The Silo
Where industrial architecture becomes Cape Town's most extraordinary hotel
Reserve this StayBoutique Hotel in Cape Town, Western Cape
/The Silo
The Silo
15 Total Rooms
11 Room Types
4.6 (30 Reviews)
Six stories above the V&A Waterfront, cradled within the pillowed glass windows of a century-old grain elevator complex, The Silo occupies one of the most structurally audacious hotel conversions anywhere in the world. The building's original concrete silos rise through the center of the property like a geological core sample, and around them, architect Thomas Heatherwick inserted bulging panels of glass that catch and refract the South African light in constantly shifting patterns. The effect from inside is kaleidoscopic. From outside, the building appears to breathe. It is a property where the architecture is not backdrop but protagonist, and every corridor, every threshold, every room carries the weight and wonder of an industrial past made luminous.
The Silo houses 28 rooms and suites, each one individually designed and filled with a curated collection of contemporary African art. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Table Mountain, the harbor, and the city beyond, while the interiors layer bold color, bespoke furniture, and gallery-worthy pieces into spaces that feel deeply personal rather than formulaic. On the rooftop, a heated pool and bar offer panoramic views across the waterfront and the mountain, creating one of Cape Town's most compelling gathering points. The Willaston Bar, located on the sixth floor, serves as the hotel's social anchor with craft cocktails and a intimate atmosphere shaped by the original silo structure. For dining, The Granary Café presents a menu rooted in South African ingredients within a striking space that honors the building's industrial heritage.
The property sits directly above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which occupies the lower floors of the same grain silo complex. This relationship is not incidental. It places guests in physical proximity to the largest museum of contemporary African art on the continent, and the cultural energy of that institution permeates the hotel's identity. Beyond the building, the V&A Waterfront stretches out with its restaurants, markets, and harbor life, while Table Mountain and the broader Cape Town landscape remain within close reach for those drawn to the region's natural drama.
What stays with you after The Silo is not a single detail but a kind of spatial memory. The way light bends through those extraordinary windows at different hours. The quiet authority of concrete walls that once held grain and now hold some of the continent's most important contemporary art. The rooftop at dusk, Table Mountain turning violet against the last light. It is a hotel that earns its reputation not through opulence but through conviction, a place where bold architectural vision and deep cultural intention produce something genuinely unrepeatable.
Six stories above the V&A Waterfront, cradled within the pillowed glass windows of a century-old grain elevator complex, The Silo occupies one of the most structurally audacious hotel conversions anywhere in the world. The building's original concrete silos rise through the center of the property like a geological core sample, and around them, architect Thomas Heatherwick inserted bulging panels of glass that catch and refract the South African light in constantly shifting patterns. The effect from inside is kaleidoscopic. From outside, the building appears to breathe. It is a property where the architecture is not backdrop but protagonist, and every corridor, every threshold, every room carries the weight and wonder of an industrial past made luminous.
The Silo houses 28 rooms and suites, each one individually designed and filled with a curated collection of contemporary African art. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Table Mountain, the harbor, and the city beyond, while the interiors layer bold color, bespoke furniture, and gallery-worthy pieces into spaces that feel deeply personal rather than formulaic. On the rooftop, a heated pool and bar offer panoramic views across the waterfront and the mountain, creating one of Cape Town's most compelling gathering points. The Willaston Bar, located on the sixth floor, serves as the hotel's social anchor with craft cocktails and a intimate atmosphere shaped by the original silo structure. For dining, The Granary Café presents a menu rooted in South African ingredients within a striking space that honors the building's industrial heritage.
The property sits directly above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which occupies the lower floors of the same grain silo complex. This relationship is not incidental. It places guests in physical proximity to the largest museum of contemporary African art on the continent, and the cultural energy of that institution permeates the hotel's identity. Beyond the building, the V&A Waterfront stretches out with its restaurants, markets, and harbor life, while Table Mountain and the broader Cape Town landscape remain within close reach for those drawn to the region's natural drama.
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
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!
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
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
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
MAY 2011
beautiful city to visit, friendly people, incredible beaches, breath taking landscapes, 1rs class restaurants, cape twon has it all!
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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