Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Needed a hotel close to the office, ideally situated just off th3 main road to the N1 for those who know the area, if your road tripping from Jo’Burg to Cape Town you’ll likely use the N1 at least in part. Hotel overlooks an animal park, ostrich and deer just outside the grounds. Ample car parking on site, rooms are basic but clean, separate toilet, but hand basin and shower off the bedroom area separated by a curtain, it works! Helpful staff, good simple breakfast choices and a reasonable dinner menu. Could do with attention in the bar, limited selection, wine list is good though and perhaps some more local specialties.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from PHWillowLake, General Manager at Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Responded 09 Mar 2020
Dear Neil H Thank you for taking the time to write your review on TripAdvisor, this is really much appreciated. It’s good to read that you had a good stay with us, and we appreciate your constructive criticism. We will have a look at our current bar stock and see if we can add a few items. Once again, thank you for your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back in the near future. May you have a lovely day further. Kindest Regards Blanché Walzl-Hagen Cluster General Manager Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein
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My family and I occupied 2 rooms late December. Check-in was very friendly and efficient. Rooms clean as expected. Restaurant operating under Covid-19 restrictions was great. Staff courteous and did their very best. The best part however was the demonstration of honesty and integrity; I left my toiletry bag behind in the room. I was called about an hour after check-out by reception staff to advise so. Rather than turn back i arranged a courier to pick up and deliver to my home. The courier company turned out to be hopeless and it was only the hard work of housekeeping head Gertrude that saw my bag delivered safely to my home. Contents of the bag including some very expensive product were all present and intact. Pretty unusual under the circumstance which South Africa finds itself in. My humble appreciation and thanks
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM Willow Lake, General Manager at Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Responded 11 Jan 2021
Dear Andrew L, Thank you for your lovely review on TripAdvisor, this is really much appreciated. I am so proud of my TEAM for adhering to all policies and procedures, and will definitely commend Gertrude. We are grateful for your business, and hope to welcome you back real soon. Stay safe. Kindest Regards Blanché Walzl-Hagen Cluster General Manager Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein
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I use this hotel every second month as it is central and has great service.
It follows in the style of the modern Protea Hotels so the rooms are not huge but comfortable but don't offer a bath (shower onky).
You can request a fridge in your room and the meals are very reasonably priced.
The service, from Reception, bar and restaurant is always friendly and efficient no matter the time of the day.
It offers a secluded area around the pool which is also great for working on your laptop
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM Willow Lake, General Manager at Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Responded 02 Jan 2022
Dear Lubabalo M, Thank you for taking the time to rate our Property on TripAdvisor, this is really much appreciated. It is great to see that you found our services and facilities satisfying, as this is what we strive for, excellent GUEST service. Must say that we are truly a great TEAM working here. Once again, thank you for your comments, and may you have a lovely day further. We hope to welcome you back in the near future. Thank you Kindest Regards Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Team
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In the area on business, opted to stay her again after a visit earlier in 2020 just before lockdown in the UK. Compliments on COVID safety measures, masks worn when not seated to eat, temperature checks on arrival, breakfast buffet items sealed, hot food cooked and served to order. Excellent dinner menu, presentation had improved, all dishes well cooked, portions are generous, recommend the lamb cutlets. Attentive professional staff on hand to welcome guests, you sense with a smile, if only you couls see behind the masks!
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Date of stay: November 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM Willow Lake, General Manager at Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Responded 06 Dec 2020
Dear Neil H What a lovely way to start a new week by reading your lovely comments on TripAdvisor. Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review, this is really much appreciated. We are delighted to read that you had a great stay, and your review will definitely be shared with our entire TEAM. Apologies for not seeing our “real” smiles, however I can assure you that we are all smiling behind our masks. Stay safe, and I hope we can welcome you back in the near future. Kindest Regards Blanché Walzl-Hagen Cluster General Manager Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein
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Wanted to like this place but out of the 150+ nights at Marriott properties this year this place has got to be the worse. Small rooms with the shower part of the room two feet from where your head is on your bed. Poor design and water leaks all over your room. Poor slow wifi, A/C did not work, paper thin walls you can hear everything and can not sleep, ratty old towels, horrible breakfast, no elevator and need to lug your bags up two flights of stairs, smallest room I have had in years, zero recognition of my Elite status, we went there for my two year old to see the animals and they took them all away but still advertise this. You can see many nice photos of the animals on the property. Call the front desk and they don't answer the phone after five plus minutes of ringing. Looked for a lake and saw nothing, crappy area. Asked to speak to a manger but they guy was busy in the toilet for more time than I wanted to wait. Was hooping for a good stay but good not get away from this property fast enough. If you are looking for as comfortable stay and a nice clean, quite nice sleep, Don't Come Here!!!!!!
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Avoid this place
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM Willow Lake, General Manager at Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Responded 08 Nov 2021
Dear B3345XYandrewb, Thank you for taking the time to write your review on TripAdvisor, this is really much appreciated. As per your review, we unfortunately did not meet your expectations, and for this we would really like to apologize. Unfortunately the zoo did close down approximately a year ago, and we did remove all advertising of the zoo, this is something we will re-visit. Covid-19 protocols and procedures have also changed our buffet offerings, and hopefully we would be able to go back to our normal offerings. Once again, please accept my sincerest apologies. Kindest Regards Blanché Walzl-Hagen Cluster General Manager Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein
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Lovely hotel in the middle of twon. It is nestled in an enclave in the city zoo. One dine with a view on wild animals roaming around the joining groends. Lovely. We experienced excellent geniune friendly service from staf. We experience excellent memorable meals in the hotel's restaurant. The chef, Kila, soes magic. The restaurant is highly recommended. We had a seminar at the hotel and the conference staff gave us all the support to ensure that the seminar was a huge success. This hotel met and excelled all our expectations.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Ask for the block of rooms next to the animal park
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from PHWillowLake, General Manager at Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Responded 16 Feb 2020
Dear Mr. Smit Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review on TripAdvisor, this is really much appreciated. It is always wonderful to read the we have met and exceeded your expectations. I will definitely share your Review with my TEAM, and especially Kelea the Chef. Once again, thank you so much Mr. Smith, and we are looking forward to welcoming you back. May you have a lovely week further. Kindest Regards Blanché Walzl-Hagen Cluster General Manager Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein
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We stay here every time we come to Bloem. Nice accommodations, decent breakfast, and very friendly staff. Also very close to two of our favorite malls in town - Mimosa and Loch Logan. The rooms could use an update, including the addition of TVs that can screen cast or play streaming services, but overall has a nice, quaint feel.
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Date of stay: November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Heila Bezuidenhout, Marketing at Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Responded 04 Dec 2022
Dear C1991ZNerika, Thank you for writing your review on TripAdvisor, this is really much appreciated. It is great to read that you enjoyed your stay with us, and I must agree our location is perfect if you want to go shopping. We will communicate your recommendations regarding the rooms to our owners for future consideration. May you have a great day further, and a happy festive season. Thank you. Kind Regards, Blanché Walzl-Hagen Cluster General Manager Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein
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We stayed here one night during our drive from George to Johannesburg. The hotel is great with a lovely garden and pool area. The breakfast was great, the buffet dinner was fine). Parking is behind a secured gate with a guard at the entry/exit point as well. Quiet at night, no elevators.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Neo Tabi, Marketing at Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Responded 19 Dec 2022
Dear Christopher, Thank you for writing your review on TripAdvisor, this is really much appreciated. It is great to see that you found our services and facilities satisfying, as this is what we strive for, excellent GUEST service. Must say that we are truly a great TEAM working here. Once again, thank you for your comments, and may you have a lovely day further. We hope to welcome you back in the near future. Thank you. Kind Regards, Blanché Walzl-Hagen Cluster General Manager Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein
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As I write this review, it's past 10pm and unable to sleep. The room next door have the television switched on and we can hear every word. Stop over from Cape Town and expected a noise free decent hotel. Unfortunately it's a let down. The only 4 star hotel that does not provide bottled water in the room and a poor selection of television channels. The laminated floor is damaged and I certainly don't this the 4 star status and appropriate and it's a let down for the Marriott brand. Staff and service is however great.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM Willow Lake, General Manager at Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Responded 28 Sept 2021
Dear Brian L, Thank you for taking the time to write your review on TripAdvisor, this is much appreciated. Although not a good review we are thankful for all feedback positive or negative as it assists us in improving our services. Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused, and this is definitely not the service or standard we strive to offer. To confirm, we are re-looking at our current DSTV bouquet and it should improve by 2022. The in-room water has been addressed. Once again thank you for your feedback, and I hope we could have another opportunity to welcome you back in the future. May you have a good day further. Kindest Regards Blanché Walzl-Hagen Cluster General Manager Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein
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One of the very big positives was the zoo. You could even see animals from your bedroom in some cases. Now It's closed and I'm not comfortable that they have fully addressed the impact of this, Covid notwithstanding (every establishment has been hard hit by closures). My key concern is that there is not adequate security now, by way of fencing and patrolling (my two separate stay experiences, with late visits to my vehicle and early departures, showed no security in evidence, other than at the main gate and a guy staying warm in the reception area. It is too easy to access from what is now an abandoned property. Other than that, the rooms are very well designed, maintained and cleaned. It would be five stars other than the above.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GM Willow Lake, General Manager at Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Responded 02 Aug 2021
Dear Dave S, Thank you for taking the time to write your review on TripAdvisor, this is really much appreciated. I have to agree with your it is such a great pity that the zoo closed, and unfortunately it belonged to the municipality so we had no choice in the matter. With reference to the Security, your comments are well received and I will take this up with the relevant parties. Once again, thank you for your lovely feedback, and we hope to welcome you back real soon. Stay safe. Kindest Regards Blanché Walzl-Hagen Cluster General Manager Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein
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Johannesburg, South Africa280 contributions95 helpful votes
Have a look at Lietjiesbos in Bloemfontein. It is a wonderful property, out of town but not too far. I would not really want to stay at the Protea for that length of time unless you are working most of the time.
There are more places to choose from in the Bloemfontein area.
PRICE RANGE
R 1,332 - R 1,723 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaFree StateBloemfontein
NUMBER OF ROOMS
94
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Is Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
