Published on February 16, 2025 | Modified on February 20, 2025
Marriott purchased Postcard CabinS
Well, we posted such a nice news article recently on Postcard Cabins as competition to AutoCamp, and boom…Marriott purchased Postcard Cabins.
We’re not saying we had anything to do with it. What we are saying is the glamping space just keeps getting hotter!
Hilton And AutoCamp Were First
Hilton got into the glamping game first when they partnered with AutoCamp. Please note: Hilton did NOT purchase AutoCamp. Instead, Hilton and AutoCamp seem to have a symbiotic relationship with Hilton marketing AutoCamp properties and allowing bookings through their booking system.
In the past, the rates varied from autocamp.com to hilton.com. That no longer seems to be the case. In fact, Hilton and AutoCamp seem to have made progress integrating their systems because now you can both earn points and spend points when you book your AutoCamp stays through Hilton.com.
That’s awesome news for those of us playing the points game. If you’re not, you should be. Check 10xtravel.com and https://thepointsguy.com/.
Why did Hilton partner with AutoCamp? As we reported in our first article on the partnership:
“We know today’s travelers are craving adventures when planning their next trip, and that’s why we look for innovative and like-minded partners like AutoCamp. This is the first time a major hospitality brand and outdoor lodging company have come together in this way to create even more choices for travelers while redefining the outdoor hospitality experience.”
Chris Silcock, president, Global Brands and Commercial Services, Hilton
According to the Hilton Trends Report, in 2024, nearly half of travelers will prioritize exploration and adventure, with more than half of Gen Z and Millennials carving out more budget for these types of experiences, exceeding other generations.
From personal observation, we have been to 5 of the 6 open AutoCamp locations. The AutoCamp visitors are very much on the young side, many with young families and/or dogs. Also check the #autocamp hashtag on Instagram to see who is posting from AutoCamp. This appeal to Gen Z and Millennials is a smart move for Hilton.
Marriott is vying for the same demographic, of course, so if there is any surprise, it’s that it took Marriott this long to get into the glamping space.
Hyatt and Under Canvas
Similar to the AutoCamp and Hilton relationship, World of Hyatt members can earn and redeem points at Under Canvas’ 13 outdoor resorts across the US.
World of Hyatt members can earn five base points per US$1 spent on room rates at Under Canvas camps, as well as at the group’s luxury outdoor resort ULUM Moab in Utah, according to World of Hyatt.
Marriott and Postcard Cabins – Their Advantage
Why do we think Marriott has gotten the better end of the deal in purchasing Postcard Cabins?
First, “Marriot acquired Postcard Cabins.” They purchased them. It’s not a partnership. So, Marriott can run them, market them, price them, open them, close them…anything they can think of … at their own will.
Second, Postcard Cabins has 29 locations in the US. AutoCamp currently has 6 open locations:
- AutoCamp Cape Cod
- AutoCamp Catskills
- AutoCamp Joshua Tree
- AutoCamp Russian River
- AutoCamp Yosemite
- AutoCamp Zion
AutoCamp had announced on July 26, 2022 that there would be FOUR new locations, and they would open in 2023:
Of those locations, AutoCamp Asheville had a horrible disaster with Hurricane Helene and won’t open until September 1, 2025, but they were 2 years late to open before the hurricane. AutoCamp Hill Country is said to open in 2025, but they are not taking bookings yet. AutoCamp Sequoia will open in March 2025. AutoCamp Zion opened in 2023.
Let’s face it, AutoCamp does not have a very good record at expansion. They have also run into tremendous community pushback when trying to open locations in the Grand Canyon and Sedona, as well. Now, they are running into big pushback at a proposed Napa location.
Marriott has far greater resources when it comes to budgets, lawyers, geologists, planners…everything it takes to open new properties easily and successfully.
Conclusion: The Glamping Space
Undoubtedly, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott see financial value in the glamping space, but Marriott has taken it to a new level with actually purchasing a major glamping company. We will continue to watch major glamping news to see how the business of glamping continues to evolve. Of course, our primary focus is on AutoCamp, as their Airstreams do set them apart from the competition. Stick with us. We’ll keep you informed – and never inundated!
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