Marriott Rewards now a major player in South Africa as Protea integrates

Back in January, Marriott announced that it was acquiring Protea Hotels.  The name might not ring a bell, but Protea is the largest hotel group in Africa.

Founded in 1984, at the time of the deal it operated 116 hotels throughout South Africa and six other African countries.  These include Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Malawi, Uganda and Tanzania.  The group comprises of two brands, the mid-up market Protea Hotels (including the lifestyle brand Protea Hotel Fire & Ice!) and the deluxe African Pride Hotels, Lodges and Country Houses brand.

Phase One of the integration of Protea Hotels into the Marriott Rewards loyalty scheme takes place on February 23rd.

On that date, the 23 Protea properties in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban become available for Marriott Rewards redemptions.  You will also be able to earn Marriott Rewards points when staying at any of those 23 hotels.

The remaining Protea Hotels will join Marriott Rewards later in 2015.

For anyone planning a holiday in South Africa, the great news is that TWELVE Cape Town hotels are amongst this first wave.  You can see the full list here.

The even better news is that none of the Cape Town hotels have been placed any higher than Category 5 in the Marriott Rewards system, which now runs up to Category 9 (45,000 points).  You will not pay more than 25,000 points per night for any of these hotels.  Given that Cape Town hotel rates can get pretty steep at peak periods, there are likely to be some good value redemptions here.

Further details of the hotels moving into Marriott Rewards can be found on the Marriott site here.  You can compare cash rates via the standard Marriott booking page here.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

20,000 points for signing up and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.