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The best credit card for hotels in South Africa.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card for hotels in South Africa.

South Africa has the Marriott Cape Town, Westin Cape Town, Protea hotels across the country, and the Marriott Sandton in Johannesburg. Hilton has the Conrad Pezula on the Garden Route. Hyatt has the Hyatt Regency Johannesburg. Coverage is concentrated in Cape Town and Johannesburg with thin Garden Route and Kruger options.

Annual fee

$250

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Gold elite status, 50,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Currently around 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offer

Westin Cape Town prices around 35,000 to 50,000 points a night against $250 to $400 cash. The 50K free night cert covers a peak summer (December to February) night. Marriott Sandton Johannesburg is a solid layover base at similar pricing. Gold elite late checkout is useful in Cape Town because most domestic flights run mid-afternoon.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: American Express Platinum.

Ellerman House Cape Town, Cape Grace, and Mount Nelson are all on Fine Hotels and Resorts with upgrade plus breakfast plus property credit. These are the trophy properties for a South Africa trip and points do not work at any of them.

American ExpressAnnual fee $895

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express CardAmerican Express Platinum
Annual fee$250$895
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Gold elite status, 50,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Drive yourself on the Garden Route only with a car rental that includes a windshield damage waiver because gravel road chips are extremely common. Lions and elephants in unfenced private reserves cross fence lines, so accommodation in those zones is night-time secured. Tipping at restaurants is 10 to 15 percent and at lodges $20 per day for guides.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in South Africa?

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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card from American Express. Westin Cape Town prices around 35,000 to 50,000 points a night against $250 to $400 cash. Annual fee is $250.

How many points do you need for a free night in South Africa?

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Roughly 40,000 points per night at the recommended chain for South Africa. Cash rate is around $280 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the American Express Platinum a better choice for hotels in South Africa?

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Ellerman House Cape Town, Cape Grace, and Mount Nelson are all on Fine Hotels and Resorts with upgrade plus breakfast plus property credit. These are the trophy properties for a South Africa trip and points do not work at any of them. Annual fee is $895.