Pretoria gets latest Marriott

Protea Hotels by Marriott, part of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) (www.Marriott.com), has announced the opening of Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria Loftus Park.

Located in the rapidly transforming suburb of Arcadia in Pretoria, the hotel is nestled within Loftus Park, a comprehensive mixed-use corporate, retail and lifestyle precinct in Pretoria, fast emerging as a bustling business and leisure destination. Not far from the Hatfield Gautrain Station and the Tshwane Rapid Transport Bus route, it provides easy access from both Johannesburg city as well as OR Tambo International Airport.

“Protea Hotels by Marriott is a leading hotel brand in South Africa and enjoys unprecedented regional brand equity,” said Volker Heiden, Vice President Protea Hotels by Marriott, Marriott International, Middle East and Africa. “I am confident that this, together with the hotel’s strategic location and the global distribution of Marriott International will help position Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria Loftus Park as a preferred choice for business and leisure travelers to Pretoria.”

Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria Loftus Park offers 152 modern rooms as well as conference facilities and meeting rooms catering for up to 180 delegates. Food and beverage facilities include a restaurant, a coffee shop, a rooftop swimming pool and bar and lounge, offering panoramic views of the city.

Situated adjacent to Loftus Versfeld Stadium, the leading site for rugby and soccer, the hotel is expected to attract interest and gain visibility amongst the sporting circles. While its proximity to the Union Building and Pretoria’s many embassies, the numerous Ministerial headquarters in the area, as well the neighboring school and university will drive further business into the Hotel. The inclusion of the hotel on the Pretoria skyline will no doubt be a welcome addition to what the city has on offer.

“We’re thrilled to have a new hotel in Loftus Park,” said Etienne Potgieter, General Manager Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria Loftus Park. “The unique location of the hotel and its proximity to the Stadium is an exciting new opportunity for us, that we believe, will help us tap into the fast growing sports tourism segment. We hope to be able to create special experiences that will enable us to welcome our loyal Marriott International guests as well as attract new ones.”

Protea Hotel by Marriott Loftus Park is co-owned by Bluecor, a South Africa-based Real Estate Development Company and longstanding partner of Marriott International, together with Redefine Properties and Abland.