Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley near Atlanta .
DEALS
Outside Noise
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL ’ S LATEST DEALS ARE OUTSIDE THE BOX .
By DAVID EISEN
Marriott International is stepping outside for growth . Literally . The largest hotel company in the world has announced deals with two hospitality brands whose focus is on outdoor-centric accommodations . In doing so , Marriott said it would be launching an outdoor collection next year that is expected to be conversion-friendly .
The deals include the acquisition of the Postcard Cabins brand , formerly known as Getaway House and the execution of a long-term agreement with Trailborn .
The deals allow Marriott to offer customers and Marriott Bonvoy members choice outside the traditional lodging landscape . In the aftermath of the pandemic , many travelers have prioritized outdoor travel and accommodations .
These deals show the further institutionalization of the space . Getaway had a founding investment by Starwood Capital and closed a $ 41.7 million Series C funding round led by Certares in 2021 . The Series C funding followed a $ 22.5 million Series B funding round led by Starwood Capital that closed in June 2019 .
Hilton was one of the first to pick up on this trend in its collaboration with AutoCamp . In February 2024 , it made a foray into what ’ s colloquially known as “ glamping ”— a mashup of glamour and camping — by partnering exclusively with Santa Barbara , Calif . -based AutoCamp , known for its use of classic Airstream travel trailers , whose rounded , polished aluminum exteriors hark back to the 1930s .
72 hotelsmag . com Jan / Feb 2025