Marriott Buys Startup Postcard Cabins to Help Create Outdoor Lodging Brand

Marriott International is entering the outdoor hospitality market by acquiring Postcard Cabins. The company will use the startup’s portfolio of 1,200 tiny cabins in the U.S. to help build a hospitality brand focused on nature-based travel and outdoor recreation.

The deal was announced Thursday. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

“We’re seeing increasing interest in nature-immersive travel,” Leeny Oberg, Marriott’s chief financial officer and executive vice president of development, said in a statement. The expansion will offer “more accommodations and experiences in awe-inspiring destinations” for both frequent hikers and people new to outdoor recreation.

Postcard Cabins, formerly known as Getaway, has seen rapid growth since its founding in 2015. The company previously raised $81.8 million in venture funding, including a $41.7 million Series C round led by Certares and a $22.5 million Series B round led by Starwood Capital in 2019, as Skift reported.

Jon Staff, founder and CEO, created Postcard Cabins first under the name Getaway a decade ago. The brand’s 136-square-foot cabins are positioned within two hours of major cities and have a theme of disconnection. It more recently introduced sales of cabin groups to support family gatherings and wellness retreats.

Long-Term Deal With Trailborn, Too

Marriott also said Thursday that it would execute a long-term license agreement with Trailborn, which offers stays at professionally run accommodations near U.S. national parks and outdoor destinations, such as Rocky Mountain National Park and the Grand Canyon.

The deal will add 559 hotel rooms to Marriott’s system. Trailborn plans additional sites in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, and Mendocino, California.

Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott plans to integrate both brands into a new outdoor-focused collection that will launch in 2025. The collection will target travelers seeking nature experiences without sacrificing amenities.

A Bet on the Outdoors

The moves signal Marriott’s recognition of shifting travel preferences as consumers increasingly seek outdoor experiences while maintaining access to modern amenities. The company said the new collection will focus on upscale and upper-upscale accommodations, providing conversion opportunities for property owners looking to join Marriott’s network.

Marriott expects to integrate Postcard Cabins’ and Trailborn’s portfolios into its booking systems and loyalty program sometime next year.

In sync with the trend, Marriott president and CEO Anthony Capuano said in September that Marriott had begun rolling out its first tented safari camps on the Masai Mara in Kenya, first under the JW brand.

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