The Silo Hotel is a five-star design hotel at Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa, occupying the former grain-elevator tower above Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Opened in 2017 after a Heatherwick Studio transformation of the historic 1920s grain silo, it draws travelers for its museum-adjacent setting, contemporary African art, expansive harbour and Table Mountain views, destination dining, and rooftop pool.
What to Expect at The Silo Hotel
The building is the experience. Its most recognizable feature is the faceted, pillowed glass windows inserted into the old concrete elevator structure; from inside, they frame the V&A Waterfront, Table Bay, Robben Island and the city bowl in shifting geometric views. The original industrial mass remains legible in the tower, while jewel-toned interiors, patterned textiles and bold furnishings create a deliberately theatrical counterpoint. The hotel sits directly above Zeitz MOCAA, whose converted grain-silo galleries make an especially natural companion visit.
Art is integral rather than decorative: The Silo displays works from owner Liz Biden’s collection, with a focus on contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Public spaces include the Granary Café, Willaston Bar and the rooftop area, where the glass-sided pool is paired with wide waterfront views. The Silo Spa offers treatment rooms, a gym and a sauna, while the hotel’s art and dining spaces are best approached as reservations rather than walk-in sightseeing attractions.
- Pillowed glass façade: Heatherwick Studio’s bulging, diamond-like window panels transform the former grain elevator into a Cape Town landmark.
- Rooftop pool: A glass-sided pool and terrace look across the harbour toward Table Mountain and Signal Hill.
- Contemporary African art: Liz Biden’s changing collection is displayed throughout the hotel’s guest and public areas.
- Zeitz MOCAA connection: The hotel is integrated with the historic silo complex housing the major museum of contemporary African art.
- Granary Café and Willaston Bar: Reserve for refined meals, afternoon tea or cocktails with waterfront views.
The Silo Hotel at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa |
| Neighborhood / Area | Silo District, V&A Waterfront |
| Operating Hours | Hotel reception operates around the clock; restaurant, bar, spa and rooftop access follow service hours and reservations. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No public admission ticket. Hotel facilities are for guests or visitors with a confirmed dining, spa or other reservation. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a meal or drinks; overnight for the full hotel experience. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | V&A Waterfront MyCiTi stop; paid V&A Waterfront parking garages are a short walk away. |
| Official Website / Phone | The Silo Hotel official website / +27 21 670 0500 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For drinks or a meal, reserve ahead, particularly for sunset, weekends and the summer holiday period. Early lunch or an earlier afternoon-tea sitting offers clearer views and a more relaxed arrival than the evening rush. There is no ticket counter for casual hotel viewing, and rooftop-pool access is generally a guest privilege; call ahead if arranging a spa treatment or dining reservation. Confirm current restaurant and spa hours directly with the hotel before setting out.
The V&A Waterfront MyCiTi stop is the closest useful public-transport point; from there, follow the marked waterfront pedestrian routes toward Silo Square. Drivers can use the paid V&A Waterfront garages, then walk on paved, mostly level promenades. Step-free routes and elevators make the hotel’s principal public levels practical for wheelchair users and strollers, though staff should be contacted in advance for accessible room, dining-table or treatment-room arrangements. Within 5–15 minutes on foot, pair a reservation here with Zeitz MOCAA, the Watershed’s South African design shops, or the waterfront quays around the Victoria Wharf shopping and dining area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit The Silo Hotel?
Sunset is prized for Table Mountain and harbour views, but requires an advance restaurant or bar reservation. For a quieter experience, book lunch or afternoon tea earlier in the day. The hotel reception is staffed 24 hours; individual venues keep separate service schedules.
Is there an admission fee or do I need a reservation?
There is no admission fee because The Silo is a hotel, not a ticketed attraction. Overnight guests access guest facilities, while non-guests should reserve dining or spa services. The rooftop pool is intended for hotel guests rather than general public entry.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for lunch, afternoon tea, drinks or a spa appointment. Allow longer if combining it with Zeitz MOCAA next door, whose galleries reward a separate half-day visit.
Is The Silo Hotel suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families are welcome, although the atmosphere is polished and quieter than a resort. Paved waterfront approaches and elevators support wheelchair and stroller access to principal public areas; contact the hotel before booking to confirm specific accessible accommodation and service needs.
When planning your Cape Town travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Cape Town, pair this stop with standout local spots including De Waal Park, Victoria & Alfred Hotel Cape Town, Paradise Park, Newlands, and Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (nearby).
