Hotel news
Launches in South Africa and Singapore and a smart new look for a Vietnam favourite
There’s something about taking a run-down heritage building and transforming it into a knockout hotel that just feels so much better than a new-build – it inherits character without even trying. The Silo, Cape Town’s latest opening, is a case in point. You’ll find it encompassing six floors of a converted elevator tower in an old grain store. The building was once the tallest in sub-Saharan Africa, making it a key player in international trade, and has been a part of the Mother City’s skyline since 1924. It sits on the V&A Waterfront, with its location affording incredible views of Table Mountain and the city’s golden beaches. Thomas Heatherwick is behind the design and the most striking element is the pillowed geometric panelling which puffs outwards and creates a warming lantern-like glow of an evening. There are 28 individually decorated bedrooms across seven categories, the majority of which feature balconies. In contrast to the modern architecture, the decor is colourful and eclectic: think luxe quilted furniture, animal print, glitzy chandeliers and mint-green bathroom cabinets. A rooftop pool, spa, two restaurants and destination bar top it off. Book for later this year and catch the unveiling of the new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which is taking residency in the space underneath from September. theroyalportfolio.com Stunning Hoi An stalwart Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai fourseasons.com in Vietnam is emerging hot off the heels of a full rebrand. As well as an extensive upgrade, the beachside resort now offers eight dreamy new family villas, a beach bar, Vietnamese cookery school and an increased watersports programme. Just launched in Singapore, The Warehouse thewarehousehotel.com is the coolest place to bed down this month. A former godown, the low-slung 37-room property is on the banks of the river in trendy Robertson Quay. A warm and industrial atmosphere is to be expected. Original masonry walls and double-height ceilings are softened by calming, muted colour palettes. On-site restaurant Po is headed up by chef Willin Low, while ‘Minibars of Vice’ are a nice touch: salted egg yolk potato chip, anyone? On home turf, The Ned thened.com in the City of London is kind of a big deal. No, really: there are 252 bedrooms and nine restaurants in the new hotel. Rich interiors across the old Midland Bank channel the Twenties and Thirties in a riot of gutsy colour schemes, heavily patterned fabrics, mahogany furniture, vintage pieces and Afghan rugs. We’ll be by the pool on the top floor with a cocktail if you need us.