Inside the reimagined the Protea Hotel by Marriott

Set in the illustrious grounds of the famous Wanderers Club in Illovo, Sandton, the hotel provides a tranquil urban oasis in the heart of Johannesburg’s leafy northern suburbs that is ideal for family or couple’s getaways, workcations or social get-togethers with Jozi friends.

First Impression: Picturesque views and peaceful location.

Bedroom & bath: Understated, relaxed luxury. Feels at home.

The hotel: Welcoming, comfortable and convenient.

Outstanding credentials: Stunning views of Joburg, less than 6 mins from both Melrose Arch and Rosebank.

In a nutshell: Joburg’s stunningly located staycation and workation spot.

“This has always been Johannesburg’s perfect location,” says Derik Jacobsz, General Manager of Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers. “Though it’s just 4 minutes from the M1 Freeway and in striking distance of the city’s finest live-work-play-eat-shop attractions such as Melrose Arch, Sandton City and Rosebank Mall, it is a deeply peaceful spot in safe, serene, leafy surroundings. You can get right away from the Jozi hustle, enjoy every modern convenience at your fingertips and relax so that you can concentrate on work, family and friends.”

A central focus of the recent enhancements has been the creation of a seamless flow of social zones including indoor-outdoor spaces for quiet time, working from anywhere and meeting up. The light-filled reception-atrium leads to the contemporary all-day, artisanal deli-coffee bar with complimentary Wi-Fi, great coffee, freshly prepared grab-and-go meals, and mesmerizing views through to the rim-flow swimming pool and lush gardens. It’s the perfect spot for quick breakfasts, light healthy lunches-on-the-go or afternoon coffee and cake. With a fresh makeover, the hotel restaurant and bar with an expansive open-air deck serves sumptuous buffet-style breakfasts; à la carte lunches and dinners. The shimmering pool zone, surrounded by lush gardens and statuesque old trees overlooks the smooth bowling greens of the Wanderers Club, and is a top Jozi spot to enjoy cocktail hour and sundowners.

Modernizing the hotel’s look and feel has included clean timber elements, natural wood colours and textures that bring the outdoors inside and provides the backdrop for the modern art and striking brass sculpturing that celebrates its unique position as the only hotel in the historic sports precinct of the Wanderers Club. Guests staying at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers enjoy complimentary temporary membership of the Wanderers Club which gives them access to member’s sports facilities and popular social destinations such as the Centre Court Restaurant, the big-screen Chariots Bar, Spinners Bar, and the Players Lounge Cigar Bar.

Apart from the hotel’s cutting-edge remodelled event spaces, Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers is also managing the range of top-tier Wanderers Club meeting and event venues which are ideal for business and private social occasions. From corporate meetings, launches, expos and conferences to institutional and personal celebrations, there’s the perfect space, professional services and an unmatched ambiance that makes every event unforgettable.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers also offers elegant, revamped accommodation from standard guest rooms to Junior Suites and a Presidential Suite for executive travellers. All rooms have full en-suite bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, comfortable workstations, smart TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee-making facilities, room safes, air-conditioning and in-room dining service.

For those that relish an active lifestyle, there’s the hotel gym; as well access to world-class sports facilities such as 18-hole golf, tennis, squash and running on exclusive membership terms. Jacobsz adds, “Whatever brings you to Johannesburg, Africa’s power-house city, Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers offers you a calm centre, an urban oasis, where locals and travellers come together to enjoy the best of relaxed healthy living, working and playing.”

A final note: Is it worth it?

Yes, you can't beat the location, the views, the food and excellent service from the staff.

Address: Corner Corlette Drive And, Rudd Road, Illovo, 2196, South Africa

Telephone: +27 11 770 5500