This is an innovative hotel with attitude and is impressive. It is the place you want to be when visiting Cape Town.

When I arrived at the Radisson RED, I realised that it is not just a place to stay – it is a vibe, where bold design meets social energy. Entering the building, I felt as if I had entered a quirky art gallery or lounge. They redefine hospitality with an innovative approach, blending music, creativity and mixology into every aspect of a stay. Whether guests come for leisure or business, their dynamic spaces are designed to inspire participation and connection.

Where is it located?

Radisson RED is nestled in the heart of Cape Town and located in the Silo area of the vibrant V&A (Victoria & Albert) Waterfront. This iconic waterfront precinct is a bustling hub of entertainment, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, making it the perfect base for exploring the city and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa.

The Waterfront sits on the site of the oldest working harbour in the southern hemisphere, with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop. I enjoyed the hotel’s proximity to the working docks; seeing welding sparks fly from boats offers a wonderful contrast to the otherwise slick, new-built surroundings.

We could immerse ourselves in the rich history and captivating atmosphere as we strolled along the picturesque harbour, lined with charming cafes, stylish boutiques and world-class restaurants. Visitors can indulge in a shopping spree at the V&A Waterfront’s upscale shopping malls and find everything from designer labels to unique local African art. The Silo area is part of the pedestrianised precinct Waterfront and is not only a shopper’s paradise but also a cultural hotspot.

The hotel is located directly opposite the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, housed in a converted grain silo, with its impressive collection of contemporary African art.

The Clocktower precinct is a stroll away and is the departure point for boats to the Apartheid-era political prison on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his prison term.

Visitors can also explore the Two Oceans Aquarium and get up close with fascinating marine life. Take a harbour tour and enjoy the iconic views from the waters, or aim a little higher on the iconic Ferris wheel known as ‘The Cape Wheel’.

With its lively atmosphere, magnificent views of Table Mountain, and an array of activities, the V&A Waterfront offers something for everyone, ensuring an unforgettable stay in Cape Town.

A bolder way to stay

This hotel has personality with its bold colours, millennial-style customer satisfaction, controlled via an app and unique city chic. Modern rooms, a stunning rooftop terrace and jaw-dropping views are what guests can expect during their stay. There’s nothing stuffy about the location either.

For the well-travelled, game for anything, ageless traveller of the 21st century, the hotel is a perfect fit.

Radisson Red is more of a select service brand, targeted to guests with an “ageless millennial mindset”, adding more art, music and fashion into its services with a focus on communal spaces such as the bars and lobbies, digital customer service, and bold colour interiors. It has its own branded restaurant, called OUIBAR, and is marketed more at millennials, although during my stay, there were plenty of tourists of all age groups enjoying their time at the hotel.

The brand’s emphasis is on friendly service, modern design, technology and quick food service.

This is a playful hotel, the red, white, black and grey palette and industrial-style public spaces are packed with personality. It was easy to feel comfortable in this stylish hotel with everything we needed for a great stay.

What is the difference between Red and Blu?

Radisson RED and Radisson Blu are both upscale hotel brands within the Radisson Hotel Group, but they cater to different preferences. Radisson RED emphasises a playful, design-focused experience with a social atmosphere, while Radisson Blu offers a more traditional, full-service experience with a focus on comfort and high-quality amenities.

Radisson RED hotels are often found in urban, vibrant locations and are designed with attitude. It’s fun and flexible, where guests can share and connect, and is aimed at travellers who want control over their experience. RED injects new life into hotels through informal services where anything goes, a social scene that’s waiting to be shared and bold design that kick-starts the fun.

Restful recharge

I really enjoyed the quirky yet simple design of the rooms. A stylish, uncluttered room, thoughtfully designed with ample cupboard space; a king or twin bed against graphic black-and-white wallpaper and opposite a very large flatscreen television, plus a small dining area with a freestanding table, contemporary mismatched chairs and an attractive, red-webbed bench. It’s all built with the millennial in mind, technology-obsessed and minimalistic.

The room décor is fresh white with large comfortable beds, the rooms are bright and cool with clean-lined Scandi-inspired furniture on terrazzo floors, restrained pops of red against a wall in woodcut-art-style monochrome graphics. I appreciated the bold designs with colour palettes of red, grey, black and white. Lighting is good, and as we stayed in a spacious junior suite, we had the luxury of a large edge-to-edge sliding door with an outdoor patio and chairs. After an exciting day of exploring, we enjoyed stepping out onto our private balcony to enjoy the complimentary bottle of red wine and to admire the sunset views of the Waterfront and Silo district.

All the family units have two huge windows with excellent views of Table Mountain, with cosy bunk beds, each with its own television. Every room has an unstocked bar fridge that guests are welcome to fill with their own drinks; motorised blackout blinds with double-glazed windows enabling a good night’s sleep; double USB ports by the bed; a kettle, teabags and a Nespresso machine. The compact, inspiring bathrooms with signature red and white design touches have a refreshing rain shower.

All-in-all, it is a functional, easy-on-the-eye and comfortable room where we were happy to wake up in and retire to.

This good-value hotel on the V&A Waterfront appeals to a younger market, with 252 contemporary studio, superior, junior suites and fabulous family rooms in a prime location.

Amenities and vibes

The rooftop bar is edgy and modern with a casual, rustic edge. From its geometric bright yellow chairs huddled around small tables alongside the pool to the long communal-style wooden table and benches at the bar, the space is comfortable and inviting. The Mixologists know how to mix great cocktails, and the views are fantastic. This is a fabulous place to soak up the sunset over Table Mountain.

Guests can chill out at the rooftop bar, grill and pool while sipping on cocktails and smoothies from the red-themed drinks truck, then later in the evening feel the buzz with live music and DJ sets.

The rooftop area is more of a bar than a relaxing pool area, as it is open to everyone, so not really a private space for hotel guests if they want to spend time around the pool.

For meetings and events, choose one of the high-tech venues and multi-purpose spaces, perfect for private events or getting meetings off autopilot. The on-site meeting spaces are equipped with the latest technology.

Good food – good mood

Energise with fresh, seasonal food in the vibrant on-site restaurants. From breakfast to late-night drinks, the hotel restaurant and bar offer delightful options for everyone. Enjoy bold, flavourful dishes and a laid-back atmosphere at the on-site restaurants, where Cape Town’s craft food and drink scene is celebrated in the OUIbar + KTCHN and rooftop pool and terrace.

Casual yet chic, the restaurant and bar are the places to go when seeking an upbeat vibe in addition to local flavours.

The breakfast buffet was not the most extensive I have seen but it had all the basics for a cooked breakfast alongside local favourites and fruit or pastries. Allergies were well-labelled, and there was gluten-free bread available. The staff were very friendly and helpful, even though it was a buffet service.

The comfortable, light and spacious room made for an inspiring culinary experience. The dining area felt airy, with large floor-to-ceiling windows with stylish tables and chairs. Delicious cuisine with a twist was elegantly presented and served by friendly, happy, laid-back staff. The wine list is extensive, with some exceptional South African red and white wines available.

Superb staff

The staff were very attentive and willing to provide any requests that we had. We enjoyed the more informal and flexible service style, with an emphasis on social interaction, and they certainly redefine hospitality with a playful twist. They made guests feel welcome and at home in their hotel, and we found that especially the reception staff, most definitely, have the right attitude and determination to make guests feel most valued. Their uniforms are casual, a simple red t-shirt and black trousers, giving a social atmosphere and encouraging connection and sharing.

Forget ordinary. Experience a new wave of hospitality at Radisson RED, where you connect, create and celebrate.

They turn the ordinary into the unforgettable with a blend of three essentials that set them apart: distinctive design, community connection, and a beating atmosphere. The spaces are crafted to be casual, sociable, and reflective of local culture, making every experience memorable.

Book your stay or plan your next event:

T: +27 (0)87 086 1578
E: Booking
W:Radisson RED Waterfront Cape Town

Written by Diane McLeish for Luxuria Lifestyle International