nevansm

Introduction This trip was booked as part of a 4 city/region trip around east and south Africa. I knew going in that I wanted to either use points or find BAR's that suited my budget, so of the four Marriott properties I stayed at, 3 were paid, one was points. There's a seemingly lack of individual property threads for the non-Marriott brand Marriott hotels in Africa, so, hope this helps out folks in the future. Rate: ~$79/usd, government rate, included breakfast (most rates do, Gold+ get free breakfast), 3 nights. Location: Palm Beach in Dar Es Salam, this is about a mile north of the major tourist area, but very quiet, and when I walked around seemed safe enough. Overall: First Protea experiance (first Africa trip ever), but the hotel met and slightly exceeded expectations. Images from hotel website, but very accuarte. Check In I landed in DAR around 9pm, and although trying to get an Uber proved a bit frustrating, i made it to the hotel around 10pm. It's just about a 20 minute drive from the airport.Check-in was quick, with the agent already knowing my name and having my paperwork prepared. I was upgraded to a named room (I won't call it a suite) with the title "The Chambers". A kind bellman carried my luggage upstairs (no elevators at this property), all rooms face the courtyard with a small pool and several tables which the hotel restaurants opens to as well. I was recognized as a PPE, given a choice of two amenities (old school Marriott style) which were a local beer (22oz), and some nuts. The second day, a bottle of wine was also delivered. Room The room was slightly above average for size, with a sitting area, desk, canopy bed, and bathroom with stall shower. Water pressure was good, but the A/C struggled. It kept the room around 19-20, but that's too warm for me. There's also a fan that helps circulate air. Bed was comfortable enough, but definitely not a suite-sleeper/Marriott/Westin bed. All four pillows were very firm, despite my profile request for feather pillows.Housekeeping was flexible with my schedule (first day I slept in a bit), and wasn't overly agressive in the distrubances. In addition a once a day mistquoto bomb was used in my room. Lastly, the room lacks any sort of view, I had a pixilated window to an alley and a view of the courtayrd which is where the outside corridors also are, so the blinds were kept closed. Service Service at the hotel was friendly, thoughtful, but not over the top. My few requests were met very esaily. I dined in the hotel restaurant one night and the serice was perfectly fine. Everybody means well and is happy to serve. I did request a tour booking around 6pm one night for the next day, which was done promptly with lots of info, and the tour was fantastic with a local dirver/guide. Dining As mentinoed, my rate included breakfast which was a buffet + egg station. The buffet had about 12 hot dishes, ranging from sausages (pork was sepearate of course), veggies, potatoes, kababs, french toast, and more. in addition, breads, juices, coffee, co.... water (in fresh coconuts!) was on offer as well as cold cuts, and cheese. Lastly, an egg station was avaiable for eggs any style, and omeletts. Largly breakfast is serve yourself, so no tip is needed. I ate a small snack on my arrival night and dinner one night. Both of which were fantastic. The restaurant has a large menu of Asian, Indian, and Tanzanian specialities. Both dishes I had were nice and spicey, tasted fresh, and came with plenty of veggies (something appreicated for a Keto eater). Lastly, I asked several times for some ice and tonic water (for my own G&T's either outside or in my room), which was pleasantly served. Not sure if they knew my activity, but it doesn't matter, they were happy tro provide it. Overall I can't recommend this hotel enough. Great service, good enough room/bed, and for a dinner in, was not bad at all. Security was moderate around the hotel with a gate and car check as well, and the surrounding neighborhood was perfectily fine, even at night. I'm very glad Marriott brought in the Protea brand, as this sets them apart (among other ways) in footprint in Africa, and provides a great option for elite recoginition and points earning while on holiday or business. Next up? Protea Hotel Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins