Glass act will appeal to Cape crusaders

With a façade remodelled by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, industrial concrete architecture offset by plush eclectic décor, and an unparalleled vantage point on top of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, The Silo is truly a destination hotel.

Location 10/10

Providing easy access to the Waterfront, the hotel is a few steps from the Robben Island ferry, a five-minute stroll to the V&A shopping mall and above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Mocaa), due to open in September. The Silo is the tallest building in the harbour, with views that are real Instagram fodder: whether you’re ensconced on upholstered velvet in the Willaston bar, stretched out on a lounger on the rooftop, or waking up in your supersized bed, the antlike activities of tug boats, cars and shipyard workers are quite mesmerising, as is the mountain’s mercurial cloudscape.

Style/character 7/10

The Silo is decorated in magpie collector Liz Biden’s inimitable style: an eclectic mix of furniture, much of it made to her specifications, with buttondown chesterfields under Egyptian chandeliers, shimmering Persian carpets and bold colour choices. It’s a comfortable, opulent nest that has drawn some criticism from those who would have preferred a more modern aesthetic. Décor aside, the pillowed glass windows – their shape apparently inspired by grain kernels and intended by Heatherwick to glow like lanterns above the harbour – are the most arresting feature of the hotel. The Silo in Cape Town, above and below, has many arresting features, including its windows

Service & facilities 7/10

The Royal Portfolio group has always punched above its weight, with a long list of impressive awards. Clearly well versed in the group’s “purpose and values”, the Silo staff were ever-attentive without being overbearing. Facilities include a rooftop pool and bar (the latter is currently open to the public, so the lack of privacy for bathers may be an issue), plus a small library, meeting rooms, a spa and direct access to the Mocaa. Silo Square, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town 8801, South Africa (0027 21 670 0500; theroyal portfolio.com)

Rooms 9/10

Each of the 28 rooms – individually decorated by Biden – has at least one of Heatherwick’s enormous windows through which to view the harbour, city or Table Mountain. Sprawling on your bed, you feel like a leopard on a well-upholstered cliff, surveying the world below. Bathrooms have the best views in the city, with the bathtub centred on another pillowed window and an oblique view from the shower. Touch-pad blinds control light and privacy. Expect the usual five-star in-room facilities, including a television, Nespresso machine, kettle/tea station, minibar, air-conditioning and Penhaligon’s toiletries.

Food & drink 8/10

Breakfast is a feast: after the freshly squeezed juice trolley, the “Harvest Table” is trundled over – a firstclass charcuterie platter, five local cheeses, fresh fruit, full-cream yogurt and nutrich granola – accompanied by a pastry basket. The hot breakfast menu is extensive – the omelette soufflé with smoked salmon, feta and avocado was featherlight; the eggs Benedict hollandaise just the right balance between rich and tart. Dinner is simple, but good: a choice of five main courses – I ordered the plain-sounding steak frite and was served a meltin-the-mouth fillet from Namibia. There is also a high-tea and a light-meals menu, the latter served poolside and in the bar.

The Silo, Cape Town

Value for money 7/10

Double rooms from R12,000 (£767) in low season; and from R19,500 (£1,247) in peak season. Rates include breakfast, a welcome bottle of wine, minibar (soft drinks and wine only), underground parking and entrance to the Mocaa. Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

One room is adapted for wheelchairs.

Family-friendly?

It’s not geared towards children specifically, but they are welcome. The lack of grounds makes it less suitable for active youngsters.