CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA—Marriott International, Inc. has signed two new properties in South Africa in partnership with The Amdec Group. Expected to open by February 2018, the 150-room Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and 200-unit Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch will be located in the Melrose Arch precinct in Johannesburg. They will be the first Marriott-branded properties under development in South Africa.
“Africa is important to Marriott International’s growth strategy because of its rapid economic growth, growing middle class and youth population, as well as the expansion of international flights onto the continent,” explains Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa for Marriott International. “With more than 850 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, there are enormous opportunities there.”
Marriott became the largest hotel operator in Africa following its acquisition of South Africa’s leading hotels group, Protea Hotels, in 2014. Over the next five years, the company expects the Marriott International brands, including the Protea brand, will expand from 10 African countries to 18, involving the development of an additional 38 properties across seven brands.
James Wilson, CEO of The Amdec Group, owners of the Melrose Arch mixed-use precinct, said, “Melrose Arch is a magnificent multifaceted, new urban quarter and the perfect location for Marriott’s first two signature brand properties in South Africa. At Melrose Arch, our focus is very much on creating an unforgettable experience with a vibrant atmosphere in a secure environment where people can work, shop, relax and stay. The Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch provide contemporary and innovative hospitality that adds to Melrose Arch’s current offering.”
He added, “This partnership builds on our existing valued relationship with Marriott International established through the Protea Hotels Group’s two existing hotels at Melrose Arch, African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel and Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch. We look forward to continuing and deepening our association with Marriott International. We are confident the hotel and executive apartments will become landmarks in South Africa and appeal to travelers from all over the country, the continent and the world.”
Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch has 200 fully furnished one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
The Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch will also be the first African property to open that reflects the new brand transformation that Marriott Hotels has been experiencing globally since last year. This includes modernizing the brand’s overall appeal, as well as an ongoing innovation involving the Marriott Hotels brand around the world, with redesigned lobbies and public spaces known as greatrooms, according to the company. The reimagining of the brand has also included the introduction of mobile check-in and check-out, as well as a mobile chat application.