The 13 Best Protea Hotels by Marriott To Book With Points [For Max Value]

With diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife, Africa has so much to offer. It’s understandable why tourism is increasing rapidly in many regions.

However, accommodations can be quite expensive, particularly in popular destinations. This is where Protea Hotels by Marriott shines as a budget-friendly Marriott Bonvoy hotel brand. Best of all, Protea Hotels can provide excellent value when redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points.

In this guide, we will look at the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand, how to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, and some of the best-value Protea Hotels that can be booked using points.

Everything You Need To Know About the Protea Hotels by Marriott

Protea Hotels by Marriott is a leading hospitality brand in Africa, with a significant presence across the Sub-Saharan region. Established in 1984, it has become one of the continent’s largest and most recognized hotel chains. Marriott acquired the brand in 2013.

The Protea Hotel chain offers various accommodation options, including luxury hotels, private game lodges, boutique hotels in city centers, seaside resorts, mountain retreats, and apartments catering to business and leisure travelers.

As of 2024, more than 60 Protea Hotels are open in Africa. Most of its properties are in South Africa, where the company was founded and maintains its headquarters.

Protea Hotels are uniquely designed and reflect their locations’ local culture and surroundings. They offer guests a taste of local hospitality while maintaining international standards of quality and comfort. Properties offer modern amenities such as full-service restaurants and bars, conference facilities, free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, swimming pools, thoughtful room designs, and a unique service culture.

Protea Hotels also places a major emphasis on sustainability and its impact on the environment. The hotel chain has implemented various initiatives to reduce energy consumption, conserve water, and manage waste effectively, all while promoting local community development.

Hot Tip:

Stays at Protea Hotels earn 5x points (vs. 10x points for most Marriott Bonvoy brands) and 1 elite night credit for every 2 nights stayed.

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

Protea Hotels is a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, meaning that you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at its hotels.

There are many ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points; however, the easiest way is with the numerous co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit cards issued by Chase and American Express.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.

60,000 points + 1 Free Night Award

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$770

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
• 5 Elite Night Credits each year

Cons

• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card from Chase^®!
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Card.
• New! Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• New! Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier

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Card Highlights

• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

85,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$595

Annual Fee

$250

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card^® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

95,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$665

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

The 13 Best Protea Hotels To Book With Points

According to our valuations, Marriott Bonvoy points are worth 0.7 cents per point. Although we use this number as a guideline, we have listed properties that routinely exceed this value when redeeming points.

Here’s a list of some of the best Protea Hotels by Marriott properties you can stay at using points.

1. Protea Hotel Luanda (Angola)

Located between Angola’s capital city of Luanda and Talatona, the Protea Hotel Luanda is a prominent hotel in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

With easy access to landmarks like Joaquim Dinis Stadium, Talatona Convention Center, Estadio dos Coqueiros, and the Natural History Museum, guests have plenty of opportunities to explore some of the city’s attractions. Luanda International Airport (LAD) is less than 2 miles from the property.

The property features 84 stylish rooms and suites with modern amenities, a rooftop restaurant, 3 bars, a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace, and 2 conference rooms. It also offers complimentary on-site parking.

The Protea Hotel Luanda boasts an on-site restaurant, Múcua, which combines Portuguese and Angolan cuisines.

Points Required: From 12,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$235

Average Points Value: 1.96 cents per point

2. Protea Hotel Lusaka Safari Lodge (Zambia)

Located within its own private game reserve of approximately 2,500 acres in Chisamba, the Protea Hotel Lusaka Safari Lodge provides a serene escape surrounded by nature and a unique and immersive experience for guests looking to explore the beauty of Zambia’s wildlife.

Despite its secluded location, the property is only 22 miles from Lusaka’s city center, offering easy access to urban conveniences.

The lodge offers 56 standard rooms, each featuring a private veranda with views of the lake or bush. Room amenities include a fridge and flat-screen satellite TV; some rooms even include a sofa for added comfort.

Guests can access various recreational activities within the lodge’s private game reserve, including game drives and quad bike safaris. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, business meeting rooms, a terrace, and an expansive garden.

The property boasts an on-site restaurant, Mutete Restaurant, which serves international cuisine. The restaurant features an open-sided terrace area which overlooks the gardens. There is also a bar near the restaurant.

Points Required: From 7,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$119

Average Points Value: 1.7 cents per point

Hot Tip:

African safaris are growing in popularity and are more accessible than ever. From the destination to your packing list, there’s much to consider when planning a safari adventure. Here’s our complete guide to African safari adventuring.

3. Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz (Uganda)

Located on top of Naguru Hill, the Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Kampala.

The property is near several Kampala landmarks, including the Uganda Golf Club, Independence Monument, Kampala Railway Station, and Uganda National Museum. Several other sites in Kampala, including The Acacia Mall, Nommo Gallery, and Centenary Park, are a 10-minute drive from the property.

The property features 141 guest rooms. Guests on Club floors have access to the Club Lounge.

The Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz offers several amenities, including a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool with a dedicated bar, a nightclub, a sun terrace, a garden, 2 conference halls, and 13 modern boardrooms fully equipped with the latest technology.

The hotel also offers special perks for guests, such as free bikes to use on hotel grounds, free private parking, and even a doctor on call 24/7.

The on-site restaurant, Chapter 2 Restaurant, serves African, American, and Chinese cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free, and halal options can also be requested. The property also has 4 different rooftop bars with stunning panoramic views of Kampala.

Points Required: From 12,500 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$160

Average Points Value: 1.28 cents per point

4. Protea Hotel Blantyre Ryalls (Malawi)

Situated in the central business district of Blantyre, the Protea Hotel Blantyre Ryalls offers easy access to key financial institutions and corporate offices in the financial hub of Malawi. Additionally, the property is just a 15-minute drive from the city’s international airport.

The hotel boasts spacious and elegant en-suite rooms equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, free unlimited Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, making it one of the most technologically advanced hotels in the country. The property also features an outdoor pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and several banquet halls.

The property features 2 main on-site restaurants: 21 Grill on Hannover, a steakhouse serving flame-grilled steak and signature spare ribs dipped in bourbon, and Ryalls, which serves a fusion of local Malawi and international cuisines.

Points Required: From 13,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$160

Average Points Value: 1.23 cents per point

5. Protea Hotel Ndola (Zambia)

Located in Zambia’s industrial capital, the Protea Hotel Ndola offers a convenient and comfortable stay in Ndola. The city is a major center for copper mining, the backbone of Zambia’s economy. Additionally, Ndola’s strategic location along major transportation routes makes it a key transit point for goods.

The property is just a 9-minute walk from Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and has easy access to local attractions, including the nearby Ndola Golf Club, Ndola Mosque, and the Copperbelt Museum.

The hotel boasts modern guest rooms with stylish decor and conveniences such as a mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, and flat-panel TV. 

The hotel offers several amenities, including an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Business travelers can take advantage of the 2 boardrooms and 3 event spaces suitable for conferences and seminars.

The property has 1 on-site restaurant, Protea Hotel Ndola Restaurant, which serves international dishes mixed with locally inspired cuisine.

Points Required: From 15,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$167

Average Points Value: 1.11 cents per point

6. Protea Hotel Johannesburg Wanderers (South Africa)

The 4-star Protea Hotel Johannesburg Wanderers offers a luxury experience in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs. The hotel is opposite the famous Wanderers Golf Club and a short walk from The Wanderers Cricket Stadium.

The M1 Freeway is just a 4-minute drive away from the hotel, allowing easy access to business districts and shopping centers, including Rosebank Mall, Melrose Arch Precinct, and Sandton City/Nelson Mandela Square. OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is also easily accessible via the M1 Freeway.

The property features an outdoor pool with sundeck, bowling greens, and padel courts. Guests can access the in-house gym for free or use the nearby Planet Fitness facilities (for a fee). The property also provides a complimentary shuttle for areas within a 5-kilometer radius of the hotel.

The hotel has 1 on-site restaurant that serves international buffet-style breakfasts and à la carte lunches and dinners. It also provides a curated wine list. The on-site 24-hour Deli Bar is also an option for quick bites.

Points Required: From 9,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$98

Average Points Value: 1.09 cents per point

7. Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Center (South Africa)

The Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Centre is in the charming historic town of Stellenbosch, South Africa, roughly 20 miles from Cape Town International Airport (CPT). The property is a short distance from many attractions, including Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Town Centre, Blaauwklippen Vineyard, and the world-famous Cape Winelands.

The apartment-style accommodations have fully equipped kitchens, which are ideal for extended South African stays. Many rooms provide panoramic views of the nearby mountain range, and others look toward the De Zalze Golf Estate.

Guests can enjoy the 2 swimming pools, a beach volleyball court, and a beauty clinic. The hotel also has over 11,000 square feet of flexible space, including a venue accommodating up to 400 guests.

The hotel boasts 2 on-site restaurants: Cultivar Restaurant, which offers a range of local and international cuisines, and Die Wingerd Restaurant, which serves burgers, light bites, and pizzas.

Points Required: ~11,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$118

Average Points Value: 1.07 cents per point

8. Protea Hotel Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay (Tanzania)

Situated just 2.2 miles from the city center and a 30-minute drive from the Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR), the Protea Hotel Dar es Salaam Oyster Bay offers convenience in one of the city’s nicest areas.

The hotel is an excellent option for those wanting long-term accommodation or those seeking more spacious and well-equipped lodging options than a typical hotel room.

The property boasts studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites and lofts. Some rooms offer a balcony with a pool or garden view. Each apartment is fully serviced and fitted with air conditioning, a 32-inch TV with satellite channels, and a kitchenette with all expected and necessary utensils.

The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and fitness center.

The on-site restaurant, The Club Room Restaurant, is a fine dining restaurant serving global cuisine. The property also features The Asylum, a shisha bar and café serving various drinks and light meals.

Points Required: From 11,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$115

Average Points Value: 1.04 cents per point

9. Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton (South Africa)

Located in Johannesburg’s suburb of Sandton, the Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton offers luxury and convenience in a country-style hotel with a heritage experience.

The property is near some of Johannesburg’s most important landmarks, including Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton Convention Center.

The property is 350 meters from Gautrain Station, which runs trains to O.R. Tambo International Airport. Alternatively, the hotel offers a free luxury shuttle service to and from Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square, which also has a direct link to the airport.

The hotel boasts 2 swimming pools set within gardens and a modern fitness center. Business travelers can also utilize the property’s 8 conference and meeting rooms, which can accommodate up to 300 guests.

The property features 2 gourmet restaurants: The Conservatory, which serves English cuisine, and Bull Run Restaurant, famed for its prime cuts of exquisite South African beef. It also offers an extensive selection of the finest wines. Other food and beverage options include Lords Bar, Coffee on Twenty, and Destination Lounge.

Points Required: From 9,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$86

Average Points Value: 0.96 cents per point

10. Protea Hotel Clarens (South Africa)

Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, the 4-star Protea Hotel Clarens is ideally located in the picturesque town of Clarens, Eastern Free State. The property is near the Golden Gate National Park and the Kingdom of Lesotho, and the staff can assist in arranging ski tours and hot balloon rides.

The property offers 70 luxurious rooms with selected rooms offering stunning mountain views. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, a terrace, and several high-end meeting room facilities.

The hotel features 1 on-site restaurant, The Jewel, which serves cuisine from all around the world.

Points Required: From 9,500 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$89

Average Points Value: 0.93 cents per point

11. Protea Hotel Cape Town Tyger Valley (South Africa)

The 3-star Protea Hotel Cape Town Tyger Valley offers a relaxing setting with incredible views of Table Mountain.

The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Cape Town’s city center and Cape Town International Airport. The Tyger Valley Business Center is a few minutes from the property.

Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a sundeck. The hotel also has 3 versatile spaces that can be used for events and private functions. The spaces can be arranged into separate rooms or combined into 1 large space, accommodating up to 120 guests.

The property has 1 on-site restaurant, Point Of View Bar & Restaurant, which serves international cuisine and offers incredible scenic views of Cape Town, overlooking Table Mountain. The restaurant also features a large fireplace, providing an intimate experience.

Points Required: From 7,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$65

Average Points Value: 0.93 cents per point

12. Protea Hotel Polokwane Ranch Resort (South Africa)

The 4-star Protea Hotel Polokwane Ranch Resort offers a unique safari experience situated on a private game reserve just 16 miles south of Polokwane, the capital city of Limpopo Province.

The resort offers 150 rooms, including 22-bedroom self-catering units. It features a long list of amenities, including a golf clubhouse, a tennis court, 4 swimming pools surrounded by landscaped gardens, a poolside bar, a kids’ area, a fitness center, and a tented bush camp.

The hotel offers its own game drives spread across 2,500 acres, horseback safaris, and golf. On the game drives, you can see various animals, including antelope, hyenas, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, buffalos, lions, and over 200 species of birds. The hotel can also arrange safaris and game viewing.

The property boasts 2 on-site restaurants: Basil’s Fine Dining Restaurant, which offers international cuisine, and The Buttery Family Restaurant, which serves an international buffet. The Golf Club House also has Old Joe’s Bar and Lounge, which serves snack meals and cocktails near the golf course.

Points Required: From 9,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$82

Average Points Value: 0.91 cents per point

13. Protea Hotel Gaborone Masa Square (Botswana)

The Protea Hotel Gaborone Masa Square offers a luxurious and convenient stay in the central business district of Gaborone, Botswana.

Situated in Masa Square, the hotel captures the essence of Botswana’s elegance. It is near many shopping and entertainment venues, and the famous Masa Center is within walking distance of the property.

The hotel boasts 152 stylish guest rooms and 30 long-stay self-catering apartments. Hotel amenities include an outdoor rooftop pool, a bar, a fitness center, a sun terrace, and a conference center.

The property features 2 dining options: Don Carlos Restaurant, which specializes in Mediterranean-styled cuisine, and Carlitos Cafe, which serves brewed coffee sourced specifically from renowned coffee bean regions throughout Africa.

Points Required: From 13,000 per night

Average Cash Rate: ~$114

Average Points Value: 0.88 cents per point

Bottom Line:

While not providing the most outsized value for Marriott Bonvoy points, Protea is otherwise a solid redemption, especially for Africa, where it’s not always easy to redeem points for a hotel.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t travel to Africa much, it’s entirely possible that you’re not familiar with the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand. Protea Hotels by Marriott is one of Marriott’s mid-tier hotel brands with properties scattered across the African continent.

While Protea Hotels may not be a typical premium redemption, its properties can provide an excellent use of Marriott Bonvoy points. Best of all, the hotel chain offers various accommodation options, including luxury hotels, mountain retreats, and even private game lodges.

With more than 60 locations in 10 African countries, consider staying at a Protea Hotel to see a different side of Marriott.