil. Drawing inspiration from her travels all over the world, Ms Biden has acquired a novel and different assortment of artwork and inside artefacts that enhances that of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) located under The Silo Hotel. The assortment highlights each younger, aspiring artists, in addition to established, extremely acclaimed artists resembling Cyrus Kabiru, Mahau Modisakeng and Nandipha Mntambo. The resort even encompasses a subterranean non-public artwork gallery – known as The Vault – which acts as a hyperlink between the resort and native galleries in Cape Town.

The Silo Hotel options solely 28 spacious rooms that are available 6 classes, together with a spectacular one bed room penthouse. The rooms are extra spacious vertically than horizontally because of the distinctive structure of The Silo and specifically the ingenious design of the pillowed window bays that are one of many resort’s key architectural options. Each room has been individually designed and opulently adorned with up to date African artwork by Liz Biden, with colourful and eclectic items juxtaposing the trendy, industrial structure. During my go to, I stayed in a Duplex Suite on the resort’s sixth ground which got here with a beautiful view of the harbor. The suite had an upstairs space with a sitting room & eating nook and a downstairs space with a bed room, small balcony, and a palatial lavatory outfitted with standalone bathtub, walk-in bathe and double self-importance. The suite felt extra like a lavish luxurious condominium in Cape Town than a resort room.

The Silo Hotel encompasses a gorgeous wraparound terrace on its prime ground, which affords spectacular 360° views of town, harbor, Atlantic Ocean, and Cape Town’s three well-known mountain peaks: Lion’s Head, Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain. One a part of the al fresco area is reserved for in-house company: it encompasses a modern, glass-sided swimming pool on the terrace’s western aspect, in addition to a snack bar with some sitting areas and sunbeds instantly going through Table Mountain. The different aspect of the rooftop is open to the general public and contains a classy bar and lounge zone going through the harbor and Atlantic Ocean (it may well get very busy and crowded right here within the late afternoon). Enjoying a poolside meal alongside a glass of bubbly, superb South African wine or sipping on a crafted cocktail whereas absorbing the final of the day’s sunshine rank among the many most interesting moments that company can expertise whereas staying on the resort.

The Royal Portfolio properties are famend for his or her eating, and The Silo Hotel doesn’t disappoint. The property options two eating places, that are open to each resident and non-resident company:
- Located on the sixth ground is The Granary Café, the resort’s signature restaurant, which affords uninterrupted views by way of its 5.5 m (18 ft) excessive pillowed-glass home windows. The venue serves up to date dishes created by Executive Chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert and her passionate staff, that are complemented by a rigorously curated, unique wine checklist. Each morning, an à la carte breakfast can also be served at The Granary Café.
- Also situated on the resort’s sixth ground is the Willaston Bar, a vibrant area with eclectic interiors and a rigorously curated wine checklist. Here, company can unwind with a crafted cocktail alongside a choice of traditional bar snacks, small plates or lunch. The Willaston Bar is called after the primary ship to hold grain from the silo complicated to Europe in 1924, the SS Willaston.

The Silo Hotel options an intimate wellness middle on its 4th ground. The spa represents an oasis of peace and rest within the metropolis middle, providing a regenerative journey in the direction of enhanced wellbeing. Facilities embody a number of therapy rooms (together with one double-treatment room), a sauna and a devoted manicure and pedicure space. Guests can profit from the newest therapies, spa strategies, and signature therapies which will be personalised to satisfy particular wellness necessities. Expert therapists use prime native and worldwide merchandise together with Ling and Black Pearl. The spa’s signature therapy is a 24 Carat Body Ritual, comprised of a vanilla and patchouli physique polish adopted by a 24-Carat Gold therapeutic massage, encouraging rest of drained muscle groups. Next to the spa is a well-equipped health middle, which permits for work-outs with metropolis views.

The Silo Hotel is a part of the Royal Portfolio, a set of South African luxurious accommodations and personal residences owned and run by the Biden household. The story of The Royal Portfolio started in 1999 when Liz and Phil Biden transformed their household vacation residence into Royal Malewane in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, providing an unequalled luxurious safari expertise alongside Africa’s most certified guiding staff. The Bidens quickly opened Birkenhead House within the whale watching paradise of Hermanus, providing a coastal expertise centered on the area’s great seashores. La Residence in Franschhoek adopted, a tranquil and opulent wine property within the coronary heart of Franschhoek – South Africa’s connoisseur capital. The Silo Hotel is the newest chapter within the story. It completes the circuit of quintessentially South African luxurious journey experiences including Cape Town’s artwork, tradition and design to the resort group’s current choices.

The constructing which homes The Silo Hotel is taken into account as a murals and an architectural jewel, providing its fantastically reimagined construction as an industrial canvas that highlights the easiest of African artwork and design. The constructing can also be residence to Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), which occupies the flooring under the resort in addition to the area containing its 42 colossal, concrete silos. The first museum on the African continent dedicated to Twenty first-century artwork from Africa and its diaspora, Zeitz MOCAA homes 100 galleries devoted to a everlasting assortment; short-term exhibitions; and facilities for artwork schooling, images, a Costume Institute and extra, all supporting the emergence of artists and placing a world magnifying glass on African expression. The museum additionally contains an Atelier artist residency, a retail store, rooftop restaurant and a espresso store. Private museum excursions will be booked through the resort’s concierge desk.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The Silo Hotel is a deeply private venture of proprietor Liz Biden, who has designed each a part of the interiors herself. The result’s a superb, surprising and visually overwhelming decor that’s all about artwork and Africa. While some company will love the quirky design, it won’t match the style of others, though one factor is for positive: it’ll depart an impression that you’ll not simply neglect.

The resort’s rooftop terrace – with its pool and lounge areas – is a showstopper, providing magnificent views of Cape Town’s cityscape, Table Mountain and Signal Hill. However, it may well get a bit crowded right here, particularly on heat summer time days, and there isn’t a variety of seating by the pool (solely 4 sunbeds in addition to some lounge areas, that are reserved for resort company). Nonetheless, it’s an exquisite place to hang around and luxuriate in a glass of wine, particularly round sundown.

The room charges at The Silo Hotel are extraordinarily excessive (and better than its different 5 star opponents on the town: Ellerman House and One&Only). For instance, throughout the busy summer time months, the entry room charges are above 1200 euros per room per evening. Some will say that you just can’t justify spending that sum of money per evening in a metropolis like Cape Town, the place different (albeit much less spectacular) luxurious accommodations will be booked for lower than half of the value. However, understand that Liz Biden and her household have creating an iconic venue that clearly surpasses all different accommodations in Cape Town. The focus of the property is on structure, design and views whereas by no means scarifying consolation, and that’s what you’re finally paying for.

All rooms are situated on the silo’s higher flooring, so all of them take pleasure in panoramic views. However, solely half of the rooms has a direct view of Table Mountain, whereas the opposite rooms face the opposite approach and look out over the harbor, which isn’t practically as spectacular because the view of Table Mountain. Unfortunately, the resort’s web site makes it not very clear which rooms have mountain views. If I have been to remain once more, I’d undoubtedly ask for a room with view of Table Mountain, as the other view simply wasn’t as fairly.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 10/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Value for cash: 8/10
Overall expertise: distinctive 9/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save cash: get complimentary VIP perks when reserving through Virtuoso (e.g. improve, day by day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD meals & beverage credit score).

Save cash: learn right here my suggestions for getting one of the best deal at a luxurious resort like The Silo Town (and/or obtain many free perks).

Read my suggestions for making ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Cape Town’s scorching, dry summer time months run from late October to early April. Temperatures attain their peak between December and February, and that is usually seen as when to go to Cape Town for one of the best seashore climate. During the winter months (June to September), the climate will be moist, chilly and overcast (limiting out of doors actions).

HOW TO GET THERE

The Silo Hotel is a 25 minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. The latter is served by a number of main European, American, Asian and African airways. Check the Wikipedia web page of Cape Town International Airport for a constantly up to date checklist of airways that supply direct flights to Cape Town.

PHOTOS

Below is a choice of my photographs of The Silo Hotel Cape Town. To view extra photographs (together with breakfast and dinner at The Granary Café), click on right here.