Marriott International Hotel Photography
With over 25 years of professional photography experience, Shaun Smith has been an approved Marriott architectural, interior, lifestyle, and food & beverage photographer for the EMEA region since 2021 – beginning with his debut commission at the Protea Hotel Balalaika in Sandton. Today, he delivers commercial visual assets for luxury hotels, boutique properties, and premium business resorts across South Africa, the UAE, and international destinations through his studio, Studióski.
Below images showcase the Club Lounge at Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers.
Extended Property & Brand Showcase
While this portfolio offers a curated selection of recent assignments, Shaun’s work for Marriott International spans an extensive and continually expanding collection of properties across the continent and beyond. Additional assignments include full-property showcases for Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Johannesburg Melrose Arch, African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel, Protea Hotel Karridene Beach, Protea Hotel Umhlanga, Protea Hotel Nelspruit, Protea Hotel Oudtshoorn Riempie Estate, Protea Hotel Knysna Quays, Protea Hotel Ryalls in Blantyre (Malawi), Protea Hotel Polokwane Ranch Resort, Protea Hotel Midrand, and both Marriott-flagged properties in Bloemfontein. As new refurbishments, rebranding launches, and custom hospitality briefs unfold, this catalogue continues to evolve.
African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection®
Johannesburg, South Africa
Capturing the bold energy, distinctive architectural design, and modern luxury of this icon in the Autograph Collection portfolio. Over years of continued creative partnership, Shaun has captured multiple photographic assignments to keep the property’s visual media updated – spanning elevated lifestyle imagery, high-end guest suites, atmospheric social spaces, and refined food and beverage photography for Aduna Bistro and Sebule Restaurant.
Leopard Sands Kruger Park, Autograph Collection®
Kruger National Park, South Africa
A masterclass in luxury wilderness hospitality. Captured during a comprehensive 2026 assignment celebrating the property’s prestigious transition into the Marriott Autograph Collection®, this visual showcase highlights the lodge’s iconic architectural design, immersive guest lifestyle moments, and ultra-luxury suites overlooking the Sabie River. The imagery seamlessly blends high-end architectural and interior photography with the raw beauty of the surrounding African bushveld.
Sheraton Hotel Mall of the Emirates
5-Star Luxury & Business • Dubai, UAE
A complete visual overview captured across multiple multi-day shoots during two dedicated photography assignments, reflecting the substantial budget and effort invested in the hotel’s multi-million-dollar renovation. The portfolio highlights luxury multi-room suites and sleek executive workspaces alongside extensive lifestyle photography that captures authentic guest moments and brings the modern urban experience to life. Beyond architectural and interior documentation, the shoot covered the hotel’s three signature restaurants – with imagery featured on Marriott’s MoreCravings platform. Positioned with direct indoor access to the iconic Mall of the Emirates and the famous indoor slopes of Ski Dubai, the property boasts unmatched urban connectivity along with dramatic, unobstructed views of both the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab.
JW Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch
Luxury Brand • Johannesburg, South Africa
Sleek, modern commercial imagery capturing world-class corporate, conference, and luxury hospitality spaces. Focusing primarily on the hotel’s public realm, the portfolio highlights grand ballrooms, refined pre-function zones, meeting rooms, and sophisticated culinary destinations, including Keystone and Archer. The photography emphasises the property’s architectural craftsmanship – seamlessly blending rich wooden elements, tactile leather, and textured fabrics with sleek, warm architectural lighting to reflect JW Marriott’s signature refined aesthetic.
Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport
Airport & Business • Johannesburg, South Africa
Over years of continued creative partnership, Shaun has captured multiple photographic assignments to consistently update the property’s visual media. Located just minutes from South Africa’s primary international gateway, the visual scope spans full architectural exteriors, refined guest rooms, dynamic public spaces, elevated food and beverage offerings, and captivating tarmac views. The photography places special focus on the hotel’s distinct, aviation-inspired design narrative – a unique aesthetic that sets it apart as a standout destination for transit executives and global travellers alike.
Aloft Dubai Creek
Urban & Design-Led • Dubai, UAE
Highlighting a comprehensive visual assignment capturing the energetic, millennial-minded spirit of this hip urban destination. The portfolio provides full-scope coverage – ranging from multiple room categories and signature themed suites to dynamic lifestyle shots, sleek interior architecture, and vibrant food and beverage venues. Directly connected to City Centre Deira shopping mall, the imagery highlights the playful, tech-forward, and social side of travel, framing bold contemporary spaces against scenic views of Dubai Creek and the city skyline.
Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West (Tribute Portfolio)
Tribute Portfolio • Somerset West, Western Cape
Commemorating the grand debut of South Africa’s very first Tribute Portfolio property. Long celebrated as a landmark destination in the Cape Winelands – named in honour of Lord Charles Henry Somerset, founder of South Africa's first public library – the historic estate underwent an extensive refurbishment blending classic Winelands heritage with contemporary boutique luxury. In a streamlined, full-property photoshoot, Shaun captured the complete essence of the resort across a key collection of images – spanning grand architectural exteriors, scenic mountain and garden views, refined guest suites, vibrant dining venues like La Vigna, and world-class conference and meeting facilities.
Protea Hotel Kimberley
Upscale Regional • Kimberley, South Africa
A complete, full-property photographic portfolio capturing every facet of this destination. The comprehensive visual scope spans striking exterior architecture, sweeping panoramic views, comfortable guest rooms, inviting public areas, and dynamic food and beverage offerings. Situated right on the historic edge of Kimberley’s legendary Big Hole – the largest hand-dug excavation in the world and the epicentre of the late 19th-century South African diamond rush – the hotel serves as an ideal base for regional business executives, heritage tourists, and leisure travellers seeking modern comfort intertwined with deep historical significance.
Featured Spotlights: Protea Hotel Wanderers & Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Pretoria Menlyn
Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa
A brief selection of photos from two Gauteng locations.
For Protea Hotel Wanderers, this includes the exterior architecture, the padel courts, poolside view, and the interior deli with workspace.
For Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Pretoria Menlyn, the imagery showcases the new bar, lounge, and refreshed buffet layout.
