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.
I would like to start by saying that I am a Platinum level Bonvoy member, and have visited six different Protea hotels, on our last two trips to Africa - four in SA. While the Protea chain is not at the top level of the Bonvoy chain, prior to this visit, we have enjoyed our visits to all of the properties. The property in Stellenbosch has both positive and negative aspects. The positives are they have very friendly staff, the property is well taken care of, the beds are comfortable and the pool area is a nice spot to relax. On the negative side, this hotel does not treat their tier members with the same level of recognition as other Protea properties that we have visited or that of any other Bonvoy properties that we have visited around the globe. That is the reason for this review. I think this must be an oversight from the management at this hotel. All of the Protea hotels prior to our visit to this location met or exceeded our expectations. This one did not! We asked about breakfast upon arrival, and we were advised that nothing was offered as we had booked the room on points. After check in, I logged into Bonvoy and opened the Bonvoy website to confirm what should have been offered. I approached the desk to query this and was then advised that that is not what I asked when checking in. I then pointed out that this is what is to be offered, and if it is not, then the member is to be compensated. I did not want the compensation, just the breakfast. I was then handed a card giving us a continental breakfast for the duration of our stay. I then pointed out that the website says breakfast, not a continental breakfast. They were firm on their offering, and that was what we had every morning. No bottled water in the room - another first in Africa, and a guaranteed late check out of 4 pm was met with rejection, due to the fact that the hotel was fully booked the evening of our departure. I again showed the staff the benefits of platinum and they then allowed us to stay until 2 pm. It is unfortunate to see this in a Bonvoy property, but in our experience, it is unique. I would not recommend this property, until management addresses these issues, and I hope that they do. I would wait for further reviews.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Parking is limited. The hotel location is convenient to the city centre restaurants and shops....
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 Gerty Munro, General Manager at Protea Hotel Stellenbosch Dorpshuis & Spa
Responded 09 Feb 2023
Dear Oban_Indy Thank you so much for giving us feedback of your recent stay at Protea Hotel by Marriott Dorpshuis & Spa, both positive and negative. I do apologies for the fact that you did not enjoy the full benefit of the guaranteed late check out of 4 pm. We are serving a Breakfast Buffet with a good variety, and I am sorry that you were not given the opportunity to enjoy the full breakfast. As a Platinum Elite Member, I would like to thank you for your loyal support, and I will make sure our members are well taken care. Kind Regards Gerty Munro General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hotel has an old traditional feel to it. We stayed in room 12 for one night. It was large, and the bed was comfortable with nice bed linen. I had a very good sleep there. The bathroom was massive, with a lovely walk-in rain shower, but unfortunately it flooded each time we had a shower. As we arrived late, we decided to have dinner at the hotel. In hindsight, I wish we had walked into the centre of Stellenbosch instead. There are some great restaurants there, and the area felt very safe.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
The hotel rooms are spacious and comfortable. I like small hotels and this was it for me, and felt homely. Good spread of breakfast. Nice size pool. Can you possibly consider making it a heated pool. It was summer, but it was still very cold, The good thing is that it’s partially covered by trees and this is great in summer, but doesn’t get enough sun to warm it up a bit. Food at the restaurant is fine, not much variety, but agin it could be inspired by the size of the hotel. Service could be better, on arrival they watched us from reception with suitcase, we had to ask for assistance, before they could move. It wasn’t a good first impression. Besides that, the experience was generally good.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip 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.
What a great stay we had at this hotel. Every member of staff was so polite, friendly and helpful. The rooms are so comfortable, with everything you need. Breakfast is fresh and tasty. Being there in chilly September, we had lovely fires lit in the main lounge. Wonderful in every way.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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 Gerty Munro, General Manager at Protea Hotel Stellenbosch Dorpshuis & Spa
Responded 05 Sept 2022
Dear Marypbarnard Thank you so much for your feedback. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward welcoming you back! Kind Regards Gerty Munro
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Decent hotel, not your normal corporate type. Room was spacious and on the ground floor, clean and comfortable.
Not a huge amount of choice with the food in the evening when compared to other hotels we had stayed in our our tour. Staff friendly.
Nice little bar area for a drink pre evening meal.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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 Gerty Munro, General Manager at Protea Hotel Stellenbosch Dorpshuis & Spa
Responded 17 Apr 2023
Dear Thecatsmum4 Thank you so much for giving us feedback on your recent stay at Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa! We are happy to read that you enjoyed your stay with us. As one of Stellenbosch's historic landmarks the Hotel's style of hospitality reflects a vintage hospitality. The hotel offers a large variety of dinner buffets options for groups but also have a menu for the individual traveler. Situated in the famous Dorp str the hotel is walking distance from Stellenbosch CBD and surrounded by World Class Restaurants and shops to get something to take back home. We look forward to welcome you back whenever your travels bring you back to our beautiful Country and Town! Kind Regards Gerty Munro General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
We spent 1 night here. This Marriott is slightly older but had a good breakfast buffet. Positive is the closed and guarded parking, negative is that you are not at a safe walking distance from the center, you have to take the car. (also for 500 meters, not safe for walking in the evening)
Read more
Automatically translated
Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Let me start off by saying that I have lifetime Platinum status with over 1000 Marriott stays over about 13 years. I’ve been in a few properties over the years - all pre Starwood.
We started off being a little put off at check-in. It was probably a language issue but we were asked to wait in the “lobby” for our room. After 15-20 minutes we went back to the desk to question them. I’m not certain how long they would have left us to wait. Well, we finally went on our way until our room was ready. The first problem was our bedroom air conditioning— we couldn’t get it to work - so we gave up and went to bed. Mistake. We needed every bit of background noise in the morning when the traffic noise started. Ouch - there is a lot of traffic noise. Then, throughout our night’s sleep, we were fending off mosquitos both buzzing and biting several times each. NOT COOL. Especially since we were coming from malarial areas, were still on prophylactic meds, and just a little sensitive to the whole issue. Other people have written about standing water in the showers. Yes, believe it. And our shower was on the second level. As we were leaving the first morning, I was quite unhappy and shared this with the front desk. The GM, to her credit, quickly came out of the office and said they would put some bug unit in our room and explained that the air conditioner was probably set on a timer. And they fixed both those issues. That said, we only found one of the two windows they left open for ventilation to help with the bug repellent in our bedroom. Oops, sorry, we found the other open window the next morning. There were other smaller issues such as their staff just placing the dirty glasses we used in our sink. Or the water from the shower spilling out on the bathroom floor. O.K., enough. I give the GM credit for coming out and initially addressing our major issues - and pretty much taking care of them both. That said, I would have expected follow up from her, or anyone, to be certain the solutions were satisfactory. Besides all that, when I checked out the GM was no further than 8 feet away. No goodbyes. No thank you for staying with us. Nothing like ‘how was your stay”. Wow. I don’t get it. Maybe they are just beat up from all the complaints.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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 PHDorpshuis, General Manager at Protea Hotel Stellenbosch Dorpshuis & Spa
Responded 04 May 2018
Dear LostWanderluster Firstly I would like to thank you for writing a review of your recent stay at Protea Hotel by Marriott Dorpshuis & Spa and for your loyal support. It was a privilege to have you stay with us while celebrating your 40th anniversary and happy that I met you and that we could sort out the air conditioner and put the air revitaliser in your room for the mosquitos. I am so sorry that I haven't followed up and made sure all is in order and that I haven't said goodbye when you checked out. Your feedback will be shared with our TEAM to improve where possible as we would like our GUEST to enjoy a pleasant stay and to return to our hotel. Kind Regards Gerty Munro
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had recently taken my mother to Stellenbosch for a little mother daughter get away. As I am a huge Marriott fan and a platinum Elite Member I had utilised my points on this occasion. We had a lovely stay, the hotel is cosy, the room spacious and in apartment style with a lounge and small kitchenette. there is a sleeper couch in each "apartment" and the service is Good and Friendly. The hotel is well situated and in Dorp Street where there are many restaurants and in general easy for a good walk. I was a bit taken aback as I read online that at this hotel Marriott rewards points could be used for "on the spot" rewards or as "payments" for spa treatments and food, unfortunately this was not done as the Hotel Staff had Zero Knowledge of the Rewards program and how I could use my points. The internet connection is good for those that need to work and the South African Breakfast Buffet is Lovely.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2017
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:ask for a room NOT facing the road as it gets quite busy and noisy :)
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 PHDorpshuis, General Manager at Protea Hotel Stellenbosch Dorpshuis & Spa
Responded 17 Aug 2017
Dear Hostie_Gone_Rogue Thank you for your feedback regarding your recent stay at Protea Hotel by Marriott Dorpshuis & Spa and for the detailed description of our hotel and loyal support. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay at our hotel and cant wait to welcome you back in the not to far future. Our Staff is ready to assist you with your reward points. Kind Regards Gerty Munro General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great location. The rooms has a manor feel. The rooms was clean and comfortable. The only thing was that the air con was dripping water the entire time but we were only there for one night and was able to ignore it.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2016
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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 PHDorpshuis, General Manager at Protea Hotel Stellenbosch Dorpshuis & Spa
Responded 05 Jan 2017
Dear JJ L Thank you so much for writing a review about your experience at our hotel. I am happy that your overall experience was good, but so sorry about the dripping water from the air con. I can confirm the problem has been sorted out. We hope to have an opportunity to welcome you back whenever your travels brings you back to Stellenbosch! Kind Regards Gerty Munro
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The staff was very friendly and eager to please. Our room was a one bedroom loft (living downstairs w/ kitchenette and another full bathroom). It was very roomy and if you were staying a few days, its very nice. The pool looked good but we didn't sweet. The Breakfast was REALLY good and they are so gracious. The cook really wanted you to love it - and we did! :) Pretty area, too.
I do have to disagree with the location. It does have some restaurants in walking distance but the heart of the shopping, etc. is quite a distance. The first night we wanted to eat at Helena's (with reservations) in that area. The front desk told us it was only a 5 minute walk. What was she thinking?? It was 20-25 and we barely made our reservations! Plus she saw my husband had a cane (he had recently been ill and doesn't normally use one)!!! The walks were uneven and it was really a challenge! From then on we took Uber . The do have great ubers there btw!
Everything else was wonderful and I'd highly recommend it!
Read more
Date of stay: April 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Dear Jean Myers
Thank you so much for your question. We are less than 2 km away from the CBD of Stellenbosch. It is walking distance from the hotel and safe. Look forward to welcome you to Protea Hotel by Marriott Dorpshuis & Spa.
There are more places to choose from in the Stellenbosch area.
PRICE RANGE
R 2,154 - R 3,324 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch Dorpshuis & Spa
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeStellenbosch
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
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.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
