Marriott Bonvoy cuts points and elite nights earning at Protea Hotels

Marriott owns a South African-focused hotel chain called Protea.

We ran a reader review on one during covid in our ‘My Favourite Hotel’ series, Protea Hotel Entebbe in Uganda – review here, image below.

Odd things are happening with Protea Hotels on 1st March:

• stays at Protea Hotels will earn a reduced rate of 5 Bonvoy points per $1, compared to the usual 10 points

• stays at Protea Hotels will only earn one elite qualifying night per TWO nights stayed, so one night stays earn nothing

The first change brings Protea into line with element, one of smallest chains in the portfolio, and Marriott’s long stay brands – Residence Inn and Towneplace Suites.

However, cutting your elite qualifying nights is odd. No other Marriott hotel brand earns less than one elite qualifying night per night stayed.

It is true that Marriott Executive Apartments only give one elite night per THREE nights stayed, but the clue is in the name – this brand offers apartments for long term stays.

We can only hope that this isn’t the start of a trend which will see stays at cheaper Marriott brands earning reduced elite night credits.

PS. If you don’t have one yet, here is our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express credit card

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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.