Spring is the season of new beginnings! Following this motto, Cape Town, always being at the forefront of innovative new ideas and developments, proudly announced the opening of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) on the 22nd of September this year. Zeitz MOCAA will house Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art and this highly anticipated museum thrust our home city into the top league of the world’s art scene even before its doors opened to the public. The fascinating architectural masterpiece, arising out of former grain silos situated in the world-famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, could until recently only be viewed from the outside. We did, however, pay a visit to its spectacular neighbour, the Royal Portfolio’s “Silo Hotel”.
The Silo Hotel sets a new standard for luxury Cape Town hotel accommodation. An opulent hotel towering above the V&A Waterfront, surrounded by the natural wonder of South Africa’s Mother City. The Silo was built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex occupying six floors above what is now the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA).
The exterior of the building was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, Founder of the London-based Heatherwick Studio. From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of the ingenious glass windows inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors. These multi-faceted windows bulge outward as if gently inflated. Glancing through them, one enjoys a beautiful panoramic view of Cape Town – from Table Mountain over Lions Head and Signal Hill over the harbour and the expanses of the Atlantic. By night, they transform the building into a glowing beacon in the Table Bay harbour.
The success of The Royal Portfolio’s properties, such as Birkenhead House, The Royal Malewane, La Residence, The One Above and now the incredible Silo Hotel is in no small part due to Liz Biden’s hands-on approach. Whether it be on the roof of The Silo Hotel tinkering with plans or negotiating over a piece of fabric in a Moroccan souk, her flair, attention to detail and tireless dedication to the guest experience are a constant inspiration both guests and the team itself.
The Silo Hotel has 28 rooms, each 5 ½ metres high. Each room has been individually designed and decorated by the stylish wand of Liz Biden. Colourful and eclectic art pieces in the rooms, halls and corridors juxtapose the modern, industrial architecture.
The Silo Hotel is a celebration of art, style, architecture and design. A tribute to timeless glamour and contemporary luxury.
Click here to view introduction videos:
Zeitz MOCAA Museum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTWdKdrZmMU
The Silo Hotel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6nTKAt0Lrw
Our conclusion:
The hype associated with the opening of „The Silo“ is completely justified! Cape Town now has a new star on its accommodation horizon, the likes of which we haven’t seen before in the city and which is already offering guests a superlative and luxurious experience.
At the same time, we are also thrilled to see its neighbour, “Radisson Red Cape Town” offering a funky modern and affordable accommodation option within the V&A Waterfront. Just goes to show, that there is something to suit everyone’s needs and budgets!
