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The hotel Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate is category 2 (December 2019).
This means that it costs between 10,000 and 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to spend a night there.
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it is like earning 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar!
It’s the travel hacker’s favourite card in Canada.
After 3 nights in our airbnb rental of Phalaborwa, we are now at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate for 2 nights.
We chose to stay at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate car:
Its address: On the Sabi River at the Paul Kruger Gate, Portia Shabangu Road, Kruger National Park, Skukuza 1350 South Africa
Upon arrival, we dropped off our luggage at the entrance and parked in the parking lot right in front of the reception.
When we checked in around 6pm, after a day on the road from Phalaborwa (God’s Window among others) our rooms were obviously ready. The reception desk informs us of our advantages with the Titanium Elite status of Marriott Bonvoy: a free drink at the bar and free breakfasts.
With the points, we had booked the basic room with a king bed and a sofa bed. Thanks to the Titanium Elite status, we have been classified in the category “Larger room”. These are more modern, but do not include a sofa bed.
Since we had two bedrooms, it wasn’t a problem.
The hotel is largely built on stilts. The reception is therefore in an open area.
Reception will deduct ZAR 1,000 from my credit card to “cover possible meal expenses”. At the time of departure, not having used up all of this 1,000 ZAR, I will be asked to fill out a refund form for the remaining amount which will be credited to my credit card.
Rather strange method, but why not… I’ve been paid back a lot since then.
Next to the reception is a cafe.
A souvenir shop is also present.
The other areas of the lobby, with a local weather station 🙂
We will head for our rooms, 426 and 427, located quite far from the reception, but close to the swimming pool and the restaurant.
Along the way, we’ll come across every kind of insect you can imagine. No wonder we’re in the middle of nature!
Our two rooms were identical.
The bedding and sheets were very comfortable. The King Size bed will accommodate my mother and our two children.
Our originally chosen room had a sofa bed. This couch is not a couch. As said in the introduction, it won’t be a problem, but it would have been appreciated if the reception would have informed us of this before we arrived in the room.
We appreciate the decoration and the choice of materials that go well with the “Safari” atmosphere.
A coffee maker is present. However, on the second day, the coffee bags will not be replaced and the cups will not be cleaned. An example – among many others – of the lack of service of this hotel during our visit.
In the buffet, a refrigerator containing 2 bottles of water.
In front of the bed, a large television and a desk… without a chair. However, international (European-type) catches are appreciated. There are also USB sockets at the head of the bed.
In the entrance hall, a large cupboard with a safe.
On the desk, a welcome gift: 2 bracelets of local manufacture.
Efficient – and quiet – air conditioning is present, as well as a ceiling fan above the bed.
The bathroom has a bathtub and a separate shower, as well as a limited number of hygiene products.
In front of our room, a small terrace with 2 seats and a table.
Opposite the Kruger Park, there is a bar with an adult pool. This is a particularly pleasant place to relax.
There are also observation posts where it is possible to settle down for a drink or a meal.
This is also a great place in the evening to listen to the Kruger Park activity!
At the center of the hotel, a very pleasant buffet restaurant in the evening.
Provide mosquito repellent 😉
The buffet is divided into 2 sections.
First of all cold dishes in an air-conditioned room.
Some of the entries:
The rest of the appetizers with the desserts:
Then the hot dishes:
The hotel has two swimming pools.
One rather oriented for children (with a small pool):
And another one with overflow for adults located near the bar and facing the Kruger Park.
Pleasant for families, this children’s playground is located next to the parking lot.
A miniature golf course is present: too bad, nobody will be able to tell us where to find the sticks and balls!
There is also a tennis court nearby.
As well as a giant chess set.
There’s a gym, but no towel or water.
A massage and spa service is available.
Breakfast is buffet style.
Here are the different dishes:
Cold dishes: fruit, cold cuts, cheeses, cereals and juices.
The hot dishes:
An excellent breakfast that will allow us to skip lunch! A it was free, thanks to our Titanium status (also complimentary to Platinum members).
The facilities of the hotel Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate are excellent. However, as you may have read in my comments, the service left much to be desired during our visit.
In my room, I tried to call room service and reception several times: without success. When I was at the reception desk, you could hear the phone ringing and not a single employee bothered to pick it up.
This is unfortunate because the hotel itself is of a good standard! Most importantly, it is located only 200 meters from the entrance to the Kruger Park, making it a prime location for touring the southern part of the Park.
I’d recommend this hotel for its access to the Park and its low cost in points, but know what to expect in terms of service! Read below for the hotel’s and Marriott Bonvoy’s response on this point.
To easily earn Marriott Bonvoy points, here’s the current offer on the Marriott BonvoyTM American ExpressMD Card:
Faced with various disappointments, I wrote a note to Marriott Bonvoy about my experience through this page.
48 hours after my claim, here is the answer made by Marriott Bonvoy:
This is a nice gesture made by Marriott Bonvoy, knowing that our stay cost 40,000 points (2 rooms at 10,000 points per night).
48 hours after this response from Marriott Bonvoy customer service, I received another response from the hotel:
I hope that my stay and my complaints will significantly improve the service in this hotel! Feel free to comment on your experience if you stay here in the future!
To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.
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