As we reported last month, Protea Hotels in Africa has become the latest brand to join Marriott Rewards. While Protea Hotels are currently available for booking through Marriott.com, Marriott Rewards members will not earn Marriott Rewards elite benefits, nights, points or miles until sometime in 2015.

Protea Hotels is projected to participate fully in the Marriott Rewards program in 2015, after necessary system upgrades have been completed. Members who complete stays with Protea Hotels or book through Marriott.com prior to its full participation in Marriott Rewards will not be awarded points miles or nights retroactively.

Bottom line: At this time you might consider booking a stay through a third-party site that might offer a discounted rate or rebate, or through Rocketmiles or PointsHound for miles, since Marriott Rewards points are not an option. Also Marriott’s Best Rate Guarantee does not apply to lower rates for Protea Hotels found at third party sites.