My stay at Postcard Cabins Dale Hollow, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy when it was originally Getaway Dale Hollow was by surprise, as I was not expecting to experience a couple of nights at this property during its first week of operation.
My Stay at Postcard Cabins Dale Hollow, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy When It Was Getaway Dale Hollow
I have gone camping in the past and enjoyed it; but I have never experienced luxury camping — or glamping, as the portmanteau of glamorous and camping is more popularly known.
I always thought that portmanteau was in and of itself the name of a coastal vacation destination — but I digress, as usual: “Hey — let’s grab some beers and head on out to Port Manteau for the weekend!”
Even the drive there was unknown to me, as I was basically given directions to get there — wherever there was located.
After driving for three hours and 40 minutes, we finally arrived at what was then known as Getaway Dale Hollow. Not much else was around in the towns of Celina or Midway in Tennessee.
We then followed the signs to get to where we would be staying for two nights.
I have to admit that I was excited to be surprised and not knowing everything about this trip until arrival. I am usually the one who comes up with the ideas and destinations for the trip.
The view of the site slowly emerged from within the woods as we approached it.
We parked the car and took a look at the exterior of the cabin as we noticed just how serene and quiet was the area that surrounded us. It was perfect. Even better is that we were likely the first occupants of this cabin.
The cabins were secured by a digital lock code, which guests receive at 2:00 in the afternoon on the day of checking in via text message for a seamless and easy process of checking in and checking out of the cabin. No front desk exists at this property; so guests do not have to wait on anyone for access. All belongings are secured in the cabin.
Inside of the Cabin
A very comfortable bed — complete with white linens, a blanket, and fluffy pillows — was in the cabin. I really liked the pine walls of the cabin.
Two windows provided views of the woods outside and offered plenty of ambient light during the day — and blackout shades can be used if privacy is necessary and ambient light is unwanted.
The entrance to the cabin is on the left of the table in the photograph above on the left. The frame of the bed provides a storage area; another table or counter area; and a step up to the bed itself.
On the wall was a Barebones lantern that was powered by Universal Serial Bus or USB. Lighting was controlled by a light switch and a dimmer. A thermostat ensure climate controlled comfort. On the table was a welcome packet — complete with four crayons…
…and a complimentary S’mores Kit in a sealed small brown paper bag, which contained chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers, and two roasting sticks to create the confectionary treat. No destination fee was charged when I was there; so we brought our own provisions rather than purchased any of the extra items.
Since this property became a part of Marriott, each of the following items are replenished daily and are covered by a destination fee of $40.00 per day:
- Three firewood bundles and starter kits
- Food and beverage credit of $15.00
- S’mores Kit — including graham crackers, chocolates, marshmallows, and roasting sticks
- Pour-over coffee packets, tea bags, and hot chocolate packets
Also on the table was a wooden “cellphone lockbox” in which “for a true escape, forget your phone inside.”
The kitchenette was well stocked and equipped for being in such a small area, as it was comprised of a small sink, a stovetop with two burners, a cutting board, and assorted utensils — including:
- A miniature refrigerator
- Plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and utensils
- Pot, pan, mixing bowl, and kettle
- Cutting board
- Knives and scissors
- Tin foil
- Can opener, bottle opener, and corkscrew
- Lighters
- Paper towels and dish soap
- Salt, pepper, and olive oil
- Coffee creamer and sugar
The Bathroom
The back of the door to the en-suite bathroom had two hooks on it. On one side of the bathroom was a toilet and a small wastebasket — as well as a red box on the wall that included a first aid kit.
The shower stall was enclosed by a glass door and contained bulk plastic dispenser bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash that were attached to the wall. The small window added light and space to the small bathroom. Both the pressure and temperature of the water of the shower were great; but the stall itself was predictably a little small in terms of the space inside.
The labels on the bulk plastic dispenser bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash had no identity as to who manufactured those products or what scents they contained — the brand is actually Pharmacopia — but I will bet that after the acquisition by Marriott, they have been replaced by different upscale brands of these products. Two sets of towels and washcloths were on a rack that hung from the wall whose shiny reflective material appeared to be that of galvanized steel.
The Outside
Two Adirondack chairs and a fire pit with a grill await outside of the cabin on a surface of small rocks. The grill was obviously never used, as it was shiny and clean as though it was brand new. A large box that was labeled “Campfire Kit” contained the aforementioned firewood bundles and starter kits.
We dined on London broil, baked potatoes that were fluffy inside, roasted ears of sweet corn, Kosher frankfurters on toasted buns — all of which were cooked and grilled to perfection by me, if I do say so myself — and salad.
I threw the ears of corn — still in their husks — into the fire when it was at peak temperature. Upon removing the husks, they came out perfect with a slight char.
Those baked potatoes could not have been any fluffier.
Who needs a restaurant, anyway?!?
For dessert, the contents of the S’mores Bag were laid out on the wooden picnic table that was located behind the chairs and in front of the cabin. I toasted my marshmallows to a perfect golden brown with the ideal creamy consistency inside.
Not bad for a kid from Brooklyn with charcoal fingers.
Final Boarding Call
“Getaway, the leading nature destinations company, today changes its name to Postcard Cabins. The new name aligns closely with the company’s commitment to providing restorative respites in nature, away from an always-on world”, according to this official announcement that was released on Thursday, October 17, 2024 — likely to prepare for its acquisition by Marriott International, Incorporated. “Since the company’s inception in 2015, it has focused on creating more free time through experiences in nature that feel picture-perfect, like a postcard capturing a special moment in time. The new name will build on that foundation and better position the company to scale and offer more opportunities to deliver those experiences that create meaningful moments of connection, relaxation and reflection in nature.”
I highly recommend staying at Postcard Cabins Dale Hollow, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy. I felt peaceful, comfortable, and quite relaxed during my stay, as it truly was a Getaway. This was a perfect place of quiet solitude to put life on hold for at least a couple of days.
I cannot imagine the experience is much different than before this property became a part of the portfolio of Marriott Bonvoy — but this time around, Marriott Bonvoy points can be earned for each stay.
If you are interested in staying at this property or any of the at 32 participating properties of Trailborn and Postcard Cabins, you are in luck, as you can save up to 15 percent on the recently launched Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy with stays of a minimum of three consecutive nights through Wednesday, February 11, 2026 — but you must book your new reservation using promotion code S6058 through Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11:59 in the evening Eastern Standard Time to take advantage of this offer.
Postcard Cabins Dale Hollow, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
2493 Moss Arcot Road
Celina, Tennessee 38551
United States of America
+1-888-236-2427
Parking on site is complimentary. This property has no lobby or restaurant; and provisions are scarce outside of the property — so bring your own desired food and beverages in addition to those that are offered as part of the destination fee. No sleeping bag is necessary.
All photographs ©2021 by Brian Cohen.
