Marriott to Become Largest Hotel Company in Africa
 

This is definitely great news!

Marriott Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Protea Hotel Group's Hotel Operations and Brands: Expects to Become Largest Hotel Company in Africa

Here is the press release:

http://news.marriott.com/2013/11/mar...nd-brands.html

Good news I suppose although I have not been that impressed with the Protea hotels I have stayed in. I much prefer Southern Sun and I think they would have been a better match to Marriott on a quality level.

Could be interesting, Protea have some nice newish properties around South Africa.

I've only stayed in one Southern Sun (Durban) and it seemed an oldish property.

This is probably a good move strategically, South African companies are experienced with doing business in the rest of Africa, where the expansion opportunities are. However their is some work to do to improve the consistency of the product.

Marriott CEO on CNBC coming up next to discuss Africa Aquisition
 

probably be on their website later.

CEO Arne Sorenson on CNBC on the acquisition.

Arne Sorenson talks about the expected addition of Protea Hotels to the Marriott Int'l portfolio.

He seems to always be on CNBC. ;)

The Beverly Hills Hotel, situated on the uMhlanga beach front is handy for Durban and a very nice property ^.

I think this is great! We are going to DAR in August of next year and was already starting to stress about where we would be staying.

"The parties stated that they plan to sign definitive agreements by year-end 2013 and the transaction could close in the first three months of 2014."

Cheers.

How is 116 hotels the largest hotel group in Africa? Surely they should have said South Africa?

I think the Aga Khan has more hotels. And even if 116 were the top, is 116 hotels across a massive continent really something to brag about? If Marriott ever managed to put one hotel in the capitol of every country in Africa, that would be something to brag about.

Some of their "Pride Collection" hotels (the game reserves in particular) look like pretty sweet redemption opportunities. They seem to average $900-$1000/day as they are all inclusive.

Marriott buys Protea Hotels in South Africa?
 

Hi:

I saw an article in the WSJ stating that Marriott bought this South African chain. Since then, however, I have not seen anything confirming the purchase nor is anything listed on the official website.

Has anyone else heard or read this information? If so, when can we expect to start using Marriott points?

Thank you.

Old news....actually so old that the 2 other threads on this topic are now on page 2 of this forum.....

As BKKLEE mentions, there are 2 other threads re: this. To answer your question, though, from a link in the other thread. The deal is expected to close by end of Q1 2014, so I wouldn't expect it to be available before then.

Cheers.