Hilton Honors & AutoCamp Launch Intriguing Partnership

Earlier this year, Hilton announced plans to launch a partnership with AutoCamp. We’ve now seen this collaboration fully rolled out, as all AutoCamp properties have just joined Hilton Honors.

Basics of the Hilton & AutoCamp partnership

Hilton Honors has launched an exclusive partnership with outdoor hospitality company AutoCamp, so that loyalty program members can earn and redeem points for a different kind of lodging experience.

For those not familiar with AutoCamp, think of it as an elevated “glamping” concept. AutoCamp properties have a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury tents to Airstreams. Each AutoCamp location also has The Clubhouse and The Kitchen, which are the social hubs of the property, serving food and drinks, as well as offering grab-and-go merchandise and retail options.

AutoCamp properties also have plenty of other common areas, from communal fire pits, to trails, to swimming pools (at some locations), to group meeting spaces, and more. Suffice it to say that this isn’t your traditional campground.

AutoCamp has eight locations, including in Asheville, Cape Cod, Catskills, Joshua Tree, Russian River, Sequoia, and Yosemite.

Here’s how Chris Silcock, Hilton’s President of Global Brands and Commercial Services, describes this:

“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.”

All AutoCamp properties join Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors and AutoCamp have finally fully rolled out their partnership, as all AutoCamp property are now bookable through Hilton booking channels, including Hilton’s website and app.

You’ll see the properties bookable just like any other Hilton property, and you can either pay cash and earn points, or even redeem points. The Hilton Honors points redemption value is okay, but nothing great, as I value the points at ~0.5 cents each.

If you’re booking a cash stay, you can earn points and elite nights, just as you could at other Hilton Honors properties. There are also some elite perks:

• Hilton Honors Silver members receive two eco-friendly waters
• Hilton Honors Gold members receive one bundle of firewood, two eco-friendly waters, and a space available upgrade
• Hilton Honors Diamond members receive one s’mores kit per stay, one bundle of firewood, two eco-friendly waters, and a space available upgrade

Note that for the time being, you can’t earn Hilton Honors points for ancillary spending at AutoCamp properties, but that’s expected to change in the coming weeks.

My take on Hilton’s AutoCamp collaboration

I’ve gotta say, this new Hilton Honors partnership is making me interested in trying AutoCamp. I’m not someone who is usually into “camping” (or even glamping, perhaps aside from a safari, if you want to call it that).

However, AutoCamp looks like a very cool concept that I’d absolutely consider, and most importantly, the company has properties in some destinations that I’d love to visit. As you can see, AutoCamp isn’t cheap, but then again, it seems to offer a unique experience.

Big picture, I can’t help but find it noteworthy how much the major hotel groups are nowadays focused on their non-core brands. For years, we saw the major hotel groups have endless brand inflation, launching new brand after new brand. While they’re still doing that, they’re now seeking new things to monetize.

We’re increasingly seeing the major hotel groups essentially act as travel agents for competing concepts. The major hotel groups are getting a commission, and in turn, they’re offering some rewards to their loyalty program members. This is true in so many forms, ranging from Hyatt buying Mr & Mrs Smith, to Homes & Villas by Marriott, to Hilton’s new Small Luxury Hotels of the World collaboration.

Bottom line

Hilton and AutoCamp have launched a partnership, giving Hilton Honors members the opportunity to earn and redeem points for stays at “glamping” properties. All AutoCamp properties have now been rolled out on Hilton booking channels.

What do you make of the new Hilton & AutoCamp partnership?