The Silo Hotel in Cape Town won the Travel and Leisure 2020 award for the best African city hotel and I completely get why. When I stayed there, in November, I found it beyond magnificent and literally breathtaking.
And I am still trying to catch my breath.
On arrival, Hoon, the front office manager, was so delighted to see us that he greeted us like old friends, like we were family, or Elton John or Bono. I say that because both Elton and Bono stay in Royal Portfolio Properties in South Africa, as do many other celebs.
But you do not need to be a celeb to stay there. All guests are welcomed in the most warm and wonderful way and get the same personal service and treatment. And it is the staff and service, not just the extraordinary decor, views, style, architecture or snacks, that make everything so amazing.
We stayed in a one bedroomed suite. Apart from the glamour, oh my gosh the glamour, there were FOUR BATHROBES in the wardrobe. We could choose a pure silk one, or a luxurious terry cloth one.
EACH!
We each had two bathrobes.
I have never had that before in a hotel.
I also loved that the welcome note, with names spelled correctly was hand written. And that the GM, who wrote the note, made an effort to come and greet us on check in too. There is attention to detail in every way. Everything is so personal, and yet, so careful, so socially distanced, so following Covid-19 protocols.
For a while we just sat silently, in our suite, admiring the views. There is no need to ever go out, I thought. You can see everything from up there. Robben Island, Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, the Waterfront, the Bay, even the Cape Malay Quarter.
I only moved because I felt I should experience the robes. And wanted to look at the shop which has the most divine clothing. And admire the art. And eat a baby burger on the rooftop after a swim. And sit on a blue velvet barstool at their very decadent bar. And look at (not go to) the gym. And check out the Spa, which is magnificent and I would love to go back one day for a treatment.
I did swim, looking over the whole of Cape Town. When I got out, a fluffy red towel was waiting for me. HEATED. And another one was on the pool lounger. And there were olives. And nuts. And I shouldn’t have had a baby burger because dinner was awaiting. I jut couldn't help it.
The Silo Hotel is built above the astonishing Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art, in the grain elevator portion of the Silo complex, hence the name. Zeitz MOCAA has the largest collection of contemporary African art in the world. It’s an astonishing museum.
We never made it there!
The hotel is just too beautiful to want to leave, also we only had one night. It was complimentary because of the line of my work, and thank you so much Royal Portfolio.
Everything is tasteful, discreet and indulgent. In USD, the prices are not too hefty. And I really like the Royal Portfolio’s ethos. They are committed to uplifting local communities, promoting conservation and protecting the environment. They train and look after their staff brilliantly. And in Cape Town alone, they are connected to the Santa Shoe Box Project, Pack for a Purpose, Friends of Child Protection, Lelieblom House, The South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, and Atlantic Hope.
There are currently good specials for South African residents.
You can contact thandeka@icon.co.za for rates / information.
And remember The Royal Portfolio has properties dotted around South Africa, each one pretty extraordinary.
* The Silo Hotel, Cape Town
* Birkenhead House, Hermanus.
* La Residence, Franschoek
* Royal Malewane, Kruger National Park
* The Farmhouse, Kruger National Park.
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