The Silo is not subtle.
Bold color, huge windows, contemporary African art everywhere and some of the best views in Cape Town.
I stayed at The Silo in Cape Town while traveling through South Africa, and what surprised me most was how small and warm it feels once you’re actually a guest. I’d visited before for a site inspection, but staying here was completely different. There are only 28 rooms, and despite all the dramatic design, the staff knows you and it feels much more boutique than I expected.
The hotel sits above Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront, so art is a huge part of the experience — but you don’t need to be an art collector to appreciate it.
5 Reasons to Stay at The Silo
1. The rooms are unlike anything else in Cape Town
Every room at The Silo in Cape Town is individually designed, with its own colors, art, fabrics and personality. And then there are the windows.
The huge geometric windows frame Cape Town almost like artwork themselves, with views toward Table Mountain, the harbor and the city. Rooms are spacious, but some are multi-level with stairs, so this is definitely a hotel where the exact room category matters.
If you’re traveling with children or have mobility concerns, I’d want to choose carefully rather than just booking whatever category is available.
2. The art is reason enough to stay
The Silo in Cape Town has an extensive collection of contemporary African art throughout the hotel, and one of my favorite experiences was doing an art tour with Michael, the hotel’s art curator. Michael is Cape Town born and bred with a strong background in, and a deep passion for, African contemporary art and design. I would book an art tour with Michael even if you don’t think you’re “an art person.”
The art tour with Michael was a highlight from my time in Cape Town.
3. The rooftop at sunset
Go upstairs at The Silo for sunset.The rooftop has fantastic views over Cape Town, plus the pool and bar, and it has a completely different energy from the rest of the hotel.
4. You’re right in the middle of Cape Town’s Waterfront
The location is incredibly convenient. You can walk to shopping, restaurants, harbor activities and the V&A Waterfront in minutes. It also makes The Silo a very easy base for touring Cape Town.
My caveat: the Waterfront is busy and touristy. Personally, I usually lean toward something a little more tucked away, so I think that’s worth saying. But for someone who wants to be able to walk out the door and have everything around them — especially on a first trip — the location is hard to beat.
5. The service feels personal
This may have been the thing I underestimated most before staying here. The Silo looks like it could be a very serious design hotel. It isn’t. The staff was warm, funny and incredibly welcoming. Edward, one of The Royal Portfolio’s longtime ambassadors, somehow went from hosting us for cocktails to joining us at breakfast for ginger shots the next morning.
It never felt scripted. It felt like, again, you were staying with old friends. And there is a reason for that.
Liz Biden is the founder and creative force behind The Royal Portfolio, and The Silo may be the clearest example of her design style. She personally approaches each space differently — mixing color, art, old and new pieces, pattern and texture — but she has said the most important thing is that the rooms still feel comfortable rather than like a museum.
What I found just as interesting was how The Royal Portfolio approaches people. Their philosophy is essentially: hire for attitude, train for skill.
They look for personality, warmth and people who naturally fit the culture rather than simply hiring based on a résumé. The company describes its staff as part of the extended family, and Liz and Phil Biden remain very hands-on with the business. Edward is a good example. Liz originally met him while he was helping another safari lodge set up its spa; she loved his personality and abilities and hired him on the spot. He’s now been with The Royal Portfolio for more than two decades.
I think that explains something about these hotels that is difficult to capture in photos. The design gets your attention. The people are what make the properties feel like homes.
Who I’d Send
Art + design lovers: This is the obvious one.
Couples + honeymooners: Yes.
Girls’ trip: Definitely.
Solo travelers: I like it. The hotel has enough energy that it doesn’t feel isolating.
Someone who wants to be in the middle of things: Yes.
Young families: Not necessarily my first choice.
Someone who wants quiet and understated: Probably not.
Good to Know
LOCATION: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
HOW LONG: I’d give Cape Town at least 3 nights as part of a larger South Africa trip. Visit Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope Robben Island and stop to see the penguins.
DON’T MISS: Art tour + rooftop sunset.
ROOM TIP: Tell us your favorite colors and design preferences. Every room is different, so this is one of those places where I’d rather request the right room than leave it completely to chance.
FAMILY NOTE: There are spacious Family Suites, but check the layout because some accommodations are multi-level.
PAIR IT WITH: La Residence in Franschhoek + Royal Malewane for safari. Add Birkenhead House if you have time for the coast.
