Marriott to Become Largest Hotel Company in Africa
#16
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott (Lifetime Titantium), whatever other programs as benefits make sense.
Posts: 1,920
CEO Arne Sorenson blogs on Africa on Linkedin.
Arne Sorenson: Africa Connection
In the last decade, it also became clear why intellectually we wanted to join the hospitality industry in Africa. The region sports many of the world's fastest growing economies, with one of the youngest global populations and a rapidly expanding middle class. Its a huge bright spot for travel and tourism, both as a destination and a source of new global travelers.
Since that first visit to the continent, Ive been back many times, most recently to Johannesburg, Durban, Capetown and Bloemfontein, South Africa, where I stayed in Protea Hotels. Needless to say, I was impressed with the sophisticated style, comfort and service I experienced.
Arne Sorenson: Africa Connection
In the last decade, it also became clear why intellectually we wanted to join the hospitality industry in Africa. The region sports many of the world's fastest growing economies, with one of the youngest global populations and a rapidly expanding middle class. Its a huge bright spot for travel and tourism, both as a destination and a source of new global travelers.
Since that first visit to the continent, Ive been back many times, most recently to Johannesburg, Durban, Capetown and Bloemfontein, South Africa, where I stayed in Protea Hotels. Needless to say, I was impressed with the sophisticated style, comfort and service I experienced.
#17
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Hotel Guru
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, UA Gold
Posts: 1,452
Marriott to Become Largest Hotel Company in Africa
As happy as I am about these new choices, I'd hope they'd buy another European chain and have a better network here in Germany/France/Benelux. NH comes to mind, perfect for rebranding into Fairfield/Courtyard/AC...
#18
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott, AAdvantage, United, Club Carlson
Posts: 1,687
#19
#20
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,681
Protea Hotel at Kruger Gate is a solid property.
#21
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Dfw
Programs: AA Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 49
Just In Time
My sister is getting married late next year and I hoped to use my Marriott pts as a wedding gift. Hopefully the transition will move swiftly and the hotels will have a fair redemption value.
#22
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: S Cal
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, United Silver, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,142
I've been (so far unsuccessfully) looking for a web page that shows a map to where the Protea hotels are located. Anyone know of such a page? Would help in planning future travel.
#24
Have a look at this map. http://www.marriott.com/hotel-search/france.hotels/
It looks pretty empty for the major part of France. Even Orlons, Metz, Bordeaux have no Marriott. (not to speak of the Prigord and Provence region that attracts many tourists although that may not be the public that Marriott is aiming at.)
It looks pretty empty for the major part of France. Even Orlons, Metz, Bordeaux have no Marriott. (not to speak of the Prigord and Provence region that attracts many tourists although that may not be the public that Marriott is aiming at.)
#25
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,463
Marriott buying Protea Hospitality Holdings Bring on the Safaris!
http://www.proteahotels.com/Pages/default.aspx
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireSto...-186m-21620265
Have to check out the properties a bit more, but location looks pretty interesting.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireSto...-186m-21620265
Have to check out the properties a bit more, but location looks pretty interesting.
#27
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott (Lifetime Titantium), whatever other programs as benefits make sense.
Posts: 1,920
Deal is firm, now scheduled to close on April 1, 2014. Here's the press release from Marriott, and Bill's thoughts on his blog.
Press Release:
Under terms of the agreements Marriott will pay approximately 2.02 billion rand, or approximately US $186 million at current exchange rates, subject to normal closing adjustments. The purchase price represents approximately 10 times anticipated pro forma 2014 calendar year EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) excluding transaction costs.
Press Release:
Under terms of the agreements Marriott will pay approximately 2.02 billion rand, or approximately US $186 million at current exchange rates, subject to normal closing adjustments. The purchase price represents approximately 10 times anticipated pro forma 2014 calendar year EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) excluding transaction costs.
#29
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: S Cal
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, United Silver, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,142
So if the deal closes on April 1, 2014, is there any information on when one might be able to use Marriott points at Protea Hotels? I've not seen anything so far and I have no clue what the hotel categories might be.
Does anyone remember how quickly newly purchased hotel chains (for example, the AC Hotel chain in Europe) are integrated and available for stays using Marriott points or e-certificates?
Does anyone remember how quickly newly purchased hotel chains (for example, the AC Hotel chain in Europe) are integrated and available for stays using Marriott points or e-certificates?
#30
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 4,842
Planning a Safari trip in Dec/Jan and have to layover @ JNB. The airport Protea looks fairly decent and the price good too at a third of the IC, might just make a booking now as I'm guessing prices will go up. Looks like they also have a hotel in the intl terminal which you can pay by the hour.