Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Quick summary

Trailborn Hotels & Resorts, now part of Marriott Bonvoy, offers boutique adventure lodges in scenic, nature-focused destinations across the U.S.
Trailborn Highlands in North Carolina provides modern, thoughtfully designed accommodations with a relaxed, outdoorsy atmosphere and access to hiking, small towns and curated local experiences.
Guests can book rooms with cash or Marriott points, though the redemption value may be lower than TPG's October 2025 valuation of 0.7 cents per point.
Trailborn properties offer select Marriott Bonvoy benefits, but some elite perks and discounted member rates are not available.

What to consider

Trailborn Highlands lacks traditional amenities like a pool, spa, fitness center or full breakfast, and some activities may not suit large groups.
Certain room types may not be bookable with points, and point redemptions may yield less value than TPG's October 2025 valuation of 0.7 cents per point.
Some elite status benefits, such as guaranteed lounge access and Nightly Upgrade Awards, are not honored at Trailborn properties.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed look at Trailborn’s curated local experiences, property-specific amenities and practical tips for maximizing your stay at these adventure lodges.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

As travelers increasingly look for memorable stays — and often want to get closer to nature — many hotel rewards programs are incorporating more outdoorsy accommodations. This includes the independent Trailborn Hotels & Resorts adventure lodge brand, now part of Marriott Bonvoy.

I recently had a chance to spend two nights at Trailborn Highlands, located in the small mountain town of Highlands, North Carolina, roughly a three-hour drive from both Atlanta and Charlotte. Since my parents live nearby, I decided to bring my mom along for some mother-daughter bonding time — and I would go back in a heartbeat.

Here’s what I learned from my stay, and why you may want to consider booking a Trailborn property for your next active adventure or restful retreat (or both).

A boutique base camp

Trailborn Highlands North Carolina — EMILIA WRONSKI/THE POINTS GUY

Trailborn Hotels & Resorts is an independent brand that recently signed a strategic agreement with Marriott Bonvoy. According to the brand's website, “Every Trailborn is a seamlessly curated jumping-off point to the most extraordinary outdoor destinations in the world.”

Besides Highlands, these locations are:

Estes Park, the gateway town to Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park
Wrightsville Beach on the North Carolina seaside
Williams, Arizona, near Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim
Mendocino, a coastal town in northern California (coming soon)
Jackson Hole, a mountain town in Wyoming (coming soon)

If the phrase “adventure lodge” conjures images of bare-bones cabins in the middle of nowhere, think again. Each Trailborn property is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel in a (relatively) central location.

In this case, “central” doesn’t mean you’ll find big-name attractions or a convenient public transportation system. Rather, expect miles of hiking trails, other outdoor activities and charming small towns to explore.

When my mom and I reached the end of our meandering drive from Asheville, North Carolina (Google Maps predicted an hour and 40 minutes, but the curvy mountain roads took us a little longer), we found an unassuming 63-room, two-story building tucked behind a stand of trees on the outskirts of Highlands. Filled with earth tones, natural materials and midcentury-modern furniture, the property’s interior echoed the natural beauty and backcountry charm of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

The accommodations felt modern and trendy, yet low-key. Our room was small but thoughtfully designed to the smallest detail, from the decorative quilts and air conditioner cover to the linen spa robes and cooler bag available for free day use. The result: I felt like a kid on a family road trip, minus the station wagon and musty sleeping bag.

Trailborn Highlands has an affordable price tag to match its down-to-earth energy. Our queen balcony room, which included two queen beds and a private balcony, starts at $158 per night this fall. However, you’ll also need to budget for a rental car.

The hotel’s location was just remote enough to feel like a slice of paradise while still offering plenty of things to do. It’s within a 20-minute drive of various hiking trails and a few minutes’ walk from the cute town of Highlands (or you can avail yourself of one of the property’s complimentary cruiser bikes).

A relaxing retreat

Trailborn Highlands also provides gathering spaces to help guests unwind with their companions — or meet new friends — after a day of adventure.

The hotel’s gorgeous indoor seating area was packed with photo books and vintage-style board games, as well as complimentary tea, coffee and pastries at breakfast. The outdoor area offered picnic tables, cornhole and a fire pit, with s’mores kits available for purchase at the small on-site grab-and-go market.

Sadly, we didn’t visit on a Thursday, when Trailborn Highlands hosts weekly live music and drinks. We did get a chance to check out the detached Highlands Supper Club, a rustic log cabin serving Southern comfort food.

We also made time to visit the outdoor Nordic spa, which includes a wood-fired sauna, cold shower and private fire pit. After hiking all day, an hour of relaxation in the misty mountain air was well worth the added cost ($50 per hour for up to two guests or $75 per hour for up to four guests).

For me, Trailborn Highlands was an ideal place to connect with both the great outdoors and my travel companion. However, some of the gathering spaces and activities may not be ideal for large groups. And if you’re looking for more traditional amenities like a pool, spa, fitness center or full breakfast, you might be disappointed.

A cultural connection

Besides the amenities I mentioned above, Trailborn Highlands offers curated experiences. Many of these are nature-focused, such as fly fishing (from $300), rock climbing (from $295) and forest bathing with a certified forest therapy guide ($50 per person). But there are a few less-outdoorsy options, such as a wood-burning cutting board workshop ($75 per person) and dinner and a show in Highlands ($200).

Trailborn’s hotel-curated activities are designed to showcase the local culture, so you’ll find different offerings at each property. Just a few examples: A Grand Canyon helicopter flyover at Trailborn Grand Canyon ($2,793 for up to seven guests), an aspen and elk photography tour at Trailborn Rocky Mountains ($128 per person) and an oyster roast at Trailborn Surf and Sound ($65 per person).

Check out each hotel’s Experiences page to see what’s available, and visit the Field Guide page for hiking trails, dining spots and other recommendations in the area.

On my two-day trip with my mom, we didn’t get a chance to try one of the curated experiences — we were too busy putting miles on our hiking boots and shopping and eating our way through Highlands. But with so many options, I don’t think it would be hard to fill our time on a longer stay.

However, if you’re a city slicker who prefers museum hopping and fine dining over tramping through wilderness, you may run out of things to do after a couple of days.

What Marriott Bonvoy benefits can I get at Trailborn?

Since Trailborn Hotels & Resorts joined Marriott Bonvoy earlier this year, you can earn and burn Marriott points on a stay at one of these adventurous properties.

Bonvoy members can earn 10 base points per dollar spent, as well as elite night credits toward Marriott status, when booking directly through Marriott or Trailborn channels — as long as you add your Bonvoy number to your booking. You can also redeem Bonvoy points and free night certificates for an award stay through your Marriott account.

Trailborn properties offer some of the usual Bonvoy benefits, including complimentary Wi-Fi for Bonvoy members, Marriott’s Ultimate Reservation Guarantee, and welcome gifts for Gold Elite and Platinum Elite members. However, some benefits — including discounted member rates, guaranteed lounge access, Nightly Upgrade Awards, Instant Redemption Awards and 48-hour guaranteed availability — are not available at Trailborn properties.

So, if you're a top-tier elite member, you may prefer to stay at a Marriott property where you can get more from your status.

How to get outside on points

Basic rooms at Trailborn Highlands start at $140 or 41,000 Marriott points per night this fall, though rates can go as high as $400 or 75,000 points on weekends next May. Either way, you’ll get well below our October 2025 valuation of 0.7 cents per Marriott point.

As a result, this may not be the best way to maximize your points. Plus, some room types, like those with fireplaces and balconies, don’t seem to be available to book with points. If cash rates are reasonable, you may be better off booking a paid stay with one of the best Marriott credit cards and earning points toward a future redemption.

Trailborn isn’t the only points hotel brand taking guests outside. Marriott Bonvoy also recently integrated Postcard Cabins, a collection of over 1,200 fully equipped tiny cabins, all nestled in the great outdoors but within a two-hour drive of major cities.

Similarly, World of Hyatt added glamping brand Under Canvas last year, and Hilton Honors added AutoCamp’s collection of Airstream trailers and other outdoorsy accommodations. With so many choices, it’s easier than ever to earn and burn points on a nature retreat.

Bottom line

Trailborn Highlands provided plenty of activities for me and my mom, both on-site and off, with a slower pace and more casual atmosphere than you’d find at a city hotel or spa resort. Between that and the nostalgic vibe, it seemed an ideal place for an outdoorsy family reunion — as long as your family isn’t too big.

If you love the great outdoors, you’d be equally at home here on a relaxing solo retreat, romantic weekend or end-of-summer family getaway.

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

at American Express's secure site.
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Here’s what I learned from my stay, and why you may want to consider booking a Trailborn property for your next active adventure or restful retreat (or both).

A boutique base camp

Besides Highlands, these locations are:

Estes Park, the gateway town to Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park
Wrightsville Beach on the North Carolina seaside
Williams, Arizona, near Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim
Mendocino, a coastal town in northern California (coming soon)
Jackson Hole, a mountain town in Wyoming (coming soon)

A relaxing retreat

Trailborn Highlands also provides gathering spaces to help guests unwind with their companions — or meet new friends — after a day of adventure.

A cultural connection

Check out each hotel’s Experiences page to see what’s available, and visit the Field Guide page for hiking trails, dining spots and other recommendations in the area.

However, if you’re a city slicker who prefers museum hopping and fine dining over tramping through wilderness, you may run out of things to do after a couple of days.

What Marriott Bonvoy benefits can I get at Trailborn?

Since Trailborn Hotels & Resorts joined Marriott Bonvoy earlier this year, you can earn and burn Marriott points on a stay at one of these adventurous properties.

So, if you're a top-tier elite member, you may prefer to stay at a Marriott property where you can get more from your status.

How to get outside on points

Bottom line

If you love the great outdoors, you’d be equally at home here on a relaxing solo retreat, romantic weekend or end-of-summer family getaway.

A boutique base camp

A relaxing retreat

A cultural connection

What Marriott Bonvoy benefits can I get at Trailborn?

How to get outside on points

Bottom line

Comments

Comments

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TPG featured card

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

A boutique base camp

A relaxing retreat

A cultural connection

What Marriott Bonvoy benefits can I get at Trailborn?

How to get outside on points

Bottom line

Comments

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons