Ever Wondered How Many Marriott Hotels Call South Africa Home? Let's Find Out!
Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you planning an incredible adventure to South Africa, perhaps dreaming of its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, or unparalleled wildlife? And like many savvy travelers, are you wondering about your accommodation options, specifically with a trusted brand like Marriott? If so, you've come to the perfect place!
It's a great question, and one that often sparks curiosity, especially given Marriott's significant global presence. South Africa, being a premier tourist destination, naturally attracts major hotel chains. So, let's embark on a journey together to discover just how many Marriott hotels are there, what varieties you can expect, and how to find your ideal stay. Ready to dive in?
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| How Many Marriott Hotels In South Africa |
Step 1: Grasping Marriott's Presence in Africa (and South Africa's Role)
Before we zoom in on South Africa, it's helpful to understand Marriott International's broader footprint across the African continent. Marriott has a substantial presence in Africa, recognizing its immense potential for tourism and business.
Understanding the Scale
Marriott International currently operates nearly 150 properties across 20 countries in Africa, encompassing 22 of its diverse brands. This makes it a major player in the continent's hospitality sector.
Why is this important? Because South Africa is highlighted as Marriott's largest market in Africa. This means a significant portion of those 150 properties are located right here, offering a wide array of choices for travelers.
Step 2: Unveiling the Numbers – How Many Marriott Hotels in South Africa?
Now for the core of our quest! While an exact, real-time number can fluctuate slightly due to new openings or renovations, current data indicates that Marriott has a substantial portfolio in South Africa.
The Current Count
Based on recent reports and Marriott's own information, you'll find over 50 Marriott hotels scattered across various destinations in South Africa. Some sources even indicate around 52+ properties. This large number underscores Marriott's commitment to the South African market and provides travelers with extensive choices.
The Power of Protea Hotels
A significant reason for Marriott's strong presence in South Africa is its acquisition of the Protea Hotels group. Protea Hotels by Marriott is a highly esteemed hospitality brand with an extensive footprint across Africa, and particularly in South Africa. Many of the Marriott-branded hotels you'll encounter are under the Protea umbrella, offering a distinct local flavor combined with Marriott's international standards.
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Step 3: Exploring the Diversity of Marriott Brands in South Africa
It's not just about the number; it's also about the variety of experiences available. Marriott International boasts an impressive portfolio of brands, and many of these have made their way to South Africa, catering to different traveler needs and budgets.
Luxury Experiences
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The Ritz-Carlton: While currently focused on future safari camps, the brand embodies ultimate luxury.
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JW Marriott: Known for sophisticated luxury and enriching experiences.
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The Luxury Collection: Offers unique, indigenous experiences reflecting the destination's character.
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Autograph Collection Hotels: A collection of independent hotels, each with its own distinct personality. South Africa has several of these, offering a blend of local charm and upscale amenities. For instance, African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection, and African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel.
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Westin Hotels & Resorts: Focused on wellness and revitalizing experiences. The Westin Cape Town is a prime example.
Premium & Select Service
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Marriott Hotels & Resorts: The flagship brand, offering full-service hotels with modern amenities.
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Sheraton Hotels & Resorts: Known for connecting guests to the local community. You'll find the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel.
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Protea Hotels by Marriott: As mentioned, this is the backbone of Marriott's presence in South Africa, offering a diverse range of full-service hotels that provide an authentic local experience. This includes the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott which offers a trendy, lifestyle experience.
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Four Points by Sheraton: Focused on providing a comfortable and uncomplicated stay.
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Courtyard by Marriott: Business-friendly hotels with smart, casual environments.
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AC Hotels by Marriott: A design-led lifestyle brand, offering a European-inspired experience. The AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront is a notable addition.
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Design Hotels: A curated portfolio of hotels with a strong emphasis on architecture and original design. Ten Bompas Hotel, Johannesburg, a Member of Design Hotels, is one such unique property.
Longer Stays & Specialty
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Marriott Executive Apartments: Ideal for extended stays, offering apartment-style living with hotel services.
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Homes & Villas by Marriott International: A curated collection of premium private homes and villas.
Step 4: Locating Marriott Hotels Across South Africa's Key Destinations
Marriott hotels are strategically located in many of South Africa's most popular cities and regions, making it easy to find a suitable stay regardless of your itinerary.
Major Hubs & Their Marriott Concentration
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Cape Town: As a major tourist magnet, Cape Town boasts a significant number of Marriott properties, including luxury, full-service, and Protea Hotels. You'll find options like the Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers, Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray, and the AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront. The city is also expecting further expansion with properties like Morea House in Camps Bay.
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Johannesburg: South Africa's economic powerhouse also has a strong Marriott presence. Examples include the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch, Protea Hotel by Marriott Wanderers, and African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection.
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Pretoria: The administrative capital offers options like the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel and various Protea Hotels.
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Durban: This coastal city has Protea Hotels by Marriott, such as Protea Hotel Durban Edward and Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga Ridge.
Beyond the Big Cities
Marriott's reach extends beyond these major cities to other popular destinations and regional centers, often through its Protea Hotels brand. You can find Marriott hotels in places like:
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Stellenbosch (wine region)
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Knysna (Garden Route)
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Port Elizabeth
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Nelspruit (gateway to Kruger National Park)
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Upington
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Bloemfontein
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Richards Bay
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Clarens
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Klerksdorp
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Mahikeng
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Harrismith
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And many more, including upcoming developments in or near Kruger National Park.
Step 5: Future Expansion – Marriott's Continued Commitment to South Africa
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
Marriott isn't stopping here! The company has ambitious plans for further expansion across Africa, and South Africa remains a key focus.
Exciting Developments On The Horizon
Marriott International announced in June 2025 plans to add over 50 properties and more than 9,000 rooms to its Africa portfolio by the end of 2027. South Africa, as their largest market in Africa, is expected to see a continued expansion, particularly within the Autograph Collection Hotels brand. This includes the anticipated opening of Morea House in Cape Town this year (2025), and a new property within Kruger National Park in 2026. This signals strong confidence in the South African tourism sector and promises even more choices for future travelers.
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Step 6: How to Find Your Perfect Marriott Stay in South Africa
Now that you know the breadth of Marriott's presence, let's talk about the practical steps to find the ideal hotel for your trip.
Sub-heading: Utilize the Marriott Bonvoy Website
The most reliable and comprehensive resource is the official Marriott Bonvoy website.
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Visit Marriott.com: Go to the official Marriott International website.
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Select "South Africa" as your Destination: Use the search bar or navigate through the destinations menu to select "South Africa."
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Enter Your Dates & Preferences: Input your desired check-in and check-out dates, number of guests, and any specific preferences (e.g., "5-star," "with pool," "pet-friendly").
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Filter by Brand & Amenities: The website allows you to filter results by specific Marriott brands (e.g., Protea Hotels, Autograph Collection, Marriott Hotels & Resorts), as well as by amenities, price range, and guest ratings. This is incredibly useful for narrowing down your options.
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Explore the Map View: The map view is fantastic for visualizing the hotel locations in relation to attractions, airports, or specific neighborhoods you want to visit.
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Read Reviews & Compare: Don't forget to read recent guest reviews and compare prices and offerings across different properties to ensure it meets your expectations.
Sub-heading: Consider Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
While direct booking with Marriott often offers the best rates and Marriott Bonvoy points, OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, and others also list Marriott properties in South Africa. They can be useful for:
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Quick Price Comparisons: See how Marriott's direct rates stack up against OTA offerings.
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Broader Search: If you're open to other hotel chains, OTAs provide a wider search scope.
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Package Deals: Sometimes, OTAs offer hotel + flight packages that can be cost-effective.
Sub-heading: Leverage Marriott Bonvoy Membership
If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member (and if you're not, it's free to join!), you'll unlock a host of benefits:
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Member Rates: Often the lowest publicly available rates.
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Earn & Redeem Points: Accumulate points for future stays and redeem them for free nights.
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Elite Benefits: Depending on your status, enjoy perks like complimentary upgrades, late check-out, and free breakfast. These can significantly enhance your travel experience in South Africa.
Step 7: Making Your Reservation & Preparing for Your Trip
Once you've chosen your ideal Marriott hotel, the booking process is straightforward.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Booking Directly
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Follow the prompts on the Marriott.com website.
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Confirm your room type, dates, and any special requests.
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Provide your payment information.
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You'll receive an email confirmation with all your reservation details. Keep this handy!
What to Expect
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Warm South African Hospitality: Marriott hotels in South Africa, especially the Protea Hotels, are known for their warm and welcoming service, often reflecting the local culture.
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Modern Amenities: Expect comfortable rooms, often with complimentary Wi-Fi, dining options, and sometimes pools, fitness centers, and meeting facilities.
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Diverse Locations: From bustling city centers to serene coastal escapes and safari gateways, Marriott offers properties that cater to a wide range of interests.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question, Marriott International has a robust and expanding presence in South Africa, with over 50 hotels spanning a diverse array of brands. From luxury resorts to comfortable Protea Hotels, there's a Marriott property to suit almost every traveler's needs and preferences. By following the steps outlined above, you can confidently explore your options and book the perfect stay for your unforgettable South African adventure.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find a Marriott hotel with a swimming pool in Cape Town?
You can find a Marriott hotel with a swimming pool in Cape Town by using the filters on the Marriott Bonvoy website. After searching for "Cape Town, South Africa" and your dates, look for the "Amenities" filter and select "Pool."
How to book a Marriott hotel in Johannesburg using Bonvoy points?
To book a Marriott hotel in Johannesburg using Bonvoy points, visit Marriott.com, search for Johannesburg, enter your dates, and then select the "Use Points/Certificates" option above the search results.
How to identify Protea Hotels by Marriott when searching?
When searching on Marriott.com, you can filter by "Brands" and specifically select "Protea Hotels by Marriott" to see only those properties. Many hotel names will also explicitly include "Protea Hotel by Marriott."
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
How to check for special offers and deals at Marriott hotels in South Africa?
To check for special offers and deals, visit the "Special Offers" section on Marriott.com for South Africa, or look for banners and promotions displayed on individual hotel pages. Marriott Bonvoy members often receive exclusive deals.
How to find Marriott Executive Apartments in South Africa for a long stay?
You can find Marriott Executive Apartments by filtering your search on Marriott.com by the "Marriott Executive Apartments" brand under the "Longer Stays" category, or by specifically searching for "Marriott Executive Apartments" in your desired South African city.
How to determine if a Marriott hotel in South Africa is pet-friendly?
To determine if a Marriott hotel is pet-friendly, check the individual hotel's "Amenities" or "Policies" section on its Marriott.com page. You can also use the "Pet Friendly" filter if available during your search.
How to get to Marriott hotels from major airports in South Africa?
Most Marriott hotels, especially those in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, offer airport shuttle services or are easily accessible by ride-sharing apps, taxis, or rental cars. Check the "Directions & Parking" section on the hotel's website for specific guidance.
How to ensure the best rate when booking a Marriott hotel in South Africa?
To ensure the best rate, always check Marriott.com directly for "Member Rates" if you're a Bonvoy member, and compare them with rates offered by reputable online travel agencies. Marriott also has a "Best Rate Guarantee" policy.
How to contact a specific Marriott hotel in South Africa before booking?
You can find the direct contact information (phone number and email) for any specific Marriott hotel in South Africa on its dedicated page on Marriott.com, usually under the "Contact" or "About" section.
How to learn more about the different Marriott brands available in South Africa?
To learn more about the different Marriott brands, visit the "Our Brands" section on Marriott.com, where each brand has a detailed description of its style, amenities, and target audience. You can then apply this knowledge when filtering your South Africa search.
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