Roomer

The Silo Hotel

Cape Town, South Africa
$1,200-2,500+ / night

Book this if You want to sleep inside a piece of modern art with the best bathtub views in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why People Love It

9.0⭐106 reviews
  • The 'pillowed' glass windows that turn every room into a glittering lantern
  • Exclusive guest-only rooftop pool access (away from the public crowds)
  • Direct elevator access to the Zeitz MOCAA museum below

Quick Take: It's undeniably the most Instagrammable hotel in Cape Town, but you're paying a massive premium for the architecture and the 'scene' rather than flawless service.

Reviewed by @richstays: I stayed in this architectural masterpiece and it blew my mind. The geometric windows frame Cape Town like a painting. It's definitely a splurge, but the feeling of waking up suspended in that glass structure is worth every penny.

Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

Visually stunning and structurally unique, but the service can sometimes feel a bit relaxed for the astronomical price point.

Reality check

The 'industrial chic' aesthetic means some rooms have rattling AC units or quirky plumbing issues (like leaky bathtub drains) that betray the building's age.

  • You are an art and design lover who prioritizes aesthetics over traditional plush luxury
  • You want to be in the safe, walkable V&A Waterfront bubble
  • You love a bath with a view (the tubs are legendary)

Cleanliness & Maintenance

9.2
  • Housekeeping: Twice daily service, generally excellent, though some reports of missed dust in high corners.
  • Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling clean, though one guest noted a leaky drain. High-end Penhaligon's toiletries.
  • Maintenance: Mostly perfect, but the industrial nature of the building means occasional AC rattles or 'rickety' plumbing quirks.
  • Linens & towels: Plush, high-thread-count linens and thick, fluffy towels.
  • Odors & scents: Neutral to fresh; no musty smells reported.

Sleepability™

7.5SILENT
SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Wind howling against the glass structure
  • Rooftop bar music (for rooms on the 10th floor)
  • Working harbor sounds (cranes/ships) on the harbor side

Before you book

Good to know

  • Museum entry is NOT automatically free for guests (unless you're under 18 or an African citizen on Wednesdays), but the concierge can arrange private tours.
  • The rooftop pool is for guests only, but it's small—don't expect to swim laps.
  • The V&A Waterfront is safe to walk around at night, unlike the CBD.

What to pack

  • A windbreaker—the 'Cape Doctor' wind is fierce on the rooftop
  • Universal travel adapter (South Africa uses unique Type M plugs)
  • Swimsuit for the heated rooftop pool (yes, even in winter)

Room Genie

Best picks

  • Room 806 (The Yellow Room) for its corner position and dual-aspect views
  • Deluxe Superior Suites on the 6th/7th floors for the best balance of view and price
  • Mountain View rooms for the iconic Table Mountain backdrop

Rooms to avoid

  • Harbor-facing rooms if you dislike industrial views (cranes, dry docks)
  • 10th-floor rooms if you are sensitive to noise from the rooftop bar above

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

“I would love to request a Table Mountain facing room, ideally on a mid-level floor (6th or 7th) to avoid rooftop noise. If available, Room 806 would be my dream choice.”

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Is the Zeitz MOCAA museum free for hotel guests?

No, standard entry fees apply (approx. R250), but the hotel offers direct elevator access and can book private tours.

Is the rooftop pool heated?

Yes, the glass-sided rooftop pool is heated and usable year-round, though the wind can make getting out chilly.

Can non-guests visit the rooftop?

Yes, the Silo Rooftop Bar is open to the public by reservation, but there is a separate, private area and pool exclusively for hotel guests.

Is the area safe?

Yes, the Silo District and V&A Waterfront are among the safest, most patrolled areas in Cape Town, safe for walking day and night.

Do all rooms have a bathtub?

Yes, every room features a deep soaking tub, usually positioned right against the pillowed glass window for epic views.

How far is the beach?

There is no beach at the hotel (it's a harbor). The nearest beaches are Clifton or Camps Bay, about a 15-20 minute Uber ride away.

Insider Tips

  • ✨

    Ask for the 'Guest Only' menu on the rooftop—sometimes they have special reserve wines not on the public list.

  • ✨

    The Willaston Bar on the 6th floor often has better views and fewer influencers than the rooftop.

  • ✨

    Book a 'Royal Tea' at the Granary Café for a cheaper way to experience the hotel's vibe if you aren't staying there.

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The 'pillowed' windows are amazing but make the room feel like a greenhouse if the AC isn't blasting.

  • 💡The bathroom privacy is non-existent unless you use the blinds—people on the ground can see silhouettes at night.

  • 💡The 'industrial' harbor view is literally a working dock with rusty ships and cranes, which some find ugly.

  • 💡Breakfast quality is inconsistent—some days it's amazing, other days the eggs are cold.

  • 💡The pool area has very few sunbeds (only about 4), so you have to snag one early.

Local Playbook

Map

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