For travelers seeking boutique accommodations near national parks and other outdoor destinations, Trailborn Hotels and Resorts offers an appealing option. This collection of five boutique properties is designed to immerse guests in nature through thoughtful locations and inspired public spaces. As part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Outdoor Collection, the brand also allows visitors to earn or redeem Marriott points while staying near some of America’s most celebrated outdoor destinations.
Recently, I had the opportunity to experience the Trailborn Highlands hotel in Highlands, North Carolina. Nestled in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming town serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding rainforest and numerous waterfalls. The property is approximately an hour and a half from Asheville Regional Airport and about three hours from Atlanta. While Marriott covered the cost of my three-night stay, all views expressed here are entirely my own.
The property strikes a balance between rustic character and modern comfort, and it welcomes pets as well. Amenities are abundant, including an excellent on-site restaurant called the Highlands Supper Club, an outdoor Nordic spa, and a cozy lounge area centered around a firepit. Guests can also arrange excursions such as guided hikes, fly fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Room rates begin around $128 per night, though prices can climb beyond $500 during the popular fall leaf-peeping season. These peak periods present an excellent opportunity to use Marriott points or Free Night Awards for your stay.
Booking with Marriott Bonvoy Points
Marriott employs dynamic pricing, meaning the number of points required for an award stay varies based on demand and the prevailing cash rate.
NerdWallet values Marriott points at 0.7 cent each. During quieter weekdays, room rates at Trailborn Highlands start around $128 or 32,000 points. At that rate, you would receive approximately 0.4 cent per point, which is below average value. Instead of using points outright, it would be more advantageous to apply the 35,000-point free night award that comes with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.
However, during peak autumn season, rates rise to $530 or 70,000 points per night. In that scenario, you would receive 0.8 cent per point, making it a more sensible option to pay with Marriott points. If your points balance is running low, Marriott also allows you to combine cash and points for a single stay, which can help stretch your rewards across additional trips.
The most straightforward way to accumulate Marriott points quickly is through a welcome offer on a Marriott co-branded credit card.
Marriott Cards with Free Night Benefits
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card’s rates, fees, rewards and other features.
on Chase’s website
Rates & Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
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on American Express’ website
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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
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Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
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Rates & Fees
- 4 Free Night Awards
points
- 85,000
points
- 150,000 Points + $250 Statement Credit
points
- 125,000 Points + $150 Statement Credit
points
- Up to 125,000 Points
Annual Free Night Benefit
• Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 85,000 points) every year after your account renewal month.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary, and a second night after spending $60,000.
Trailborn Highlands is located just one block from Main Street in this upscale mountain town, offering an ideal position for both strolling through the local shops and venturing into the surrounding wilderness. The lobby and public spaces feel bright and open, featuring large windows, a fireplace, and a selection of board games.
The property features 63 guestrooms, each with some form of outdoor access. Ground-floor rooms include a garden patio, while second-story accommodations offer a private balcony.
I stayed in a balcony room with a king bed. The room was straightforward yet spacious, with checkered carpet and wood accents that complemented the local mountain setting.
Each guestroom includes a work station, providing a comfortable area for productivity. The analog radio is a charming touch.
During my stay, I spent most of my time unwinding on the balcony, listening to the birds and soaking in the lush green surroundings.
The bathroom, however, was somewhat underwhelming. While the color palette aligned with the property’s muted natural tones, the poor lighting combined with brown and green tile created a dark and uninspiring space to start the day.
The Highlands Supper Club
The Highlands Supper Club serves as the property’s signature sit-down dining experience. Housed in a historic log cabin perched on a hill overlooking the hotel and surrounded by a beautiful rhododendron garden, the restaurant offers a contemporary take on Southern comfort food, accompanied by craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.
As someone who never passes up Southern cuisine, I found the Highlands Supper Club to be exceptional. The homemade biscuits and deviled eggs topped with blue crab and bacon were outstanding, but the oysters on the half shell truly stole the show. The blueberry cobbler à la mode provided an indulgent finale, though I nearly had to roll myself out of the restaurant afterward.
The Nordic Spa is situated in an enclosed outdoor patio and features a dry sauna, a cold spritz shower, and a lounge area with a fire pit. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the spa costs $100 per 50-minute session for up to four guests.
As a self-proclaimed sauna enthusiast, I found the setting clean and modern, though the sauna itself didn’t get quite hot enough to produce a full sweat, even after 20 minutes. That said, the experience was still relaxing, and the contrast between the warm sauna and the cold shower was invigorating.
One thing to note: the spa is only semi-private, as guests in second-story balcony rooms can see into the fenced area. A pergola overhead would help enhance the sense of privacy.
Waterfalls, S’mores, and Outdoor Activities
Trailborn Highlands embraces the experiential accommodation trend, partnering with local guides and businesses to help guests discover the culture and activities that define the southern Appalachian Mountains. Offerings include trout fishing, kayaking, canoeing, river tubing, guided hikes, and waterfall tours.
A bulletin board near the front desk lists available activities, making it easy to plan your itinerary. Additionally, complimentary bicycles are available to all guests, providing a convenient way to explore the town of Highlands.
Numerous hikes, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks are accessible within a 20-minute drive from the hotel. My personal favorite was Dry Falls, where visitors can walk along a path that runs behind the cascading water. The French Broad River—one of the oldest rivers in the world—is about an hour away and offers excellent opportunities for scenic trout fishing and kayaking.
Each evening, Trailborn lights a fire in the patio area and encourages guests to set aside their devices and connect with fellow travelers. Conversation flows easily when your hands are sticky with melted marshmallow from the nightly s’mores gathering.
Trailborn Highlands: Is It Worth It?
I thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility of Trailborn Highlands and appreciated its emphasis on experiences and community. The location offers effortless access to nature while also placing you within walking distance of the shops and cafés along Main Street in Highlands.
Cash rates can be remarkably affordable during midweek stays, and Marriott free night awards provide solid value if you plan to visit during peak season. The experience also left me eager to explore the other Trailborn properties across the United States.
About the Author
Craig Joseph is a NerdWallet credit cards and travel rewards expert. He holds degrees in geology from West Virginia University and oceanography from Oregon State University, and his work has appeared in academic journals, newspapers, and blogs. Craig is passionate about personal finance and is dedicated to enhancing the financial literacy of everyone he meets. He’ll also likely try to convince you that rocks are fascinating.
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