What is Trailborn Hotels & Resorts? An introduction to Marriott’s new adventure lodge brand
Editor's Note
As travelers increasingly look for memorable stays — and often want to get closer to nature — many hotel rewards programs are incorporating more outdoorsy accommodations. This includes the independent Trailborn Hotels & Resorts adventure lodge brand, now part of Marriott Bonvoy.
I recently had a chance to spend two nights at Trailborn Highlands, located in the small mountain town of Highlands, North Carolina, roughly a three-hour drive from both Atlanta and Charlotte. Since my parents live nearby, I decided to bring my mom along for some mother-daughter bonding time — and I would go back in a heartbeat.
Here's what I learned from my stay, and why you may want to consider booking a Trailborn property for your next active adventure or restful retreat (or both).
Related: Marriott is leaning into the great outdoors with new hotel collection and booking platform
A boutique base camp
Trailborn Hotels & Resorts is an independent brand that recently signed a strategic agreement with Marriott Bonvoy. According to the brand's website, "Every Trailborn is a seamlessly curated jumping-off point to the most extraordinary outdoor destinations in the world."
Besides Highlands, these locations are:
- Estes Park, the gateway town to Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park
- Wrightsville Beach on the North Carolina seaside
- Williams, Arizona, near Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim
- Mendocino, a coastal town in northern California (coming soon)
- Jackson Hole, a mountain town in Wyoming (coming soon)
If the phrase "adventure lodge" conjures images of bare-bones cabins in the middle of nowhere, think again. Each Trailborn property is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel in a (relatively) central location.
In this case, "central" doesn't mean you'll find big-name attractions or a convenient public transportation system. Rather, expect miles of hiking trails, other outdoor activities and charming small towns to explore.
When my mom and I reached the end of our meandering drive from Asheville, North Carolina (Google Maps predicted an hour and 40 minutes, but the curvy mountain roads took us a little longer), we found an unassuming 63-room, two-story building tucked behind a stand of trees on the outskirts of Highlands. Filled with earth tones, natural materials and midcentury-modern furniture, the property's interior echoed the natural beauty and backcountry charm of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
The accommodations felt modern and trendy, yet low-key. Our room was small but thoughtfully designed to the smallest detail, from the decorative quilts and air conditioner cover to the linen spa robes and cooler bag available for free day use. The result: I felt like a kid on a family road trip, minus the station wagon and musty sleeping bag.
Trailborn Highlands has an affordable price tag to match its down-to-earth energy. Our queen balcony room, which included two queen beds and a private balcony, starts at $158 per night this fall. However, you'll also need to budget for a rental car.
The hotel's location was just remote enough to feel like a slice of paradise while still offering plenty of things to do. It's within a 20-minute drive of various hiking trails and a few minutes' walk from the cute town of Highlands (or you can avail yourself of one of the property's complimentary cruiser bikes).
Related: How to save money on a national park trip with points and miles
A relaxing retreat
Trailborn Highlands also provides gathering spaces to help guests unwind with their companions — or meet new friends — after a day of adventure.
The hotel's gorgeous indoor seating area was packed with photo books and vintage-style board games, as well as complimentary tea, coffee and pastries at breakfast. The outdoor area offered picnic tables, cornhole and a fire pit, with s'mores kits available for purchase at the small on-site grab-and-go market.
Sadly, we didn't visit on a Thursday, when Trailborn Highlands hosts weekly live music and drinks. We did get a chance to check out the detached Highlands Supper Club, a rustic log cabin serving Southern comfort food.
We also made time to visit the outdoor Nordic spa, which includes a wood-fired sauna, cold shower and private fire pit. After hiking all day, an hour of relaxation in the misty mountain air was well worth the added cost ($50 per hour for up to two guests or $75 per hour for up to four guests).
For me, Trailborn Highlands was an ideal place to connect with both the great outdoors and my travel companion. However, some of the gathering spaces and activities may not be ideal for large groups. And if you're looking for more traditional amenities like a pool, spa, fitness center or full breakfast, you might be disappointed.
A cultural connection
Besides the amenities I mentioned above, Trailborn Highlands offers curated experiences. Many of these are nature-focused, such as fly fishing (from $300), rock climbing (from $295) and forest bathing with a certified forest therapy guide ($50 per person). But there are a few less-outdoorsy options, such as a wood-burning cutting board workshop ($75 per person) and dinner and a show in Highlands ($200).
Trailborn's hotel-curated activities are designed to showcase the local culture, so you'll find different offerings at each property. Just a few examples: A Grand Canyon helicopter flyover at Trailborn Grand Canyon ($2,793 for up to seven guests), an aspen and elk photography tour at Trailborn Rocky Mountains ($128 per person) and an oyster roast at Trailborn Surf and Sound ($65 per person).
Check out each hotel's Experiences page to see what's available, and visit the Field Guide page for hiking trails, dining spots and other recommendations in the area.
On my two-day trip with my mom, we didn't get a chance to try one of the curated experiences — we were too busy putting miles on our hiking boots and shopping and eating our way through Highlands. But with so many options, I don't think it would be hard to fill our time on a longer stay.
However, if you're a city slicker who prefers museum hopping and fine dining over tramping through wilderness, you may run out of things to do after a couple of days.
What Marriott Bonvoy benefits can I get at Trailborn?
Since Trailborn Hotels & Resorts joined Marriott Bonvoy earlier this year, you can earn and burn Marriott points on a stay at one of these adventurous properties.
Bonvoy members can earn 10 base points per dollar spent, as well as elite night credits toward Marriott status, when booking directly through Marriott or Trailborn channels — as long as you add your Bonvoy number to your booking. You can also redeem Bonvoy points and free night certificates for an award stay through your Marriott account.
Trailborn properties offer some of the usual Bonvoy benefits, including complimentary Wi-Fi for Bonvoy members, Marriott's Ultimate Reservation Guarantee, and welcome gifts for Gold Elite and Platinum Elite members. However, some benefits — including discounted member rates, guaranteed lounge access, Nightly Upgrade Awards, Instant Redemption Awards and 48-hour guaranteed availability — are not available at Trailborn properties.
So, if you're a top-tier elite member, you may prefer to stay at a Marriott property where you can get more from your status.
Related: Get your fifth night free on Marriott award stays
How to get outside on points
Basic rooms at Trailborn Highlands start at $140 or 41,000 Marriott points per night this fall, though rates can go as high as $400 or 75,000 points on weekends next May. Either way, you'll get well below our October 2025 valuation of 0.7 cents per Marriott point.
As a result, this may not be the best way to maximize your points. Plus, some room types, like those with fireplaces and balconies, don't seem to be available to book with points. If cash rates are reasonable, you may be better off booking a paid stay with one of the best Marriott credit cards and earning points toward a future redemption.
Trailborn isn't the only points hotel brand taking guests outside. Marriott Bonvoy also recently integrated Postcard Cabins, a collection of over 1,200 fully equipped tiny cabins, all nestled in the great outdoors but within a two-hour drive of major cities.
Similarly, World of Hyatt added glamping brand Under Canvas last year, and Hilton Honors added AutoCamp's collection of Airstream trailers and other outdoorsy accommodations. With so many choices, it's easier than ever to earn and burn points on a nature retreat.
Bottom line
Trailborn Highlands provided plenty of activities for me and my mom, both on-site and off, with a slower pace and more casual atmosphere than you'd find at a city hotel or spa resort. Between that and the nostalgic vibe, it seemed an ideal place for an outdoorsy family reunion — as long as your family isn't too big.
If you love the great outdoors, you'd be equally at home here on a relaxing solo retreat, romantic weekend or end-of-summer family getaway.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.