Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby Season 2 Episode 5 The Silo, South Africa

The episode of Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby season 2, titled The Silo, South Africa, takes viewers on a journey to one of the most unique buildings in the world. The Silo is a former grain silo located in Cape Town, South Africa, that has been transformed into a stunning five-star hotel.

The episode begins with an introduction to the history of the silo, which was built in 1921 and operated as a grain elevator until 2001. After being abandoned for several years, the building was bought by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), which commissioned a renovation to transform the silo into a luxury hotel and art museum.

Viewers are then introduced to the hotel's general manager, Luis Pinheiro, who takes them on a tour of the property. We get to see the hotel's 28 rooms and suites, each one uniquely designed and featuring incredible views of the surrounding waterfront and Table Mountain. The attention to detail throughout the hotel is impressive, with every piece of furniture and artwork chosen to reflect the local culture and history.

One of the most striking features of The Silo is its glass-fronted rooftop pool, which is located on the 11th floor and provides breathtaking views of Cape Town. We see guests relaxing by the pool and enjoying cocktails from the rooftop bar, which also offers panoramic views of the city.

The episode also explores the hotel's impressive art collection, which is housed in the Zeitz MOCAA. The museum is located on the bottom six floors of the silo and features contemporary African art from a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography. We get to see some of the artworks on display and learn about the process of curating the collection with the hotel's art consultant, Mark Coetzee.

As well as featuring world-class facilities and amenities, The Silo is also committed to supporting the local community and promoting sustainability. We see the hotel's rooftop garden, where chefs grow fresh produce to be used in the hotel's restaurant, and hear from the hotel's sustainability manager, Linette Swart, about how the property is working to reduce its environmental impact.

Throughout the episode, we also learn more about the challenges of renovating a historic building like the silo. The hotel's architect, Thomas Heatherwick, discusses the unique design challenges posed by the cylindrical building and how he and his team worked to create a space that was both functional and visually stunning. The renovation process took four years and involved dozens of architects, designers, and builders, making the final result all the more impressive.

Overall, The Silo, South Africa episode of Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby season 2 provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the world's most impressive hotels. Viewers will be inspired by the hotel's commitment to both luxury and sustainability, as well as the stunning architecture and artwork on display.