Which Marriott Bonvoy hotel is the best in South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg (Joburg), and Pretoria? There’s plenty of choice within the Marriott brand, including top brands like the Luxury Collection, EDITION, St Regis, W Hotels, and JW Marriott, as well as mid-range brands like their Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Sheraton, Le Meridien, Design Hotels, and their Westin collections.
Ritz-Carlton hotels are often some of the best Marriott Bonvoy hotels in an area. They also tend to offer the best club lounges. Interestingly, you can get a bunch of free benefits at the Ritz if you book it via our luxury travel concierge if you decide this is the hotel brand for you. While there are some truly gorgeous Ritz-Carlton hotels, there isn’t one in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Pretoria. If you are looking for luxury, book the Four Seasons in Johannesburg.
There are a large number of lower-end Marriott hotels across South Africa. If you are an avid collector of Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points or want to spend your loyalty points on the best luxury hotel in this city, we have outlined everything that you need to know below.
South Africa is located on the southernmost tip of the African continent. You may visit South Africa for a safari in the Kruger National Park, for the beach on the Western Cape, or to enjoy fine wines in the Winelands around Stellenbosch and Paarl. The city of Cape Town is the most iconic city in South Africa and sits beneath flat-topped Table Mountain. From here, you can watch clouds drift like a waterfall off the top of the mountain.
1. Westin Cape Town
Westin Cape Town is the best hotel in South Africa, with an executive club lounge. The Westin Cape Town offers exclusive rooms with unique views over the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and the whole of Table Bay. It also tends to be the most expensive Marriott Bonvoy hotel in Cape Town, but can be booked on points.
Each of The Westin’s 483 guest rooms and suites is elegantly appointed and boasts the latest amenities for guests’ total comfort and rejuvenation. The iconic Heavenly Beds ensure a sound slumber for a restorative and productive stay.
The culinary diversity will also delight with a selection of elegant restaurants and bars on offer, from their Thirty7 Showkitchen to the Westin Club with its panoramic views on the 19th floor as well as the outdoor Louis B’s Terrace and indoor Raleigh’s Lounge and Bar.
There is an executive club lounge on Floor 19, which offers a full buffet breakfast (630-1030hrs) and waiter-served alcoholic drinks in the evening with canapes.
2. Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers
The Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers is another Marriott Bonvoy hotel which is in Cape Town, but it doesn’t have an executive club lounge so Marriott Platinum Elite and Titanium Elite members will not get club lounge access but will get full breakfast in their restaurant.
Sleek hotel rooms come with Panoramic views across Cape Town as well as elegant finishing touches to enhance your stay. Several dining options are available, including fine dining at the Tower Restaurant, pastries from the hotel deli, and 24-hour room service.
For relaxation, retreat to the fitness facility or indulge in a treatment at the award-winning spa. Their rooftop pool and bar, which boasts views across Cape Town, is the place to unwind with a cooling swim or signature cocktail. Occupying a prime position in Century City, hotel guests can access Canal Walk shopping center via an exclusive bridge or travel further afield and discover Cape Town’s main sights, just a short drive away.
3. 15 On Orange Hotel, Autograph Collection
5 On Orange Hotel, Autograph Collection is a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, which is part of Marriott Bonvoy and is also located in Cape Town, but it does not have a club lounge.
This glamorous urban oasis has an unparalleled location in Gardens, a short distance from the city center that allows for convenient access to Cape Town’s world-famous landmarks.
The exquisite design detail and inclusion of 95 indoor plants are somewhat reminiscent of a conservatory in the city center. Their freshly opulent restaurants, pool bar, and pool deck have views of the majestic Table Mountain and Signal hill. Each delivers a new take on the concept of Bistronomy cuisine through high-quality, fresh ingredients prepared in an authentic manner with a focus on flavors and simplicity.
4. AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront
AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront is a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, which is conveniently located just minutes away from the buzzing Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and just a 25-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport.
188 spacious rooms feel stylish and boast unparalleled views over the imposing Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill. Savor the heritage of the brand’s Spanish roots with their delectable tapas from fresh and locally sourced ingredients at the AC Lounge & Bar. Grab a bite at V&A Waterfront.
To wind down after a long day, pass by the bar and sample the finest spirits locally crafted. Their bartenders are also true urban spirits who will share the unique buzz of the city and all it has to offer.
Located within walking distance, the hotel is close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre. It also features four flexible meeting rooms & a boardroom with a total of 250 m² of event space, boasting natural light and stunning Working Harbour views.
5. African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection
In Johannesburg, African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection which is part of Marriott Bonvoy does not have a club lounge, but the Marriott Melrose Arch, due to be opening this year (2020), may well have a club lounge, which means this will be the best hotel choice in Johannesburg if you are looking for an executive club lounge. The Four Seasons remains the best choice in Joburg if your budget allows it.
Designed with a curator’s touch, African Pride Melrose Arch Autograph Collection celebrates the spirit of Johannesburg with refined comfort and signature experiences. Discover luxury without compromise in open-plan, boutique accommodations, exposed brick, leather headboards, and chic bathrooms.
Ignite your senses with delectable global-meets-local cuisine at March Restaurant, or sip aged whiskey by the fire at the Library Bar. Host flawless meetings and conferences in nine sophisticated event spaces enhanced by custom catering and expert planners.
Explore diverse attractions, including Sandton City, Rosebank, Soweto Township, Nelson Mandela Square, Maboneng, and the locale, Melrose Arch center. After a full day of business or sightseeing, lounge along the shimmering waters of the exclusive hotel pool, featuring a vibrant bar for drinks and light dining. With luxury amenities and distinctive enhancements, this hotel is a soulful and unique 5-star haven surrounded by the best of Johannesburg, South Africa.
6. Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch
Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch is set within the eclectic Melrose Arch Precinct in northern Johannesburg.
Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch vibrates with the energy of the myriad trendy cafés, high-street boutiques, al fresco restaurants, and lively entertainment areas located just moments from its doorstep.
Step into the Greatroom – an intuitive social hub that revolves around you. Designed to be whatever you need it to be, it’s your space to connect, relax, socialize, or reflect. Savor specialty coffees and read the morning news. Work alone or share ideas. Savor signature cocktails and curated wines.
Dine at specialty restaurants. Then, retire to your stylish room or suite. Ample underground parking, 24/7 security, and CCTV surveillance are provided for your safety and convenience.
This hotel is just 26km from O.R. Tambo International Airport, 5km from Sandton and Rosebank, and close to three golf courses and numerous other local attractions.
7. Sheraton Pretoria
The Sheraton Pretoria Hotel offers the second-best club lounge choice in South Africa and the best club lounge choice in Pretoria along with the best Marriott Bonvoy hotel in Pretoria. It is also super cheap when redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points, as this is a low-category hotel.
The hotel has 175 modern rooms and suites, all designed to guarantee maximum comfort and hospitality from the moment you arrive. The hotel includes a Health Club with a gym and saunas, an outdoor swimming pool, and massage rooms.
The Magnolia Restaurant is open for all-day dining with sumptuous buffets at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As a light meal alternative, the ever-lively Tiffins Bar & Lounge caters to all tastes and serves an excellent afternoon tea. From the hotel’s Union Terrace, you have a splendid view over Pretoria’s famous Union Buildings, the official seat of South Africa’s government.
The club lounge here isn’t great, with very little food during Happy Hour. The spirit bottles and red and white wine also tend to empty and are not replenished regularly.
The African Pride Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection by Marriott Bonvoy, is also in Pretoria, but this hotel doesn’t have a club lounge, so Sheraton Pretoria is your best pick, even though their lounge is not great.
8. Protea Hotel Cape Town North Wharf
Protea Hotel Cape Town North Wharf is a Marriott Bonvoy category 4 hotel, which boasts spacious luxury apartments, four-star service and an ideal location in Cape Town, South Africa.
Just a two-minute walk from Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), this hotel’s luxury apartments provide an ideal base for corporate and conferencing guests. Leisure travelers are close to the CBD, Table Mountain, Cape Town Harbour, and even some of the city’s premium beaches.
These large, fully-equipped luxury apartments are complemented by their highly-reputed North Wharf Restaurant, in-room spa service, high-tech conference room, and a rooftop pool with breathtaking views, all just a brisk ten-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront.
Additional amenities include a gym, secure undercover parking, and two lavish penthouses for added convenience. The hotel’s central location provides easy access to the N1 and N2, so guests may easily explore the city’s many shops, restaurants, hotspots, and beaches.
9. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town is a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, which is in a downtown location in Tamboerskloof, just a short walk or drive from an abundance of South Africa’s most celebrated attractions, such as Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Kloof Street, and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
All lodging provides South Africa-inspired decor, modern design touches, complimentary Wi-Fi, plush bedding, flat-panel TVs, and 24-hour room service. Elevate your stay by booking a sophisticated apartment-style loft, which boasts luxury perks and separate living, dining, and sleeping areas.
Stop by their restaurant here in Tamboerskloof to indulge in an array of comfort foods, including burgers and shakes.
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