Marriott International expands Protea Hotel’s presence in Africa

Marriott International has announced the signing of five new deals in Africa, under its popular Protea Hotels brand. The signings, announced at the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum in Nairobi, demonstrate Marriott’s commitment to expanding its presence across the continent and meeting the growing demand for Protea Hotels.

Karim Cheltout, regional vice president — development, Africa & All-Inclusive, EMEA at Marriott International, stated: “Protea Hotels has a rich legacy in Africa, and we are thrilled to further strengthen the brand’s footprint with these five signings. We have noticed an increase in conversion projects, where developers are looking to rebrand their existing properties into Protea Hotels, in addition to new build opportunities.”

Protea Hotels by Marriott is a leading hospitality brand in Africa, recognised across the continent. With properties located in primary and secondary business centres as well as popular leisure destinations, Protea Hotels remains a preferred choice for travellers visiting Africa. The five projects will adhere to the brand’s high standards, offering modern facilities, friendly service, and amenities such as full-service restaurants, meeting spaces, and well-appointed rooms.

The newly announced projects are within:

1. Botswana

Marriott International will expand its presence in Botswana with the signing of Protea Hotel Serowe in collaboration with Letsatsi Partners. The hotel, scheduled to open in 2026, will feature 155 guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and multiple meeting rooms. Situated near the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Serowe, the hotel will be conveniently located between Gaborone and Orapa, one of the world’s largest diamond-producing mines.

2. Ethiopia

Protea Hotels by Marriott will make its debut in Ethiopia with the conversion of Blue Nile Resort to Protea Hotel Bahir Dar. The agreement with Blue Nile Resort Hotels PLC includes a full renovation of the property, which is expected to be rebranded as Protea Hotel Bahir Dar, by 2025. The hotel will offer 127 guest rooms and suites, multiple dining outlets, a fitness centre, and nearly 1,000 sqm of meetings and event space. It is located near Lake Tana and a short distance from the Blue Nile River.

3. Tanzania

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Parklane Holdings Zanzibar Limited to convert their property into Protea Hotel Zanzibar Stone Town. This project, set to open by the end of 2023, is located in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist area in Zanzibar. Protea Hotel Zanzibar Stone Town will feature 26 guestrooms, an all-day dining restaurant, and a rooftop bar.

4. Nigeria

Projected to open in 2027, Protea Hotel by Marriott Abuja Jahi, Nigeria will consist of 144 guestrooms, two food and beverage outlets, a swimming pool and meeting facilities. The hotel will be situated in the developing district of Jahi, which is located northwest of Abuja’s city centre and will be close to Gwarinpa and Jabi, two prominent commercial areas. Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta is a franchised property owned by Gold Reef Hotel Limited and will be managed by BON Hospitality West Africa Limited.

The company also signed an agreement with Dutch Gate Hotel & Suites Limited to convert its existing property to Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta. The property is expected to open as a Protea Hotel in 2024 with 108 rooms, four food and beverage outlets, meeting facilities, a fitness centre and swimming pool. Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta, Nigeria will be situated in Warri, a major oil and gas hub in the South region of Nigeria. Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta is a franchised property owned by Dutch Gate Hotel & Suites Limited and will be managed by BON Hospitality West Africa Limited.