Review : African Pride Arabella Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection | Marriott Bonvoy

As the next stage of our trip to South Africa, we had scheduled a two-night stay – for Christmas – at the African Pride Arabella Hotel & Spa – Autograph Collection.

The African Pride Arabella Hotel & Spa – Autograph Collection is a category 3 hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy program. This means that a free night only costs between 15,000 and 20,000 points.

We had booked 2 rooms using Marriott Bonvoy points.

If the initial booking was 20,000 points per night (high season rate), a few weeks before we arrived, while checking the rates, I discovered that it had switched to low season: so I was able to update my booking for the new rate of 15,000 points per night!

A saving of 10,000 points per room, which is no mean feat! Moral: monitor your reservations because the rate can quickly go from one extreme to the other!

Knowing that we were traveling with my mother, and that it was her birthday, I had asked for an upgrade before our arrival.

This one will be granted to me – for a room – after negotiation in the chat through the mobile application!

This hotel is in fact a huge golf complex on which many villas are also located. After several hundred meters from the main gate, we are at the reception. The staff will come to collect our luggage and I will park the car in the parking lot 20 meters away.

When we register, my Titanium status will be recognized. And uniquely, my status will be recognized for the 2 rooms (so my mother will be able to benefit from free breakfasts as well). At the lobby level, a small information station highlights the advantages of the center for children (Kids Club).

After taking possession of our keys, go to the rooms on the 5th floor, the same level as the reception!

We cross this entire floor which is composed of shops and the hotel bar.

First of all, a presentation of what my mother and our two children will do next.

It’s not the largest suite in the hotel, but of course we won’t complain!

The lounge of the suite is composed of 2 armchairs and a coffee table facing a fireplace.

An office is also present.

The room has a King size bed.

Nearby, a large dressing room.

The bathroom has a bathtub with view and television! In other words, our children won’t mind taking a bath!

Also, a double washbasin with hygiene products.

There is also a large shower and toilet with bidet.

The terrace is the “WoW effect” of this room overlooking the lagoon, bathed in sunshine in the morning. My mother loved to spend time there, having her coffee in the morning!

Audrey and I had a room that faced the pool side. This is the type of room that is available to all with points.

And here is the bathroom composed of the bathtub (overlooking the room) and a shower and toilet with bidet.

On the central level of the hotel is a bar/lounge.

It is particularly pleasant, especially because of the views of the surrounding area.

The hotel has a children’s club which is located in a conference room.

There is a bouncy castle and various games. However, the person on the spot will not really look after the children: it is better to stay by their side.

The hotel has two beautiful outdoor swimming pools (unheated).

Unfortunately, the mercury was not very high at the time of our visit (around 20 degrees) and the fact that the pool was not heated didn’t help!

The pool near the spa was a little warmer, though.

Breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant. A few seats in the interior hall offer beautiful views.

We preferred to settle down on the terrace, next to the pool: a very pleasant moment with the family!

Breakfast is in the form of a buffet.

Here are the different dishes:

A buffet is even dedicated to children: