The Silo Hotel | Cape Town
The Silo is a magical space towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural and man-made wonders of South Africa’s Mother City. The Silo has 28 rooms, including a spectacular penthouse. Each room has been individually designed and decorated by the stylish wand of founder, Liz Biden. Colourful and eclectic pieces juxtapose the modern, industrial architecture.
Situated above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), The Silo was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Principal of the London-based Heatherwick Studio. Built as a granary in 1924, from the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of pillowed glazing panels, inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors, which gently curve outward. By night, this transforms the building into a glowing lantern or beacon in the harbour.
There are eight Silo Rooms which are 41m² (441ft²) including a balcony with spectacular harbour views. While these rooms are slightly smaller, the bathrooms are as large and majestic as other room categories. Double volume spacing mean the floor to ceiling pillowed glass windows offer 5m high views across the Cape Town Harbour.
There are six Duplex Suites across the 6th and 7th floors with either mountain or harbour views. These suites vary between 76m² (818ft²) and 88m² (947ft²) including a small balcony and each has the bedroom on a mezzanine level. These rooms maintain the same 5.5m high windows, but have half the ceiling height due to the two mezzanine levels.
There are seven Deluxe Superior Suites across the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors with spectacular 5.5m (18ft) high pillowed glass windows showcasing the natural wonder of Cape Town. They range in size from 60m² (646ft²) to 67m² (721ft²) including a balcony.
The 211m² (2012ft²), one-bedroom penthouse is the jewel in The Royal Portfolio's crown located on the top floor of The Silo facing Table Mountain with triple aspect views of Cape Town. This includes a 24m² (258ft²) balcony.
There are two triple aspect Royal Suites facing the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island and the distant mountains. Each Royal Suite is 132m² (1421ft²) with two bedrooms and a generous balcony.
This two bedroomed Penthouse consists of the 211m² (2012ft²) one-bedroom Penthouse, with a 24m² (258ft²) balcony inter-leading to the 60m² (646ft²) Deluxe Superior Suite, including a balcony.
Located on the top floor of The Silo, the one-bedroom Penthouse faces Table Mountain with triple aspect views of Cape Town and the Deluxe Superior Suite has views of the harbour.
There are four Family Duplex Suites on the 7th floor with views over the Old Harbour and out to the distant mountains or over the V&A Waterfront and Signal Hill. Family Suites range from 111m² (1195ft²) to 128m² (1378ft²) including a balcony and each has a mezzanine level with two bedrooms. These rooms maintain the same 5.5m high windows, but have half the ceiling height due to the two mezzanine levels.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Disabled Rooms, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours)
Activities on Site
Fine Dining, High Tea, Massages
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Art Galleries, Beach, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Deep Sea Fishing, Fine Dining, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Kayaking / Paddling, Marine Adventures, Marine Tidal Pool, Massages, Mini Golf, Mountain Biking, Museums, Natural History Tours, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Scenic Flights, Scuba Diving, Shark Cage Diving, Surfing, Tennis Court, Walks (Self Guided), Whale Watching, Wildlife Tours, Wine Tasting
The Silo Hotel offers wonderful private art tours that allow guests the opportunity to learn about the incredible African art scene and to celebrate the incredible artists and their work. Widely recognised as one of the best art hotels in the world (by the likes of Forbes and The Telegraph), The Silo Hotel houses a remarkable collection.
Situated below The Silo Hotel lies the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the world's largest contemporary African art museum. This incredible space is a momentous mark on Africa’s cultural canvas, an exciting new era for African artists, and a remarkable achievement for our beautiful continent. This public, not-for-profit art museum collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits twenty-first century art from Africa and its Diaspora. Containing over 100 galleries, spread over nine floors, this exquisite space boasts a diverse and unique range of contemporary African art. Various tours of the museum are available, including AfriSam Audio Tours, Art Tours, Architectural Tours, and Children’s Tours.
The Silo Spa, located on the fourth floor of The Silo Hotel, has five treatment rooms, two of which can be made into a couple’s room. A tranquil space in which guests can relax and indulge in the latest therapies and spa techniques. There’s also a gym, sauna and a dedicated manicure and pedicure area. Enjoy signature treatments using top international products including Ling and Black Pearl. The Silo Spa is the only spa in Africa to use exclusive Ling products.
Robben Island, easily seen from the rooftop of The Silo Hotel, is situated only 9kms offshore from Cape Town. The island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 because of its historic political importance, having been where Nelson Mandela lived for 18 of the 27 years that he was a political prisoner during the apartheid regime. It is advisable to allow us to pre-book this very popular tour on your behalf. Allow half a day for this tour.
Table Mountain is a great source of pride for Capetonians. At 240 million years old it is older than the Andes, the Rockies, The Himalayas and the Alps. It was acknowledges as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a few years ago. A four-minute cable car ride will take you to the 1067m “table top”, with spectacular views on the way up. Enjoy walking along the pathways and taking photographs, there is also a restaurant for refreshments. Table Mountain hosts one of the richest floral kingdom on earth, with more than 1 470 floral species.
Cape Town has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches on offer. Clifton Beaches: there are four Clifton beaches, each as beautiful as the next. Camps Bay: the palm fronds of Camps Bay make for the most dramatic sunset pictures – and the main street across from the beach has a number of bars and restaurants and is a great spot for cocktails or a bite to eat. Muizenberg: head down to the Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg and take a surfing lesson with the local experts. Cape Point & Boulders Beach: explore the Cape Peninsula and see the fascinating penguins of Boulder’s Beach on a day trip from Cape Town. There are smaller, lesser known beaches - let us know how we can direct you to the beach experience of your choice. Please ask a member of our team should you need directions or transport.
The best place to experience Cape Malay cuisine is on a walking tour through the Bo-Kaap District in Cape Town, an area with steep cobblestone streets and brightly-coloured houses where former Cape Malay slaves settled in the early 19th century. Stop to enjoy a local bobotie, sosatie, koeksister or Cape Malay curry for lunch whilst learning about the rich heritage of the Cape Malay people who live there.
Situated on the sixth floor of the hotel, The Willaston Bar is named after the first ship to export grain from the original silo complex back in 1924. With stunning views of Cape Town through the 5,5m high pillowed glass windows, there is no better place to enjoy a classic cocktail or a glass of wine from the carefully crafted and ever-evolving list of local and international wines.
Executive Chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert and her team believe in good, honest and approachable food that showcases seasonal, local ingredients.
The Granary Café offers an immersive dining experience like no other. Enjoy lunch or dinner while surrounded by glistening geometric windows and spectacular sunset views. Share memorable moments over a delicious selection of contemporary-style dishes that can be perfectly paired with something special from our extensive wine list. The menu inherits the same comfortable, eclectic and contemporary style as Liz Biden’s hotel interiors.
Royal Tea is served daily, allowing guests to enjoy a delicate selection of sweet and savoury treats, including beautiful petit gateauxs, buttermilk scones and clotted cream, served on an étagère at the copper-topped tables of The Granary Café.
The Silo Rooftop offers guests a relaxed and easy eating experience. Poolside lounging is complemented with treats from the tempura bar, fresh oysters, pulled pork sandwiches, and a selection of healthy snacks from our raw bar. Enjoy a glass of bubbly or a classic cocktail while you soak up the last of the day’s sunshine.
The Silo Rooftop is for hotel guests and is open to the public by prior reservation only. Kindly note that access to The Silo Rooftop is weather dependent.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
5 Star
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, French, German, Portuguese
No. Rooms: 28
Special Interests: Beach / Coastal, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Sports, Wine
La Residence | Franschhoek
Located on a private 30-acre estate surrounded by mountains and vineyards, La Residence sets the benchmark for luxury accommodation in South Africa’s celebrated Cape winelands. Eleven individually decorated suites incorporate vibrant colours, rich fabrics and spectacular artworks and antiques. Alternatively, five Vineyard Suites offer family-friendly accommodation with private gardens and luxurious interiors.
Warm, personalised service creates an atmosphere of relaxation at La Residence, while fresh garden produce is used to create memorable meals in a variety of exceptional settings. Guests can enjoy the pool, spa, gym, library and the beautiful gardens. Activities available locally range from wine-tasting to golf and there are complimentary transfers to Franschhoek village where guests can enjoy visiting local restaurants, novelty shops and art galleries.
La Residence and Vineyard Suites
The entry-level suites offer 90m² of elegantly decorated floor space, an en suite bathroom, and private balconies with beautiful views of the surrounding estate.
Each individually designed by founder, Liz Biden, these 100m² suites boast a variety of exciting artworks, ornaments and furnishings, setting the scene for an unforgettable vacation in the Cape Winelands.
Sumptuous fabrics, brilliant, jewel-like colours and over-sized furniture conspire to create a sense of sublime comfort. This suite has an elevated four-poster bed, high ceilings and en-suite bathroom. Curl up around a roaring fire in winter, or sit outside on the terrace in summer and soak up the beautiful mountain scenery.
Let the rich red interior of this Vineyard Suite warm and inspire you. Swagged curtains, a high ceiling and rustic stone fireplace create a sense of homely grandeur. Downstairs is a king-sized bed with en-suite bathroom, complete with black and white harlequin-patterned vanity cabinets; upstairs, an inviting twin-bedded loft room with an en suite shower with spectacular views across the valley.
The two bedroom Vineyard Suite is an elegant and sociable space. Light pours into the generously sized central living area, that includes a comfortable couch and a glossy oval table, ideal for relaxed meals and conversation. On either side of this space are two en-suite bedrooms (one king, one king or twin). Outside there is a terrace for al fresco dining and a private pool.
Vibrant colours and open spaces characterise this Vineyard Suite. Pinks, reds and oranges predominate, with plenty of interest provided by the artwork and furniture that grounds the space. Antique Chinese cabinets sit alongside brightly painted octagonal tables and couches in tangerine and raspberry velvet. There are two spacious en-suite bedrooms (one king-size and one king-size or twin queen-size) and a charming twin room with en-suite shower room. The terrace is perfect for relaxed dining while the pool and gardens enjoy spectacular views and complete privacy.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Gym, Gym (nearby), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating, Verandah
Available Services
Babysitting Service, Chauffer Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cooking Courses, Cycling, Fine Dining, Garden Tours, High Tea, Massages
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cooking Courses, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Rides, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Hot Air Ballooning, Mountain Biking, Museums, Tennis Court, Wine Tasting
Franschhoek is known as the "Food and Wine Capital of South Africa." Despite its tiny size, the town boasts an incredible range of cafés and stylish restaurants with every style of food on offer. From traditional English pub food to classic bistro fare, superb wood-fired pizzas to sumptuous sushi, this gourmet dining town has it all.
If you feel like venturing into the village, a complimentary transfer service from La Residence is available to take you to one of the many, award-winning, Franschhoek restaurants.
Whether you are a connoisseur or an enthusiastic newcomer to the wonderful world of wine, Franschhoek offers exciting experiences for wine lovers. Wine-making has an illustrious 300-year old history in the Franschhoek Valley and there are a number of historic family wine farms worth visiting for their fascintating heritage, quaint architecture and beautiful vineyards.
Explore boutique wineries or enjoy private tastings with expert sommeliers. Alternative experiences include wine safaris on horseback, Harley Davidson tours, cycling or walking tours, and helicopter trips for a bird's-eye view of the beautiful region. A complimentary transfer service is available at La Residence to escort guests to any of the local estates.
For the ultimate relaxation, pamper yourself with a massage in the spa treatment room. The La Residence Spa offers a wide range of treatments and massages including the signature Pinotage treatments which use organic grape products in a variety of beneficial ways.
The Wemmers River is packed with wild brown trout and rainbow trout. La Ferme rents out fly fishing equipment for you to use in the river or in one of their trout dams. If fly-fishing is not your thing, spinning tackle is available to use in one of their bass dams.
South Africa is producing some of the world’s most sought-after wines. Many of those top rated tipples are produced in remote and spectacular locations as leading winemakers search far and wide for the ultimate terroir. There is no finer way to experience the rich diversity and breathtaking beauty of the Cape winelands than by helicopter. We have carefully crafted three distinct helicopter routes which will allow you to sample the diverse expressions of South Africa’s top varietals:
- The Swartland & The Hemel en Aarde Valley
- Stellenbosch & Elgin
- Constantia & Cape Point
Indulge in the "chocolate experience" at Huguenot Fine Chocolates, a local boutique chocolaterie. The half-hour tour includes the story of chocolate, a chocolate making demonstration, and a chocolate tasting.
Whether you'd like a lazy pedal through the village or a strenuous hike up Mont Rochelle, La Residence is filled with quaint architecture and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Hiking and mountain biking are wonderful ways to work up an appetite for the exceptional local gastronomy.
There is no shortage of art galleries and pottery studios in the Cape winelands. Whether you are looking to purchase, or just to admire, we can direct you to a number of excellent galleries. A notable gallery close to La Residence is located at La Motte wine estate, dedicated to JH Pierneef - one of South Africa's most famous artists.
This is a must for any car enthusiast. The museum is on L’Ormarins wine estate and houses an impressive collection of over 100 collector’s cars from an 1898 Beeston Motor Tricycle to a 2003 Ferrari Enzo.
There are numerous world-class golf courses to choose from in the Cape winelands. The renowned Pearl Valley Golf course, host to the South African Open Championship, is a mere fifteen minutes drive from Franschhoek.
Restaurants
The dining experience at La Residence emphasises fresh, local ingredients, many of which are grown on the estate. Because cuisine is such an integral part of the experience at La Residence, our guests will often sit down with the chefs to discuss their preferences and dietary requirements with menus being tailored accordingly. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in The Great Hall or in the Loggia overlooking the pond.
Franschhoek is known as the "Food and Wine Capital of South Africa’"and for good reason. Despite its tiny size, the town boasts an incredible range of snug cafés and stylish restaurants with every style of food on offer. From traditional English pub food to classic bistro fare, superb wood-fired pizzas to sumptuous sushi, this gourmet dining town has it all.
As befits the town’s Huguenot heritage, Franschhoek restaurants frequently feature French cuisine, alongside plenty of traditional and contemporary South African restaurants. Some of the country’s leading chefs create delicious dishes using only the freshest produce from the valley, complimented by a host of delightful local wines.
So, if you feel like venturing out into the village, a complementary transfer service from La Residence can be arrange to take you to one of the many award-winning Franschhoek restaurants for a dining experience to remember.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Boutique Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 16
Special Interests: Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Wine
Birkenhead House | Hermanus
On a cliff overlooking Walker Bay, this iconic all-inclusive boutique hotel offers stunning ocean views and easy beach access. The eleven luxurious suites feature balconies, spacious living areas, antiques, original artworks, bay or mountain views, and grand bathrooms complete with free-standing tubs. Guests can enjoy the chic onsite restaurant and bar, the elegant spa, as well as the bay-view lounge, deck and infinity pool. While Birkenhead House is a five-star hotel with all the services and amenities that one would expect, the hotel is characterised by a laidback and easygoing atmosphere. Whether you are seeking a rejuvenating retreat or an adventure-filled beach holiday, Birkenhead House in Hermanus is the ideal destination.
Birkenhead House
Featuring a balcony with sea views, this 45m² double room comes with a minibar and seating area. It is equipped with a flat-screen TV and DVD player and the private bathroom is fitted with a bath and shower.
This 45m² air-conditioned double room offers majestic mountain and sea views. It is equipped with a flat-screen TV and DVD player and includes a seating area.
Offering a view of the pool or ocean from the patio, this well-appointed, 42m² room comes with a king-size bed, flat-screen TV and DVD player. The private bathroom is fitted with an elegant bathtub and shower.
An inviting 40m² double room featuring a balcony with mountain views. This air-conditioned and luxurious room has a seating area and is equipped with a flat-screen TV and DVD player. The private bathroom is fitted with a bath and shower.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Business Centre, Gym, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Chauffer Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Surfing, Whale Watching
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Beach, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Bowls, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Rides, Hiking, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Kayaking / Paddling, Marine Adventures, Marine Tidal Pool, Mountain Biking, Museums, Para Sailing, Paragliding, Quad Biking, River Cruises, Sailing, Sea Kayaking, Shark Cage Diving, Surfing, Tennis Court, Tree-top Canopy Tours, Water Skiing, Whale Watching, Windsurfing, Wine Tasting
Hermanus is renowned as the best destination for land-based whale watching in the world and there is no finer spot to enjoy that than on the patio of Birkenhead House. But if you're serious about whales, then why not go on a whale cruise or even take to the skies, soaring high above these majestic mammals. Learn all about the fascinating behaviour of Southern Right and Humpback whales and gain insights into their extraordinary movements that include lob tailing, spy hopping and peduncling.
Waves splash into the mussel-clad rocks that decorate the beaches immediately below Birkenhead House. Our executive chef will take guests down to Voëlklip Beach and show them how to safely pick these delicious marine treats. Not only that, but he'll show you how to prepare the mussels with a little garlic, cream and white wine so that you can savour the fruits of your labour with a lovely glass of locally produced Sauvignon Blanc.
The Hemel-en-Aarde is one of South Africa's premier, cool-climate wine producing regions and is home to some of the country's finest and oldest estates including Hamilton Russel and Bouchard Finlayson as well as some of the more modern estates such as Creation. Not only are the wines superb, but the landscape is spectacular. Enjoy a guided tour with a knowledgeable expert, or enliven the experience by doing it on horseback or even on quad bikes.
Sea kayaking is a wonderful outdoor pursuit for the more adventurous. It will get you up close to some of Hermanus's fascinating sea life and it's also great exercise. Paddle along the coastline all the way from the Old Harbour in town to the New Harbour under the careful supervision of the local seals.
Hermanus is surrounded on all sides by natural wonder. As well as the marine fascinations, there are two incredible nature reserves in close proximity - Fernkloof Nature Reserve and Walker Bay Nature Reserve. For botanists, Fernkloof is certainly one of the most rewarding destinations in the Cape Floral Kingdom to explore the diverse fynbos.
Walker Bay is a coastal nature reserve that lies just east of Hermanus. The reserve includes five coastal areas between Hermanus and Die Dam near Struisbaai. The area is also historically significant, with records of Middle Stone Age people (65 000 to 85 000 years ago) living in Klipgat Cave.
Birkenhead House is one of the best spots in South Africa to relax. The beaches and the champagne air make for a heady combination. But no relaxation would be complete without a treatment in the Spa.
Whether you'd like a Swedish massage or a manicure & pedicure, the Birkenhead House Spa is the perfect Sanctuary in which to forget the worries of the world.
Hermanus is a wonderful golfing destination with two excellent courses very close by. Hermanus Golf Club in the centre of town and Arabella golf club just a short distance away. Arabella is consistently voted among the Top 5 golf courses in South Africa. For those looking for an extended golf tour, there are many more fantastic courses along the Garden Route.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Boutique Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Watersports, Wine