Marriott International has announced the signing of five new deals in Africa under its Protea Hotels by Marriott brand during the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum in Nairobi. These signings reflect Marriott’s commitment to expanding its presence across the continent and highlight the growing demand for the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand.
Karim Cheltout, the Regional Vice President of Development for Africa & All-Inclusive, EMEA at Marriott International, expressed excitement about strengthening the brand’s footprint in Africa through these five signings. He also noted that while new build opportunities are still in demand, there has been an increase in conversion projects where developers rebrand their existing properties into Protea Hotels.
Marriott International currently operates nearly 140 properties with over 24,000 rooms across 20 countries and 19 brands in Africa. Protea Hotels by Marriott alone represents more than 40% of the company’s portfolio in Africa, with over 60 properties and more than 6,500 rooms in operation across nine countries.
Marriot’s New five projects
Protea Hotel by Marriott Serowe, Botswana:
Marriott International plans to expand its presence in Botswana with the Protea Hotel by Marriott Serowe. Developed in collaboration with Letsatsi Partners, the hotel is expected to open in 2026. It will feature 155 guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and multiple meeting rooms. The hotel will be located near the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Serowe, between Gaborone and Orapa.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Bahir Dar, Ethiopia:
Protea Hotels by Marriott will make its debut in Ethiopia with the conversion of Blue Nile Resort to Protea Hotel by Marriott Bahir Dar. The rebranding is scheduled to be completed by 2025 following a full renovation. The hotel will offer 127 guest rooms and suites, multiple dining outlets, a fitness center, and nearly 1,000 sqm of meetings and event space. It is located near Lake Tana and the Blue Nile River.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Zanzibar Stone Town, Tanzania:
Marriott International signed an agreement with Parklane Holdings Zanzibar Limited to convert their existing property into Protea Hotel by Marriott Zanzibar Stone Town. The hotel, expected to open by the end of 2023, is situated in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist area in Zanzibar. It will feature 26 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, and a rooftop bar.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Abuja Jahi, Nigeria:
Protea Hotel by Marriott Abuja Jahi in Nigeria is projected to open in 2027. It will offer 144 guest rooms, two food and beverage outlets, a swimming pool, and meeting facilities. The hotel will be located in the developing district of Jahi, close to prominent commercial areas Gwarinpa and Jabi. The property is owned by Gold Reef Hotel Limited and will be managed by BON Hospitality West Africa Limited.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta, Nigeria:
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Dutch Gate Hotel & Suites Limited to convert their existing property into Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta. This hotel is set to open in 2024 with 108 rooms, four food and beverage outlets, meeting facilities, a fitness center, and a swimming pool.
