Architecturally, The Silo stands out. A towering presence on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, easily the tallest building in the harbour.  The 56 panel glass windows, measuring 5.5 metres tall each we’re reliably informed, offer panoramic views of Table Mountain and Table Bay Harbour for those spending time inside its high ceiling, industrial designer rooms and shared spaces.

The hotel occupies six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) – home to the continent’s biggest collection of modern art. It’s all a short walk from the shops and restaurants of the V&A Waterfront, and it’s an even shorter walk to the Robben Island ferry.

28 rooms

It’s quite a challenge to achieve unique colour schemes across this many rooms, and although we’ve not seen them all, we’re reliably informed that’s the case at The Silo. Also in each room are examples of contemporary African art, likely borrowed or bought from the museum on the ground floor of the building.

There are different types of rooms available here to suit various budgets:

SILO ROOMS are marketed as the value option and offer excellent views, a super-size bed with ensuite bathroom plus private balcony.

DUPLEX SUITES for 2 guests - These two storey suites are up on the 6th and 7th floors, offering views of the mountain or harbour. The bathrooms match the bedrooms in terms of size and there’s a small balcony.

DELUXE SUPERIOR SUITE for 2 guests - A large balcony and sitting area give these suites a deluxe look and feel. They’re up on the 8th, 9th and 10th floors.

FAMILY DUPLEX SUITE for 4 guests - These are effectively a two bedroom version of the Duplex Suites, with that second bedroom designed to appeal to younger guests. The views of the harbour and mountains, or out over the V&A Waterfront and Signal Hill are impressive from up on the 7th floor.

ROYAL SUITE for 4 guests - Two bedrooms and a triple aspect that takes in the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island and the mountains in the distance give this suite its regal prefix. There’s also a large living room and dining area, plus balcony.

THE PENTHOUSE for 2 to 4 guests - Top of the lot, this 1 bedroom suite for 2 can be converted into 2 bedroom accommodation for 4 guests if preferred. You’re never far from something luxurious when you stay here, whether it’s the cinema room, spa room, or one of the 2 walk-in wardrobes, 2 marble bathrooms and 2 private balconies.

Available to all guests

The Silo is locally famous for its breakfasts – fantastic feasts by all accounts with a hot food menu and buffet to choose from. Lunch is served daily, so too dinner, while you can enjoy high tea if you’re here from Thursday to Sunday.

You’re bound to find yourselves in the Willaston Bar on the 6th floor at some point. The circular sofas and plush bar stools offer plenty of comfort, with the latter easy to manoeuvre into whichever spot gives you the best view (you can use a pair of the house binoculars as well if you forget to bring your own). The hotel team also offer phone chargers and picnic hampers – the advice is that whatever you need, just ask at reception.

The rooftop terrace is a great place to relax by the pool or in it, but it’s worth knowing that this area isn’t just for hotel guests – members of the public can book to use it too, so it’s likely to be busy. It’s also worth knowing that the pool has glass sides, so you might feel like you’re in a giant fish tank several floors up.