Hilton makes a play for outdoor travel with new AutoCamp partnership
27.02.2024 - 14:34
/ thepointsguy.com
/ Chris Silcock
You'll soon be able to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points for a journey into the great outdoors.
Hilton unveiled Tuesday morning a partnership with outdoor lodging brand AutoCamp, known for its mix of venues located in the vicinity of national parks and other popular outdoor destinations. The partnership will mean travelers can book AutoCamp stays directly on Hilton's website or mobile app "in coming months" and earn and burn Hilton Honors points if they are a member of the loyalty program.
"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," Chris Silcock, president of global brands and commercial services at Hilton, said in a statement. "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."
AutoCamp operates in markets like Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Yosemite, Joshua Tree and the Russian River in California; Zion in Utah; and the Catskills in New York. Upcoming locations include Asheville, North Carolina, as well as Sequoia, California, and Hill Country in Texas.
Don't think of this just as a play for "glamping," however. AutoCamp is a popular hospitality offering for those looking for a little more outdoor flair with their vacation. Yes, the company utilizes Airstream trailers for some of its lodging, thanks to an exclusive partnership with the brand; however, you'll also find cabins and luxury tents at some AutoCamp destinations.
Each AutoCamp features The Clubhouse, meant to be a gathering place for meals and socializing. The Kitchen is each AutoCamp's sit-down restaurant, while grab-and-go items (including food for your grill) can be purchased at The General Store. Guests will also find other amenities like communal fire pits, trails, meeting spaces and, at select locations, swimming pools.
AutoCamp also features location-minded experiences at each venue, so guests can dabble in oysters or fall foliage while exploring Cape Cod, while Russian River guests can participate in a wine tasting.
"Our mission at AutoCamp has always been to reconnect people with the outdoors and each other," said AutoCamp CEO and founder Neil Dipaola in a statement. "By partnering with an incredible global brand like Hilton, we're able to introduce Hilton Honors members to a new hospitality experience rooted in nature — bringing them closer to the country's most iconic national parks and explorable outdoor destinations without sacrificing the highest caliber of hospitality and comfort they expect."
Hilton leaders pointed to the hotel company's 2024 Hilton Trends Report