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Marriott recently announced some bad news to Bonvoy members planning to stay in Africa. As of March 1, 2023, Marriott Bonvoy members will only earn 5X points at Protea Hotels and 1 Elite Night Credit for every 2 nights stayed. Here are the details of this change.
Protea Hotels by Marriott
Marriott acquired Protea Hotels in 2013. As of 2023, Protea operates 64 properties spread across 9 countries in Africa — primarily South Africa. Protea also operates in Algeria, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Marriott advertises Protea Hotels as mid-range, 4 to 5-star properties. And as a Marriott brand, Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points on their stays at Protea properties.
At least at one point, Protea was the largest hotel brand in Africa. Unfortunately, the number of Protea properties has dwindled over the past decade. For instance, one Protea Hotel in Ghana is now an Alliance Hotel. And the beloved Protea Kruger Gate left the program in 2022 to become an independent hotel.
Marriott's Devaluation of Protea Hotel Rewards
Until now, Marriott Bonvoy members earned the usual 10 points per dollar spent and 1 Elite Night Credit per night at Protea Hotels. As of March 1, 2023, those earnings will be cut in half.
Bonvoy members will only earn 5 points per dollar spent. Elite Night Credits will only be given for every two nights stayed. In other words, half an Elite Night Credit per night.
These changes go into effect on March 1, 2023. The change will be based on the checkout date, not on the booking date. In other words, every stay with a checkout date on or after March 1 will receive half rewards — regardless of the booking date.
Our Take
This certainly isn't good news for Marriott Bonvoy members looking to stay at Protea properties in Africa after March 1, 2023. Why Marriott is making this change is unknown, but various reasons can be presumed. Perhaps this is the beginning of a devaluation for Marriott Bonvoy points across several brands. Perhaps the economic scene in Africa necessitates this change.
Members already earn 5X points at Homes & Villas, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, and Element. Marriott Executive Apartments only gives 2.5X Marriott Bonvoy points. However, these are mostly long-term stay brands where Marriott probably wants to limit the number of rewards earned. Protea Hotels isn't primarily for long-term stays, so the reduction of rewards probably isn't for the same reason.
Do you have stays planned for Protea Hotels after March 1, 2023?
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