Trailborn Highlands

Trailborn Highlands: A Rustic-Chic Retreat with Michelin Recognition

Trailborn Highlands, nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Highlands, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of modern design and natural tranquility. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it is recognized for delivering a "very special stay" to its guests, excelling in architectural design, individuality, quality of service, value for money, and its connection to the surrounding destination.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Guest sentiment for Trailborn Highlands is generally positive, with particular praise for its location, cleanliness, and cozy atmosphere. However, some reviews indicate mixed feelings regarding service and overall value for the price. On platforms like KAYAK, the hotel scores highly for location (9.0) and cleanliness (8.5), but lower for service (3.0) and value for price (2.5). Booking.com reviews show an excellent overall score of 8.6, with high marks for location (9.4), cleanliness (9.0), comfort (8.8), and staff (8.9).

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel's prime location, its distinctive design, and the inviting atmosphere. The property, surrounded by 4.5 acres of lush woods, provides a tranquil hideout just a short walk from downtown Highlands. The design is often described as "Midcentury-meets-the-outdoors" and "design-forward," featuring cedar wood and a warm, earthy color palette. Amenities that guests appreciate include a Nordic spa with a sauna and cold spritz showers (seasonal), a cozy lobby lounge with a fireplace, an on-site market, complimentary bikes, and outdoor fire pits. The ability to connect guests with outdoor activities like hiking, waterfalls, and fly fishing is also a significant draw.

3. Room Quality

The 63 newly renovated guest rooms at Trailborn Highlands are designed as comfortable and thoughtful retreats. They feature custom fixtures and furnishings, elevated amenities, and a cozy mountain lodge feel. Many rooms include desirable elements such as cedar wood accents, pour-over coffee, cooler totes for picnics, and luxurious robes. Some rooms offer private balconies or garden patios, and a selection of guest rooms are equipped with gas fireplaces, enhancing the cozy ambiance. Guests have described the rooms as "clean and spacious" and "well-appointed" with comfortable beds and pillows. Hypo-allergenic bedding, minibars, in-room safes, and soundproofing are also noted features.

4. Dining Experience

The culinary highlight of Trailborn Highlands is the Highlands Supper Club, a destination restaurant and bar housed in a beautifully restored historic Joe Webb log cabin, originally built in 1924. The Supper Club, which opened in January 2025, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, focusing on "approachable Southern restaurant and bar focused on exceptional execution of regional Appalachian favorites." The menu emphasizes local ingredients and rich smoky flavors, with dishes like Southern Cioppino, Grilled NC Oysters, Webb's Chicken (roasted or buttermilk fried), and North Carolina Pecan Trout. The beverage program features spirit-forward cocktails, local beers, and a curated wine list.

While the hotel itself does not currently offer a complimentary full breakfast, guests can enjoy a morning coffee service and a daily "Apres hour" at the Highlands Supper Club. Some guests have noted the presence of "tasty fresh made bread for breakfast" as part of the offerings.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff at Trailborn Highlands is somewhat mixed. While many guests praise the "friendly staff" and "helpful" nature of the team, indicating a welcoming atmosphere, others have expressed dissatisfaction. Specific criticisms include issues with staff responsiveness, communication, and check-in processes. Some reviews mention "poor service for a Marriott" property and concerns about amenities not justifying the cost.

6. Location & Accessibility

Trailborn Highlands boasts an excellent location, scoring 9.0 on KAYAK and 9.4 on Booking.com. It is situated on 4.5 tranquil acres, yet remains within a 10-minute walk to downtown Highlands, allowing easy access to romantic restaurants, antique shops, outdoor stores, ice cream, and coffee shops. The hotel also serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty of the Nantahala National Forest, being just a few miles from stunning waterfalls (like Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls), rock climbing spots, bird watching, and fly fishing. Downtown Highlands is compact and walkable, with parking available at the hotel.

Highlands itself offers various accessible attractions, including the Highlands Biological Station's North Campus Pollinator Garden and the Highlands Nature Center, both featuring accessible entry and facilities.

7. Value & Pricing

The pricing at Trailborn Highlands can vary significantly. Rooms can start from approximately $131 to $140 per night, but rates can increase substantially, reaching up to $400 or even $700+ on weekends or during peak seasons. Some guests feel that the amenities and service do not always justify the cost, leading to lower "Value for Price" ratings on some review platforms. However, for those seeking a unique, design-forward, and nature-connected experience, particularly when rates are favorable, it can be perceived as a worthwhile stay.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring criticisms often center on the perceived value for money, with some guests feeling that the cost is not always justified by the amenities or service provided. Issues with service, including staff responsiveness, communication, and occasional problems during check-in or with room cleanliness, have also been reported. One guest mentioned being assigned an uncleaned room and issues with incorrect credit card charges. Another noted that advertised inclusions were not always provided, and service quality could be inconsistent, such as not having a knife to cut complimentary bread.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. rumemagazine.com
3. liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk
4. michelin.com
5. guestreservations.com
6. hotels.com
7. thelocalpalate.com
8. highlandschamber.org
9. marriott.com
10. expedia.com
11. thehighlandssupperclub.com
12. marriott.com
13. trailborn.com
14. eclathospitality.com