After a couple of nights enjoying the Cape Winelands, I headed back to Cape Town for something I’d been looking forward to—the Silo Hotel. And let me tell you, this place is different. Cape Town is full of unique hotels, but The Silo stands in its own lane. Nothing else really compares.

First Impressions – A Grain Silo Turned Design Hotel

What makes this place special is right in the name. It used to be an actual grain silo. From the outside, you can still see that history. The industrial shell is still there, which honestly gives it character. But the second you step inside, you’re in a completely different world.

The geometric windows are probably the first thing you’ll notice. From the outside, they’re huge and kind of jut out from the building. From the inside, you understand why. They don’t just frame Cape Town. They pull the entire city into your room. One side is Table Mountain. Another side is the harbor. The city skyline, the ocean, you get all of it. The views alone are reason enough to stay here.

The Vibe – Bold, Artistic, and a Little Fancy

This is a Royal Portfolio property, which means luxury is a given, but The Silo takes that luxury and adds personality. It’s bold. It’s colorful. It’s filled with art that actually makes you stop and look. Even the staff uniforms fit the vibe. The whole hotel feels like someone said, let’s do something a little different. And it works.

It’s youthful, but elegant. Luxurious, but not in a way that tries too hard.

The Room – Like Living in an Art Gallery (With a Bathroom You’ll Actually Want to Talk About)

When I walked into my room, the view wasn’t what caught me first. It was the art. Real art. Big pieces, full of color and story. One piece stood out to me—a woman holding a glass, just staring. And I remember sitting there thinking, what’s her story? That’s the kind of vibe you get here. Nothing feels random. Every piece feels like it belongs, like someone placed it there intentionally to make you wonder. And every room in the hotel is different, which I loved.

The bed was great, but as usual, the bathroom stole the show. Picture this—a four-poster tub right in the middle of the space, surrounded by intricate tiling and a chandelier hanging overhead. The giant windows, with their retractable shades, turned the whole space into an art installation of its own. I’m not exaggerating when I say the bathroom was an experience.

Food & Drinks – Rooftop Views For Days

Food and drinks at The Silo are solid. You’ve got a few spaces to choose from, but the rooftop is where this hotel really shines. Because of the building’s shape, the rooftop isn’t massive, but they’ve done a good job of creating different little areas.

There’s a pool for hotel guests, which overlooks Cape Town. There’s an upper terrace that gives you those unobstructed Table Mountain views. And then there’s the rooftop restaurant, which is perfect for light bites or drinks with friends.

If you’re coming here thinking you’ll have a fine dining experience, this probably isn’t your place for dinner, but that’s not the point. The vibe here is more about the atmosphere. It’s where you come to relax with a drink, soak up the views, and feel like you’re somewhere special.

That said, the breakfast was excellent. This is South Africa after all, so prepare to eat well in the mornings. You won’t leave hungry.

Quick Note on the Spa

Full transparency: the spa didn’t wow me. It’s fine, but this isn’t the hotel where I’d prioritize booking treatments. Stay for the rooms, the rooftop, and the atmosphere—the spa is more of a bonus than a highlight.

And One More Thing… The Museum Next Door

The Silo is literally attached to the Zeitz MOCAA Museum, Cape Town’s Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. I popped over for a visit and it’s absolutely worth your time. Stunning exhibits, and a great complement to The Silo’s own artistic vibe.

Final Thoughts – A Stay You’ll Remember

If you’re after a typical luxury stay, this might not be your place. But if you want something bold, creative, and distinctly Capetonian, The Silo delivers. From the art to the views to the rooftop, every detail feels curated yet effortless.

Ready to make The Silo part of your Cape Town adventure? Reach out—we’d love to help you get there.