Dive Brief:
- Outdoor-focused accommodations provider Trailborn has opened its fifth hotel, Trailborn Grand Canyon, in Williams, Arizona, the hospitality company announced in a release obtained by Hotel Dive.
- The Trailborn brand offers boutique hotel stays at some of the most iconic outdoor destinations in the U.S., including Rocky Mountains National Park in Colorado and North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. In a “sought-after national park location,” Trailborn Grand Canyon offers a fully renovated hotel on Route 66 with a saloon-style events space, a restaurant and bar and family-friendly activities, per the brand.
- Trailborn’s portfolio growth comes a few months after the brand entered a long-term agreement to bring its hotels under Marriott International’s flag. Marriott is among the hotel companies expanding in the outdoor accommodations sector amid increasing traveler demand in the space.
Dive Insight:
Trailborn Grand Canyon expands the hospitality brand to “one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world on one of the most iconic roads in the country,” Mike Weiss, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn, said in a statement.
The 96-key hotel debuts after Trailborn tied up with Marriott in December in a partnership set to boost Marriott’s accommodation offerings in “nature-forward destinations, where consumers have shown growing interest in being immersed in nature without sacrificing comfort,” Marriott said in a statement. Marriott also acquired the outdoor-centric Postcard Cabins brand in December.
Trailborn Grand Canyon, offering immersive guest experiences distinct to the Arizona destination — like guided hikes, stargazing and helicopter rides — will soon become available through Marriott booking channels, according to a Trailborn spokesperson.
A “signature” of the Trailborn brand, the hotel offers guests “essentials to enhance their outdoor adventures” upon arrival, including bespoke field guides, branded coolers, Nocs binoculars and a custom scavenger hunt board for kids, according to the release.
The hotel also offers flexible event space for games, live music, dining and private gatherings, including at its 200-person “Camp Hall.” Additionally, it has outdoor amenity space, with a pool, hot tub, bocce court, kids’ play area and firepit. Later this spring, Trailborn Grand Canyon will debut Southwest steakhouse, grill and bar Miss Kitty’s.
Designed in collaboration with San Antonio-based architecture firm Lake Flato, the hotel “blends historic charm with modern design” that plays on the destination’s Southwestern aesthetic, according to Trailborn.
Beyond Trailborn Grand Canyon, there are two more brand properties coming to Mendocino, California, the company spokesperson told Hotel Dive. As an independent company, Trailborn is solely responsible for its expansion plans, despite the Marriott partnership, the rep shared.
Other hotel companies to recently link with outdoor accommodations providers as demand for the sector grows include Hilton, which entered an exclusive partnership with AutoCamp in early 2024, and Hyatt Hotels, which partnered with upscale outdoor hospitality provider Under Canvas in July.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that Trailborn Grand Canyon will soon become available to book on Marriott’s booking channels.
