Protea Hotels by Marriott and Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel programme and marketplace, have unveiled Orlando Pirates-themed hotel rooms at their Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Johannesburg Melrose Arch property.
Created by local interior designer Latoyah Mei, the room is adorned with symbolic black and white stripes, showcasing the club’s heritage and success over the years. Guests will be welcomed with an mural featuring some of the club’s most well-known players. Along with modern amenities, the rooms will also feature football memorabilia and “natural elements to create a space that is minimal and contemporary”.
“I was intentional about creating a space that is impactful and inspiring, evoking emotions that deliver a memory in one’s mind while experiencing a space. The mural is one of my favourite elements of the room – it really captures the rich history of the Buccaneers and Soweto in an amazing way,” said Mei. “It is really important to me that with each stay, supporters can appreciate something new when they look around the room.”
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Mei, the founder of Lint Design House, was the winner of a competition run by Protea Hotels by Marriott and Marriott Bonvoy that featured four chosen local South African designers. All four were asked to submit storyboards, with Mei’s design chosen as the successful candidate and official interior designer of the Orlando Pirates-themed room.
“The rooms at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Johannesburg Melrose Arch offer an immersive and memorable experience that we believe will be cherished by our members and fans,” said Sean Maher, Market Vice-President, South Africa, Marriott International. “Plans for more themed rooms across the country are underway and we look forward to unveiling these new experiences to our guests soon.”
“We are proud to align ourselves with Marriott Bonvoy, our accommodation partner. Orlando Pirates is a distinct and iconic brand, not only in South Africa, but also on the African continent and beyond. The Skull & Crossbones were a symbol of hope during the Apartheid era and Orlando Pirates continues to be a beacon of hope to all our people,” said Thandi Merafe, Orlando Pirates Media Director. “We pride ourselves in aligning with brands who have a shared vision and aspiration to deliver excellence to our people. Our fans are the lifeblood of our club and we’re excited to offer them an experience that truly embodies the spirit and history in the home city of Orlando Pirates.”
The launch of the themed rooms follows the announcement of Marriott Bonvoy’s exclusive multi-year partnership to become the official accommodation partner of Orlando Pirates last year.
The Pirates-themed rooms at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Johannesburg Melrose Arch are now available for booking.
