Michelin Key hotels: Meaning and examples

What are Michelin Key hotels?

Michelin Key hotels are standout, often luxury, hotels that have been officially recognised by the Michelin Guide for exceptional quality and service.

The Michelin Guide is a renowned publication that hands out awards to the most outstanding restaurants and hotels in the industry. In the case of restaurants, it’s Michelin Stars and for hotels it’s Michelin Keys.

What countries have Michelin Keys?

Michelin Keys are awarded to hotels in countries all around the world, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

What Michelin Key is highest?

Three keys is the highest Michelin Key rating, above two keys and one key. Hotels with three keys are seen as the best of the best.

In this blog we’ll explore what it means to be a Michelin Key hotel, how the honour is awarded, and some examples of properties that already hold the title.

Why were Michelin Keys introduced?

Michelin Keys were introduced to also include hotels in what was previously the Michelin Guide’s focus on restaurants. They aim to recognise hotels that offer exceptional hospitality and service.

The Michelin Guide realised that hotels also play a crucial role in providing a memorable and satisfying travel experience. Michelin Keys signify that a hotel has met the same high standards as Michelin-starred restaurants.

Introducing Michelin Keys also allowed the Michelin Guide to expand its own recognition and provide travellers with guidance for luxury experiences, promoting hospitality excellence in the process. Given that the global luxury hotel market was valued at USD 140.28 billion, it’s service that is high in demand and  much appreciated by travellers.

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What benefits do Michelin hotels receive?

Hotels that are awarded Michelin Keys join an exclusive group that enjoy the benefit of prestige and recognition that it brings. Some advantages that accompany this include:

• Increased visibility: Being recognized by the Michelin Guide brings increased visibility and attention from travellers and the media.
• A better reputation: A Michelin recognition can significantly enhance a hotel’s reputation as a luxury and high-quality accommodation.
• High-value guests: Michelin-recognized hotels often attract a more discerning and affluent clientele.
• Boosted occupancy rates: The prestige and reputation associated with Michelin recognition can lead to higher occupancy rates and increased revenue.
• Greater brand value: A Michelin recognition can contribute to the overall brand value and reputation of the hotel.
• More partnership opportunities: Michelin-recognised hotels may have opportunities for partnerships with other luxury brands or organisations.

Underpinning all of this is the potential for greater revenue and profit for the hotel business, allowing it to grow and become even more renowned.

How does a hotel make it into the Michelin Hotel Guide?

Not just any hotel can make it into the Michelin Guide and be awarded a Michelin Key. There is a rigorous selection process, the exact criteria of which is not publicly disclosed.

Currently, there are around 5,000 hotels that are included in the Michelin Guide, based on factors such as the quality of accommodations, service, dining, atmosphere, and unique selling points.

To receive one, two, or three Michelin Keys, a hotel needs to go beyond and deliver a very special stay, an exceptional stay, or an extraordinary stay. 

Gaining a key will require a hotel to meet all five of the following criteria:

• Excellence in architecture and interior design
• Quality and consistency of service
• Overall personality and character
• Value for the price 
• A significant contribution to the neighbourhood or setting

Michelin Key awards examples

So to get a better idea of what a Michelin Hotel looks like and how they are awarded Keys, let’s look at some current examples from around the world.

Michelin Key hotels USA 

An example of a Michelin Key hotel in the USA is SiteMinder customer Caldera House.

This luxury property in Wyoming is characterised by stunning views of the Teton Range and is popular with guests looking for upscale ski accommodation or a mountain retreat.

Michelin Keys Canada 

An example in Canada includes SiteMinder customer Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, a property with three Michelin Keys.

Situated off the grid and on 600 acres, guests will be able to see wildlife roaming freely at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

Michelin Keys Mexico

In Mexico, an example is the two-key Michelin property Hotel Casa Polanco, also a valued SiteMinder customer.

Labelled the best boutique hotel in Mexico City by Forbes, guests enjoy clean, comfortable, luxury in an ideal and convenient location.

Michelin Key hotels Europe 

There are countless Michelin Key hotels spread across Europe, including in Italy, Spain, and France but many other countries too.

For instance in Hamburg, Germany, there is The Fontenay – a three-key hotel. The Fontenay is the ultimate urban escape, with easy access to both the city and the waterfront.

In the UK, one example is The Newt in Somerset. One of the finest country-house properties one could find, the property dates back to 1687 and became a hotel in 2019.

Michelin Keys Italy 

Six Senses Rome is a Michelin Key hotel in Italy, combining all the best parts of a Six Senses hotel with a building and location to die for.

Guests can feel like they are a part of history while at the property, or take a stroll to visit some of the city’s most historic sites.

Michelin Keys Spain 

Spanish Michelin Key hotel examples include SiteMinder customer Atrio Restaurante Hotel in Caceres. Its three-key achievement is thanks to a stellar restaurant and wine cellar that is supported by luxurious and authentic accommodations.

Guests will hardly want to leave the property, such is the pleasure of wandering the grounds or dining at the restaurant.

Michelin Keys France

France is home to Le Royal Monceau – Raffles. This valued SiteMinder customer boasts creative, colourful, and diverse interiors that spared no expense.

With outstanding dining, wellness, and meeting services all available, all types of luxury guests will find it nothing short of delightful.

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