The Silo
Where industrial architecture meets the sky on Cape Town's waterfront
Reserve this StayBoutique Hotel in Cape Town, Western Cape
/The Silo
The Silo
15 Total Rooms
11 Room Types
4.6 (30 Reviews)
Rising above the V&A Waterfront, a historic grain silo has been transformed into something that feels closer to sculpture than hotel. The Silo occupies the upper floors of what was once the tallest building in sub-Saharan Africa, its formerly industrial exterior now studded with pillowed glass windows that bulge outward like faceted jewels, catching light differently at every hour. Designed by the celebrated architect Thomas Heatherwick, the conversion is one of the most ambitious adaptive reuse projects in the Southern Hemisphere. Below, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa fills the lower floors, its cavernous atrium carved from the building's original concrete grain tubes. You arrive into this context, where raw industrial heritage and contemporary design exist in dramatic, vertical conversation.
The hotel houses just twenty-eight rooms, including a penthouse and several suites, each distinguished by those extraordinary convex windows that frame Table Mountain, the harbor, the city, or the ocean depending on your orientation. Interiors are layered with bold color, African art, and bespoke furnishings that feel personal rather than prescribed. Many rooms feature freestanding bathtubs positioned near the windows, turning a private moment into a panoramic one. Public spaces carry the same intensity of design. The Willaston Bar, set within the building's former machinery level, offers cocktails beneath the original gears and mechanisms of the grain elevator. On the rooftop, a heated pool and terrace open to unobstructed views of Table Mountain and Signal Hill, with the working harbor spread below. The Granary Café serves breakfast and light meals in a setting that balances the building's industrial bones with a warmth that invites lingering.
The V&A Waterfront itself is Cape Town's most vibrant precinct, home to galleries, markets, restaurants, and the departure point for ferries to Robben Island. But the location here is less about proximity to attractions and more about perspective. From The Silo's upper floors, you see the city from an angle few ever encounter, one that places harbor cranes, mountain ridgelines, and ocean horizon on a single visual plane. The Zeitz MOCAA below provides an entire museum dedicated to contemporary African art, accessible without ever leaving the building.
What stays with you is the architecture itself. The way light presses through those extraordinary windows, shifting the mood of a room across the course of a day. The knowledge that you are sleeping inside a structure that once stored grain for an entire region, now reimagined with such conviction that it has become one of Cape Town's most recognizable silhouettes. The Silo is not a hotel that whispers. It is a building with presence, and it offers that same quality to everyone who stays within it.
Rising above the V&A Waterfront, a historic grain silo has been transformed into something that feels closer to sculpture than hotel. The Silo occupies the upper floors of what was once the tallest building in sub-Saharan Africa, its formerly industrial exterior now studded with pillowed glass windows that bulge outward like faceted jewels, catching light differently at every hour. Designed by the celebrated architect Thomas Heatherwick, the conversion is one of the most ambitious adaptive reuse projects in the Southern Hemisphere. Below, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa fills the lower floors, its cavernous atrium carved from the building's original concrete grain tubes. You arrive into this context, where raw industrial heritage and contemporary design exist in dramatic, vertical conversation.
The hotel houses just twenty-eight rooms, including a penthouse and several suites, each distinguished by those extraordinary convex windows that frame Table Mountain, the harbor, the city, or the ocean depending on your orientation. Interiors are layered with bold color, African art, and bespoke furnishings that feel personal rather than prescribed. Many rooms feature freestanding bathtubs positioned near the windows, turning a private moment into a panoramic one. Public spaces carry the same intensity of design. The Willaston Bar, set within the building's former machinery level, offers cocktails beneath the original gears and mechanisms of the grain elevator. On the rooftop, a heated pool and terrace open to unobstructed views of Table Mountain and Signal Hill, with the working harbor spread below. The Granary Café serves breakfast and light meals in a setting that balances the building's industrial bones with a warmth that invites lingering.
The V&A Waterfront itself is Cape Town's most vibrant precinct, home to galleries, markets, restaurants, and the departure point for ferries to Robben Island. But the location here is less about proximity to attractions and more about perspective. From The Silo's upper floors, you see the city from an angle few ever encounter, one that places harbor cranes, mountain ridgelines, and ocean horizon on a single visual plane. The Zeitz MOCAA below provides an entire museum dedicated to contemporary African art, accessible without ever leaving the building.
What we love about this stay
There's something almost defiant about a grain silo turned into a place this refined — the industrial bones still show, but they've been dressed in bespoke furniture and African artistry that feels collected rather than decorated. You sense the building's former life in the scale of things, the height, the weight of the structure, and then you look through those vast windows at the Atlantic and the harbor below, and the contrast sharpens into something genuinely stirring. The rooftop pool, glass-walled and sky-mirroring, sits with Robben Island in the distance — a view that carries real gravity if you let it. This is a property for travelers who want Cape Town's cultural pulse without leaving the lobby, and who appreciate that true luxury sometimes means standing inside history reimagined rather than erased.
Explore our rooms & suites
Where you'll be staying
Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA
Hear it from other travelers
Guest
MAY 2012
Had a fantastic private tour with Luhambo Tours. We were picked up in Cape Town and then spent the day traveling down the peninsula going to Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point and to see the Penguin colony. Then we worked our way back up to the Constantia area and went to several wineries. Cedric was most excellent in providing information and most importantly spotting wild game. We were able to pull over to the side of the road often and take in the beautiful scenery and get a history of the area from Cedric. IT was casual, full of information and fun. Cedric is extremely knowledgeable about the area and provided great guidance to us about the wine region. Given his background previously operating safari's, finding game on the route was easy (I would even give him a call to get the low down on the best safari's to consider!). I highly recommend the Luhambo Tours.
Guest
MAR 2026
If you’re heading to Cape Town, don’t stay anywhere else. From the moment you step in, the suite offers a feast for the eyes. Every detail is just beautifully curated, from the whimsical and eccentric décor to the serene bath, with just the most perfect view, that even bath-averse guests (like myself) can’t resist. A nice little bonus is the complimentary minibar fully stocked with soft drinks, beer, wines, spirits and snacks too. The hotel’s charm goes beyond the physical space as the staff truly makes you feel like their very best guest. They greet you by name and go out of their way to ensure your stay is just flawless. The concierge is attentive and no request is too much for them. The restaurant team too treats you like you’re their only guest and of course the food is scrumptious and beautiful presented. Breakfast is not only a visual delight but also a culinary one, setting the perfect tone for your day. Yes, a stay there will cost you a pretty penny, but it is so worth it for the unparalleled service and experience. Its prime location near the waterfront also offers easy access without the typical crowd and it is just ideal for a more relaxed yet vibrant stay. I love, love, love this hotel!
Guest
MAR 2026
The Silo Hotel is a remarkable architectural gem, blending historical charm with modern luxury. The building itself is an artistic masterpiece, standing out in Cape Town's skyline with its unique design. Every detail, from the stunning glass windows to the luxurious interiors, is meticulously crafted. However, the overall atmosphere feels more catered to those seeking an exclusive, high-end experience. For me, it lacked a bit of personal warmth and felt a bit too luxurious, but this aligns with what the hotel aims to offer its upscale clientele. The service is impeccable, and every need is met with precision and care, making it clear that the staff are highly trained and attentive. The amenities are top-notch, from the rooftop pool offering breathtaking views of the city to the exquisite dining options that provide a taste of local and international cuisine. The rooms are spacious and decorated with a blend of contemporary and vintage pieces, adding to the overall luxurious feel. Despite my preference for a more personal touch, I can appreciate that The Silo Hotel is designed to cater to those who enjoy a more polished, opulent atmosphere. It’s perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in luxury and sophistication. All in all, it’s an exceptional hotel for those who appreciate high-end accommodations in a truly unique setting.
Guest
JUN 2014
Just a great city on the southern tip of Africa….Roads can be busy mostly…drive with caution. Always take a jumper when you go out at night. The weather can turn rapidly
Guest
DEC 2011
This is the most wonderful place to walk and …. Yesterday the wind BLEW but the wind surfers had a great day. Today there is little wind and the standing surfers with a single paddle had a great day. I walked the beach front with the pram, no wind, safe, and with a beautiful view. I watched a seal playing in the surf near the beach, catching the waves to surf in. Magic!
What you need to know
2:00 PM
We understand that plans can change. The cancellation terms below describe the standard policy. Your specific booking’s eligibility for cancellation and refund is determined by the terms shown at the time of booking. **Standard Refundable Terms** For reservations that are marked as refundable: - Guests may cancel up to 48 hours before check-in to receive a full refund - Cancellations made less than 48 hours before check-in may be eligible for a partial refund No refunds are issued for: - No-shows - Cancellations made after check-in - Non-Refundable Reservations Some reservations may be marked as non-refundable. - For these bookings, cancellations or no-shows are not eligible for a refund, regardless of timing. **Refund Processing** Eligible refunds are processed to the original payment method and typically appear within 5–10 business days, depending on your payment provider.Reservation Changes Changes to reservations, including date modifications, are subject to availability and may incur additional charges and must be made up to 48 hours before check-in
11:00 AM
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