The Michelin Guide has introduced a new global rating system for hotels, called Michelin Keys, designed to recognize the world's most outstanding accommodations. The inaugural selection was announced at an awards ceremony in Paris, establishing a benchmark for hotel excellence similar to the Michelin Stars for restaurants.
This new system evaluates hotels on criteria including design, architecture, service, and personality. A total of 2,457 properties worldwide received the distinction in the first global release, with 317 of them located in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- The Michelin Guide has launched Michelin Keys, a new global honor for exceptional hotels.
- The rating system has three tiers: One Key for a special stay, Two Keys for an exceptional stay, and Three Keys for an extraordinary stay.
- The first global selection includes 2,457 hotels across North America, Europe, Asia, and nearly 100 new countries.
- In the United States, 317 hotels were awarded Keys, including 16 with the highest Three-Key distinction.
A New Standard for Hotel Excellence
For more than a century, the Michelin Guide has been a trusted resource for culinary excellence. Now, it is applying its rigorous evaluation process to the hotel industry. The Michelin Keys aim to guide travelers to properties that offer more than just a place to sleep, focusing on establishments that provide memorable experiences.
Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guide, announced the new system in Paris. He stated that the Keys are intended to honor hotels that deliver truly remarkable stays.
"One hundred twenty-five years after its creation as a guide for discerning travelers, the Michelin Guide is once again redefining excellence. Michelin Keys now honor hotels that offer truly remarkable stays, where design, service, and location come together to create unforgettable moments."
The selection process is conducted by the same teams of anonymous inspectors who evaluate restaurants. They assess properties based on a range of factors that contribute to a unique and high-quality guest experience.
Understanding the Key Rating System
The Michelin Keys are awarded on a three-level scale, making it easy for travelers to understand the level of distinction a property has achieved. Each tier represents a different standard of hospitality.
One Key: A Very Special Stay
A hotel awarded One Key is considered a gem in its category. These properties stand out for their character and offer a hospitality experience that is significantly above average. An example in the U.S. is the Six Bells Countryside Inn in New York's Hudson Valley, which was newly awarded a One-Key honor.
Two Keys: An Exceptional Stay
Properties receiving Two Keys are described as offering an exceptional stay. These hotels are destinations in their own right, providing a unique style and a memorable experience. Service and amenities at these locations are of a very high standard.
Three Keys: An Extraordinary Stay
The highest honor, Three Keys, is reserved for hotels that provide an extraordinary stay. According to the Michelin Guide, these are the most outstanding properties in the world, combining ultimate comfort, service, style, and elegance. They are considered true destinations that are worth a dedicated trip.
Global Selection at a Glance
- Total Honored Hotels: 2,457
- New Countries Added: Nearly 100
- New Regions: Central America and the Caribbean included for the first time
- U.S. Total: 317 hotels
The U.S. Michelin Key Recipients
The United States features prominently in the inaugural global selection, with a diverse range of hotels earning Keys. The distribution of awards highlights the country's varied and high-quality hospitality landscape.
The U.S. properties recognized are:
- 16 Three-Key Hotels: Representing the pinnacle of luxury and experience.
- 69 Two-Key Hotels: Acknowledged for offering exceptional stays.
- 232 One-Key Hotels: Celebrated for being very special properties.
Among the recipients are well-known establishments and hidden gems. For example, the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California, and the Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in New Mexico are among the properties recognized for their unique offerings. Thirty-seven U.S. hotels received their first Michelin Key in this global announcement.
Building on a Legacy
The Michelin Guide first published a selection of U.S. hotels in 2024. The new global list updates those initial honors and expands the program worldwide. While many properties retained their status, some hotels were demoted or removed due to closures or changes in quality, reflecting the guide's commitment to current and accurate recommendations.
Global Expansion and Future Impact
The launch of the global Michelin Keys marks a significant expansion of the guide's influence in the travel sector. By adding nearly 100 new countries and including regions like Central America and the Caribbean for the first time, Michelin is creating a worldwide standard for hotel quality.
This system provides travelers with a reliable tool for discovering independently-owned properties that offer authentic local experiences combined with top-tier service. For hotels, earning a Michelin Key is a prestigious accolade that can attract discerning guests from around the globe.
The annual updates to the list will ensure that the recommendations remain relevant, encouraging continuous improvement within the hospitality industry. As with the restaurant Stars, the Michelin Keys are expected to become a highly sought-after award, shaping how travelers choose their accommodations for years to come.
