Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Sea Point

The staff were fantastic, and breakfast and the spa were my favorite parts of the stay. The location is the hotel’s biggest strength, and I’d come back, though I’d try to choose a particular room and rate next time. The elevator was out when I arrived, but staff helped get my things up to the top floor. My room was clean, if a little beat up, like a budget beach hotel in the States. The AC worked well, and the Wi-Fi was mostly good enough for video calls.

We’ve been coming back every year for well over a decade, mostly because of the people. Many staff have been here just as long, and they recognize us, remember us, and truly care. It feels like coming home. Every interaction is warm and thoughtful. A special thank-you to Moreen, who we’ve known for years and who really represents the spirit of the place. The location is excellent, near the promenade and everyday conveniences, while still feeling residential rather than touristy. We’ve always felt safe here. The pool is small but well kept, the staff there are helpful, and the whole property is immaculately clean and clearly cared for. Beds and linens have the dependable quality we expect from Marriott. It’s an older building and could use some updating, though it’s very well maintained. The internet and climate control are reliable. The TVs feel dated, and newer smart TVs would be welcome. As Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite members, we didn’t get much recognition through upgrades or welcome amenities, which was a little disappointing given our long loyalty. Even so, the staff’s care and the comfort of the stay mean much more to us than perks. We’re very fond of this place and will be back.

The Wi-Fi barely worked, and I could hear everything from the corridor in my room in the middle of the night. The water was ice cold, so I had to take a cold shower. There wasn’t a reception number by the phone, and the scratched, damaged iron ruined the fabric of my shirt. It felt more like a roadside motel. This was the worst stay I’ve had in over ten years. Pathetic. It may be the worst Marriott on earth, unless this is what the group’s standards have become.

The restaurant was fine and the location was good, but that doesn’t excuse how unsafe I felt staying here alone as a woman. Staff knocked at my door between 8 and 9 in the morning on two consecutive days. On the second morning, they opened the door while I was asleep. I was jet-lagged and exhausted. They kept calling in the morning to say the hotel was “full” and they “needed the room,” even though I had clearly booked and paid for two nights. When I raised the issue, staff dismissed it as “not a big deal.” I got no apology, accountability, or proper explanation of how someone could enter my room. The experience showed a serious lack of security and communication. The hotel is overpriced for the service. As a Platinum member of Marriott Bonvoy, I found this completely unacceptable. I wouldn’t recommend it, especially to women traveling alone.