Tl;dr – The outdoor hybrid accommodation brand closed on a big funding round, which should help expand its footprint.
A few months ago, I wrote about the rise of hybrid accommodation options to help travelers get closer to nature but also enjoy some of the creature comforts of a hotel. I was on to something with this piece, as Hotels New Resource (HNR) recently wrote a similar article, albeit with a greater focus on the European Market. One brand I referenced was Trailborn, a boutique hotel chain with properties that serve as the ‘jumping-off point to the most extraordinary outdoor destinations in the world.’ *Think* locations near state and national parks, spots where you’d camp, etc. In its article, HNR refers to this niche as horizontal lodging.
Whatever you call it, it’s clear there are some legs to the industry, as evidenced by all the leading chains trying to make inroads through partnerships, acquisitions, or even their own efforts to create a new brand from scratch. Last year, Trailborn notably made waves by entering into a long-term partnership with Marriott. Now, a recent founding round will ensure that we’ll see even more properties over the coming years.
Trailborn’s Deep Bag
Castle Peak Holdings (Castle Peak), the investment firm behind the Trailborn brand, has recently closed a $315 million round, which is expected to facilitate significant growth for the outdoor-focused brand. Trailborn’s Marriott partnership that I referenced above already lays the groundwork for greater distribution (Trailborn properties are bookable through Marriott), and now deeper pockets will help in acquiring (or possibly constructing) new properties in nature-focused locations that fit Castle Peaks strategy of finding underserved but popular travel destinations that could use a modern upscale accommodation option that firmly nails the ‘sense of place’ experience.
Trailborn currently operates four properties – Surf & Sound in Wrightsville Beach, Highlands in Trailborn Highlands, NC; Trailborn Grand Canyon in Williams, AZ; and Trailborn Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Co. These four properties will soon be joined by two additional locations: One in Mendocino, CA – let’s get our glasses ready, folks 🍷 – and an exciting property ski resort in Jackson Hole, WY, that Caste Peak will convert into a Trailborn following its acquisition of the Snow King Resort.
With a focused distribution strategy in place and more money to play with, I imagine we’ll see many more announcements from Trailborn soon.
