Double Gold: The Silo’s Award-Winning Concierge Duo

Meet Cemone Harrod and Jessica Pohl

A helicopter flight over the city followed by a cruise around the V&A Waterfront? A table at one of Cape Town’s most sought-after restaurants? Quad biking through the winelands for the whole family? Whatever the request, the Silo’s two Les Clefs d’Or recipients are up for the challenge.

Cemone Harrod (centre) being presented with her Les Clefs d’Or keys by Jessica Pohl (left) and Muchi Gubwe (right).

The Prestige Behind the Keys

Part of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, The Silo Hotel is a well-known landmark recognised for its extraordinary architecture, curated artwork and design and exceptional service on every level. It’s not surprising then that The Silo Hotel has two Les Clefs d’Or concierges, Jessica Pohl and Cemone Harrod.

Jessica has called The Silo home for nine years and earned her “golden keys” in October 2023. Cemone Harrod joined The Silo in 2022 and received her keys in January 2026, surrounded by family, friends and industry colleagues.
The accolade is no mean feat. Les Clefs d’Or brings together over 4,000 hotel concierges across 80 countries – the industry’s best of the best. Aspiring members need to be nominated by their peers, prove that they have extensive industry experience and have the staying power to pass demanding tests and interviews that identify their prowess.

In Service Through Friendship

“The Les Clefs d’Or motto is ‘In Service Through Friendship,’” Jessica explains. “It’s all about not only being connected to a global network – South Africa currently falls under the UK Chapter – but also about having local support.”

Both Jessica and Cemone say the encouragement they have received from the team at The Silo, especially from friend, mentor and former Golden Keys recipient Hoon Kim (now Sales Manager for the Asia Pacific region for The Royal Portfolio) has been invaluable. So have the excellent examples set by industry stalwarts Masood Sadulla from the Saxon, Kishan Gokul at the Oyster Box, Nardus Buys at Twelve Apostles and the legendary Muchi Gubwe from Cape Town’s Mount Nelson Hotel.

This incredible network means Jessica and Cemone are part of a supportive community that shares insider knowledge, recommendations, and the kind of insight that turns a good excursion into the experience of a lifetime, giving guests the best possible South African experience.

As Cemone puts it: “You’re part of something much bigger than yourself.”

Jessica Pohl (Concierge and Guest Relations Manager), Hoon Kim (Sales Manager – Asia Pacific) , Luis Pinheiro (General Manager – The Silo Hotel) and Cemone Harrod (Concierge)

The Freedom to Excel

Both Jessica and Cemone love what they do, and they are equally passionate about promoting amazing experiences in Cape Town. What they appreciate about working at The Silo Hotel is having the freedom to curate incredible itineraries where the sky is the limit.

This celebration of creativity is part of the company culture, filtered down from Liz Biden, co-founder of The Royal Portfolio.

The Cape Town Advantage

Their deep knowledge of Cape Town, years of cultivated relationships, and access to a network of information and support mean Jessica and Cemone can make truly unforgettable experiences and of course having the Les Clefs d’ Or accolade to their credit is a big help.

“The Golden Keys are the keys to the city; it’s a symbol of all the connections, our network and the ability to open doors and make things possible for our guests,” says Jessica. We make things possible, whether it’s a helicopter flip to the winelands and Robben Island, a Harley-Davidson journey along the Atlantic Seaboard or a booking at one of the Cape’s award-winning restaurants.”

It’s also about giving back. Jessica and Cemone are very happy to share their journey and mentor others, providing inspiration for their colleagues at The Silo Hotel, who are no doubt proud of being singled out as the first and only hotel in South Africa to have two current Les Clefs d’ Or recipients.