PROTEA Proard Program
 

Did a search and could only find a couple of Protea threads, dating back to 2004!

Can anyone provide details and an assessment of this hotel program? I have a few trips around South Africa coming up and there is a paucity of Starwood properties, a couple of RadissionBlus and a few IHG brands (far less since Southern Sun reflagged most of them under its own brands). But even Southern Sun doesn't have properties in the smaller towns I'll be going to.

I can earn BA Avios miles with stays at Protea hotels if I join their program, and particularly if I purchase a Silver ($50) or Gold ($150) membership. Since elite members get 10% off their rates, the Silver will easily pay for itself after a couple of nights, Gold a bit longer. However, what are the stay vouchers that come with the Gold membership? Do they off-set the cost?

So looking for thoughts from those who've joined and/or stayed at Protea hotels.