Hotel Review: The Silo, Cape Town

In the heart of the V&A Waterfront with a view over the yacht marina and Alfred and Victoria Basins, this is the area most visited by tourists with the Cape Town Stadium, built in 2010 for the FIFA World Cup, to the west. Airport transfers take around 20 minutes, and there is underground parking. Nelson Mandela Gateway, from where boat trips to Robben Island depart, is a short walk away. Other nearby attractions include the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Victoria Wharf shopping centre.

By plane: direct flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town take 12 hours. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from the airport. Free parking available. Book flights to Cape Town.

A statement lobby with powerful art and a sheepskin-covered throne chair make it clear that this is an exuberant design hotel that wants to make an impression. Wood-panelled lifts whizz guests up to a bright red reception desk on level six while bulbous, floor-to-ceiling windows each featuring 56 glass panels flood the hotel with light.

There are over 180 staff working here - almost three for every guest. They wear a smart-casual uniform of navy waistcoat, denim jeans and desert boots and are cheery and helpful. There's a concierge desk in the lobby and a boutique on level six with designer clothes, crafts and goodies for the home.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Swimming pool
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms and suites come in six categories ranging from the least expensive Silo Rooms to a magnificent top-floor penthouse with a private cinema and spa treatment room. The style is colourfully eclectic, mixing chandeliers, oversize headboards, distressed and vintage furniture and freestanding baths.

Room types: Silo Room, Duplex Suite, Deluxe Superior Suite, Family Suite, Royal Suite, The Penthouse

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, coffee machine, free mini bar, air con, free Wi-Fi

Superb South African food and wine are to the fore in the Willaston Bar and Granary Café restaurant, with industrial interiors enlivened by plush, colourful furniture and stylish touches such as black crockery and copper cutlery. Cocktails are carefully composed using intriguing ingredients like the Kalahari truffle and rooibos syrup.

The Granary Café: relaxed bar and dining room with a view. Contemporary cuisine, light bites and large plates. All-day menu, open daily.

The Silo Rooftop: rooftop bar and terrace. Serving poke bowls, salads and sharing platters. Open daily, from 12pm.