The Silo Hotel

Gorgeous, stunning, artsy hotel on the Cape Town waterfront. Only 28 spacious rooms with stunning views of the area including (from our room) Table Mountain. When I came downstairs on the morning of my birthday everyone seemed to know it and gave me a big cheer. Extremely friendly staff and we enjoyed the rooftop bar (and a nap in the afternoon sun as we slept off our jet lag). Breakfasts are ample and delicious. Very conveniently located to the Victoria and Alfred restaurants, shops and mall. Our spacious room was exquisitely appointed with modern African art and knickknacks. Only minor complaints were a) could have used a few more USB ports; and b) I never did figure out the thermostat, room was alternately just a little too hot and a little too cold. Really wish we had an extra day or two!

We booked a table at the rooftop bar while back in the UK as really wanted to enjoy the experience. What transpired when wet got to the rooftop beggars belief with the arrogant attitude of the manager of the bar and our treatment. On getting there, we were being taken to a table with a reserved sign overlooking the waterfront when a couple behind us in the queue were seated there and we were told nothing now available but could sit at a side table overlooking some docks with just the two of us there while everyone else in the buzzing front area. The arrogant manager said they were residents and regardless of our booking prior and paying a 300 Rand deposit, we did not get any seating priorities. Allegedly everyone had reserved as well and oddly just all happened to have a lovely table except for us. The fact the only reservation time I had been offered was 6pm and had got there on time meant nothing. We sat at this side table and I decided not acceptable. Went to the arrogant manager to ask for a refund on my deposit and told not possible. Why? You have not honoured my reservation, you have taken a deposit from me and now refusing to refund me for something I do not want. And then to be told I was being aggressive is simply unbelievable. I have stayed at the finest hotels in the world and received the best service but more importantly, friendship and warmth from the people who work there. I usually recce places by going to the bar or restaurant and then gauging if worth staying there in the future. This treatment tonight has just lost you you a substantial booking from me. Plenty of other stunning Cape Town hotels to stay in. Please take my 300 Rand and if you have any decency give to a charity rather than pocket it for absolute nothing I got in return. Shameful arrogance and nothing anywhere like the warm people of this country tonight

Staying at The Silo Hotel was a dream come true. I had always seen the hotel from The Waterfront when visiting Cape Town and when I came back to South Africa for a birthday and anniversary celebration, I knew I needed to stay at the Silo Hotel. From the moment we arrived at the Silo Hotel, everything was amazing. The staff were so warm and welcoming and everyone is absolutely delightful. There is so much joy and culture in this beautiful hotel. Our room got upgraded to a Duplex Suite, and it’s hands down the best hotel experience I’ve had in my entire life from all over the world. The views are stunning and the room is just so magnificent. We stayed for 2 nights but wish we could have stayed longer, 5 nights would be ideal. We made the most of our time exploring the Mother City and enjoying the hotel and the wonderful dining options. Breakfast was just delightful and we went to each of the restaurant spaces for dinners. Again, amazing views all around and such a wonderful staff. We honestly felt like family coming home to visit an artistic palace. Just phenomenal all around. I’m already plotting my next big celebration that’ll bring me back to this exquisite hotel and how I can stay for longer. Thank you to The Silo Hotel for everything, it was just a magnificent stay!

So obviously NOT a five star hotel. I would rate it 2 or, at best, 3 star. The reception is pokey and small. We had drinks on the Roof-Top Bar which is tawdry and clearly in need of a refurb. The swimming pool is a tiny dip that you cannot possibly swim in. At the end of our dinner there, the one hotel employee in reception said he would call a “hotel taxi” for us. A dilapidated car turned up with a taxi sign on the roof, which the driver immediately took down as we entered the taxi ( because it wasn’t fixed to the roof of the car ). The seat belts didn’t work and the handle fell off in my wife’s hands. The driver wanted to charge us R500 for our return drive to the Vineyard Hotel, but after 100 yards turned back because he said his car had a flat tyre. Eventually we got an Uber to The Vineyard for R230. For anyone wanting a real five star hotel in Cape Town, you must avoid this hotel.

All was good Very good

WARNING: AVOID THE SILO HOTEL – THEFT & COVER-UP! This was, without a doubt, the worst experience I’ve ever had at a hotel. During our honeymoon, my wife’s Rolex— which had more sentimental value than anything— was STOLEN from our room. The hotel did absolutely NOTHING to help us. Instead, they ran a fake "investigation," claimed they checked security footage, and stalled me until I left the country. I exchanged multiple emails with them, and they kept stringing me along, promising to "fix things." But in reality, all they did was delay me from filing a police report, telling me to wait until their so-called investigation was complete. It was all a tactic to make sure I ran out of time. The truth is simple: valuables are NOT SAFE here, and management will do whatever it takes to avoid accountability. A beautiful hotel means nothing if your belongings can disappear, and the staff covers it up. BEWARE BEFORE STAYING HERE – YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!