Marriott's Outdoor Oasis
Marriott International has announced the expansion of its outdoor-focused lodging offerings through two significant deals with key players in the outdoor lodging industry. These deals include the acquisition of the Postcard Cabins brand, previously known as Getaway Outposts, and a long-term partnership agreement with Trailborn.
Marriott is introducing outdoor-focused deals to provide guests and Marriott Bonvoy members with more options for traditional and alternative accommodations in nature-oriented destinations. This initiative responds to the increasing consumer interest in experiencing nature while maintaining comfort. To emphasize its commitment to the outdoor lodging segment, Marriott plans to launch a new collection centred around outdoor experiences in 2025, supported by these initial deals.
“Marriott has long been committed to offering incredible travel experiences for every trip purpose. As guests are increasingly interested in nature-immersive travel, we are excited to build on the incredible breadth of our portfolio and welcome the Postcard Cabins and Trailborn portfolios to Marriott Bonvoy as we deliver more accommodations and experiences in awe-inspiring destinations,” said Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development, Marriott International.
“Whether you’re looking for bespoke lodging near natural wonders, an elevated camping experience, or off-the-beaten-path excursions in nature, our planned outdoor-focused collection is expected to offer a broad array of options for seasoned adventurers and first-time explorers.”
Immersive Lodging for Outdoor Adventures
The Postcard Cabins and Trailborn portfolios are set to enhance Marriott Bonvoy’s already robust portfolio of exciting destinations worldwide by adding alternative accommodations such as tiny homes and cabins in natural destinations and unique lodging near outdoor wonders like national parks, deserts, ski areas, and shorelines.
- Postcard Cabins
Marriott acquired the Postcard Cabins brand, formerly known as Getaway Outposts. The Postcard Cabins portfolio provides individual travellers and small groups the opportunity to unplug and enjoy nature. Each property, which consists of groupings of tiny cabins, is located within two hours’ drive of major metropolitan areas. Set on expansive woodlands, the cabins are dog-friendly and feature modern design, private bathrooms, full kitchens, and ample space between cabins for privacy and relaxation. The current Postcard Cabins portfolio, comprised of 29 properties with over 1,200 cabins across the U.S., will operate under long-term agreements with Marriott. The Postcard Cabins portfolio is also expected to be part of Marriott’s planned outdoor-focused collection with expected integration into Marriott’s system and platforms, including Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, in 2025.
"In joining Marriott, we’re excited to bring the Postcard Cabins experience to a global audience seeking exactly what we offer—a place to slow down, disconnect from the every day and invest in the relationships that matter most. What started a decade ago with a small group of believers in the power of spending free time in nature has grown into a national movement, which we expect will only gather steam with Marriott’s expansive reach," said Jon Staff, Founder and CEO of Postcard Cabins.
- Trailborn
Marriott has also entered into a long-term agreement to add Trailborn's portfolio to Marriott's system. As an innovative outdoor hospitality brand, Trailborn is focused on bringing bespoke hotels built for adventure to the great American outdoors. Trailborn's current and pipeline portfolio consists of 559 rooms across five iconic outdoor destinations, with several projects in development. They have locations near Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Canyon and in Highlands, NC, with properties to come in Wrightsville Beach, NC, and Mendocino, CA. Trailborn offers design-forward accommodations inspired by each property’s unique locale, experience-driven programming, curated food and beverage offerings, and insightful property teams to help guests chart their exploration. Trailborn’s current portfolio will be part of Marriott’s planned outdoor-focused collection, with expected integration into Marriott's system and platforms, including Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, in 2025.
“We are thrilled to announce Trailborn’s agreement with Marriott, enhancing and underscoring our mission to provide travellers with exceptional access to the country’s most extraordinary outdoor destinations, deliver experiences guests love, and maintain the unique character of Trailborn’s independent spirit,” said Mike Weiss and Ben Weinberg, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Trailborn.
“Trailborn is excited to work alongside Marriott to provide guests with the perfect blend of comfort and adventure in stunning outdoor settings.”
Exciting Development Opportunities for Franchisees and Owners
With a focus on upscale and upper-upscale accommodations in nature-forward destinations, Marriott’s anticipated outdoor-focused collection is expected to be conversion-friendly, providing opportunities for franchisees, owners and developers looking to affiliate their outdoor-focused properties with Marriott’s robust portfolio and Marriott Bonvoy, with over 219 million members.