125 Years After Its Creation, The MICHELIN Guide Sets a New Global Standard for Hotel Excellence with the MICHELIN Key Distinction

The MICHELIN Guide is pleased to present its inaugural Global MICHELIN Keys Selection. Following the launch of MICHELIN Key distinctions in 15 top travel destinations¹ last year, The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have scoured the world and chosen among the more than 7,000 hotels in The MICHELIN Guide selection to identify those offering the most exceptional experiences.

In total, no less than 2,457 hotels have received One (1,742), Two (572) or Three (143) MICHELIN Keys across the globe - all representing the crème de la crème of world hospitality and meeting The MICHELIN Guide's highest standards of hospitality and quality.

Unveiled online and at an exclusive ceremony at Musée des Arts Décoratifs, in Paris (France), all these hotels are bookable via The MICHELIN Guide's website and mobile apps, with integrated concierge services and VIP perks for a seamless and memorable experience.

"125 years after its creation as a guide for discerning travelers, The MICHELIN Guide is once again redefining excellence - this time in the world of hospitality. Just as MICHELIN Stars celebrate the world's most exceptional restaurants, MICHELIN Keys now honor hotels that offer truly remarkable stays, where design, service, and location come together to create unforgettable moments. With the introduction of the MICHELIN Keys, the Guide establishes a new, global, and independent benchmark for outstanding hotel experiences", says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide.

"With their unique field expertise, MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have selected the finest properties from across the globe, reflecting the diversity and excellence of today's hospitality landscape. Whether travelers seek iconic resorts, historic city hotels, or hidden gems off the beaten path, the MICHELIN Keys provide a trusted guide to discover, explore, and book truly memorable stays that inspire and delight."

The MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection and the MICHELIN Keys

Internationally renowned for its restaurant selections and Star ratings, The MICHELIN Guide has expanded in recent years to relaunch a global hotel selection of over 7,000 properties.

Just as Stars recognize the world's finest culinary experiences, the MICHELIN Keys highlight the most outstanding stays within the Guide's hotel selection. Carefully assessed by MICHELIN Guide Inspectors using five universal criteria, the Keys evaluate each hotel's overall hospitality experience - beyond individual amenities - establishing a new and the first independent global benchmark for excellence in lodging.

One MICHELIN Key: a very special stay 

This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mold, offer something different, or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments. 

Two MICHELIN Keys: an exceptional stay 

Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm that's operated with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay. 

Three MICHELIN Keys: an extraordinary stay 

It's all about astonishment and indulgence here - this is the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world's most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts of travelers. 

After recognizing more than 1,500 exceptional hotels in its initial Key selections in 2024 and early 2025, The MICHELIN Guide now takes the next step by showcasing and making bookable the world's very best hotels.

North & Central America + Caribbean: Updated MICHELIN Keys in the United States, Mexico and Canada - plus brand-new Key hotels across 20+ countries

The United States, Mexico, and Canada have updated their MICHELIN Key selections with 50 new additions and upgrades, including Wakax Hacienda - Cenote & Boutique Hotel in Tulum, Mexico, and Warren Street Hotel in New York City, both promoted from One to Two MICHELIN Keys.

For the first time, MICHELIN Guide Inspectors also highlighted Key hotels across Central America and the Caribbean, featuring tropical and cultural destinations, with particularly strong representation in Costa Rica and Saint Barth, as well as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

In this region, the best hotels often surprise with their diversity, from wilderness glamping and jungle eco-lodges to sleek city boutiques and charming countryside properties. Notable highlights include Nayara Springs in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica, the country's first Three-MICHELI-Key hotel, an adult-only retreat in Arenal Volcano National Park. Another standout is Golden Rock Inn in Charlestown, St. Kitts and Nevis, awarded Two MICHELIN Keys; this secluded property, founded by artists Helen and Brice Marden, features gardens designed by Raymond Jungles, a former collaborator of Frank Gehry.

Together, there are 526 MICHELIN Key Hotels spanning across North & Central America + Caribbean (23 Three MICHELIN Keys; 123 Two MICHELIN Keys; 380 One MICHELIN Key).

South America: Brand-new MICHELIN Keys across the continent recognize the finest hotels in Brazil, Chile, Argentina and four additional countries

Reflecting the continent's rich diversity of cultures, landscapes, and travel experiences, Inspectors awarded 84 MICHELIN Key hotels (5 Three Keys, 21 Two Keys, 58 One Key) across seven countries. The five Three-Key properties are Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel and Rosewood São Paulo in Brazil; Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa and Awasi Patagonia in Torres del Paine, Chile; and Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel, Colca Canyon in Arequipa, Peru.

MICHELIN Keys span major cities, coastal towns, and remote regions, offering travelers a broad range of stays. One example is Explora Rapa Nui, a One-Key adventure hotel on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), which combines all-inclusive accommodations with guided explorations of the moai statues and other archaeological and cultural sites, providing a unique and immersive experience at the edge of the continent.

Europe: The best hotels in 30+ countries, from updated MICHELIN Keys to brand-new MICHELIN Keys across the continent. 

MICHELIN Keys have all been updated in existing selections in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom - with notable upgrades in Italy. Meanwhile, the Inspectors have added hundreds of new Keys for the very first time in countries across every corner of the continent.

From ski retreats in Andorra, such as L'Ovella Negra Mountain and Grau Roig Andorra Boutique Hotel & Spa, to wine estates in Georgia like Vazisubani Estate in Gurjaani Municipality, to futuristic glass-box accommodations in Norway such as Manshausen, travelers can discover hidden gems across all categories. With over a thousand MICHELIN Keys, Europe represents a significant share of the world's top hotels.

France leads with 203 MICHELIN Key hotels, followed by Italy with 188 and Germany with 130. Highlights include De L'Europe Amsterdam in the Netherlands, a Three-Key classic European grand hotel offering timeless luxury and diverse styles. In contrast, Villa Nai 3.3 in Croatia, also Three Keys, is an intimate eight-room property set on an estate with a century-old olive mill, designed by architect Nikola Bašić with low-profile stone structures built into a hillside on Dugi Otok. For mountain adventurers, EN Hotel in Zakopane, Poland, offers a Two-Key stay in the heart of Tatra National Park.

Africa: From historic riads to luxury safaris, the very first MICHELIN Keys in Africa distinguish the best hotels in Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa and seven more countries

The inaugural selection spans luxury safaris in South Africa and Kenya, historic riads in Morocco, and beach resorts in Mauritius and the Seychelles. It also includes some of the world's boldest and most creative hospitality experiences, including six Three-Key hotels across four countries: Giraffe Manor in Kenya; Kasbah Tamadot and La Mamounia in Morocco; Zannier Sonop in Namibia; and Londolozi Game Reserve and Royal Malewane in South Africa's Kruger National Park. The latter offers the pinnacle of safari luxury, with expansive suites and residences, ranger-led Big Five expeditions, and premium dining and spa experiences.

Set along Namibia's Skeleton Coast, Shipwreck Lodge, awarded Two MICHELIN Keys, combines dramatic desert and ocean landscapes with design inspired by historic shipwrecks, offering a base for diverse adventure experiences. In Marrakech, Morocco, Riad Sakkan, a One-Key property, exemplifies the city's iconic riad tradition with a contemporary vision: 12 inward-facing rooms surrounding a private courtyard, capturing the warmth and intimacy of a home within the medina.

Asia: Updated MICHELIN Keys in Japan and Thailand, plus the first-ever Key hotels in China Mailand, Cambodia, India, Vietnam and 15+ more countries

Among the updates, Asaba Ryokan in Izu City, Japan, has been elevated from Two to Three Keys. This 500-plus-year-old ryokan embodies traditional hospitality within a serene natural setting. New Three-Key properties across Asia include hotels in China Mainland, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, the Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Notable examples include Ceylon Tea Trails - Relais & Châteaux in Sri Lanka, offering a hybrid colonial-contemporary experience with valley accommodations and access to kayaking, mountain climbing, tea trail tours, and guided rainforest and national park explorations.

While Three-Key hotels often take the spotlight, MICHELIN Keys of every distinction guide travelers to extraordinary journeys across Asia - from the beaches of the Maldives and Bali to the mountains of Bhutan and the Himalayas' foothills. In India, The Kumaon, a One-Key hotel, is a 10-suite mountain retreat designed by disciples of modernist master Geoffrey Bawa, with cantilevered dining rooms offering breathtaking views. In Shanghai, Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li, a Two-Key property in the historic Xuhui District, combines distinctive shikumen architecture with a spa, MICHELIN-Star dining, and comprehensive meeting and event facilities.

Middle East: The first MICHELIN Key hotels in the Middle East highlight the very best hotels in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and five additional countries 

While Dubai dazzles with the bold luxury travelers have come to expect, the region also reveals secluded escapes set against some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. Inspectors have awarded Keys across a wide spectrum of stays, from business and leisure to adventure travel.

With 13 MICHELIN Key hotels (1 Three Keys, 3 Two Keys and, 9 One Key) Dubai showcases a remarkable range of style and luxury. Doha, the capital of Qatar, follows closely with 10 Key hotels (3 Two Keys and 7 One Key), including several hotels boasting their own private beaches. Meanwhile, Oman and Saudi Arabia invite travelers to immerse themselves in some of the world's most unforgettable desert adventures.

Among the many Dubai hotels recognized by MICHELIN Inspectors, both with and without Keys, Atlantis The Royal stands out as a spectacular Three-Key property. Far from a hidden gem, this iconic destination redefines the skyscraper as an expansive indoor-outdoor oasis, complete with cascading terraces, glittering pools, and a wealth of world-class dining and entertainment.

A Two-Key property, Alila Jabal Akhdar, is located in Oman's Al Hajar Mountains. The resort features hand-painted suites with private balconies overlooking the landscape, whereas Six Senses Zighy Bay, One MICHELIN Key, is notable for its unique arrival option by paraglider.

In Jordan, MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have awarded One Key to Bratus Hotel, an independent luxury property in downtown Aqaba. Distinguished by its design and service, it stands out in a market dominated by international chains and is located within walking distance of the beach.

Oceania: The first-ever Keys in Oceania, distinguishing the best hotels in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia

The first MICHELIN Keys in Oceania recognize 63 hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and French Polynesia. Among them are remote island resorts in Bora Bora, sublime architectural coastal properties in Australia, and spectacular estates in New Zealand.

The selection also highlights a strong mix of city hotels, including historic properties, independent discoveries, and leading international luxury brands. A Three-Key eco-resort on a private atoll named after the actor who originally purchased it, The Brando, in French Polynesia features guided excursions highlighting its diverse ecosystem and sustainability-oriented initiatives, including organic gardens, solar power, and an on-site research station. In Australia, Thorngrove Manor, is a Two-Key gothic-style manor in the Adelaide Hills. Opened in 1984 as an alternative to standard chain hotels, it remains notable for its handcrafted interiors and antique-filled design. A One-Key luxury lodge near Queenstown (New Zealand) on a 150-year-old stone homestead by Lake Hayes, Stoneridge Estate includes its own vineyard, modern accommodations, and is frequently chosen for weddings, offering views of surrounding mountain peaks and a design inspired by European châteaux.

Introducing Four New Special Awards

In addition to the MICHELIN Keys, The MICHELIN Guide presents four Special Awards, recognizing hotels for achievements that transcend traditional categories and celebrating excellence and uniqueness in specific areas of hospitality. Following the announcement of five nominees per category in August and September, Inspectors today revealed the winners.

The MICHELIN Architecture & Design Award honors hotels whose architecture and design inspire unforgettable journeys, elevating the guest experience through a distinctive aesthetic identity. This year's award goes to Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, UAE. Its monumental geometric design of stacked, deconstructed volumes redefines Dubai's skyline, featuring six interconnected towers composed of terraced, cantilevered blocks, each with its own dedicated spaces and amenities. Other nominees in this category included Rosewood São Paulo (Brazil), Shabara Resort (Umluj, Saudi Arabia), Benesse House (Naoshima, Japan), and Villa Nai 3.3 (Dugi Otok, Croatia).

The MICHELIN Wellness Awardrecognizes hotels with pioneering wellness programs that nurture body, mind, and spirit. This year's award goes to Bürgenstock Resort Switzerland, a historic yet modern destination perched above Lake Lucerne. The resort spans three hotels and features extensive spa facilities, including its Alpine Spa with multiple pools, steam rooms, and medical wellness programs focused on recovery and rehabilitation. Other nominees in this category were Canyon Ranch Tucson (Arizona, USA), Joali Being (Raa Atoll, Maldives), Lily of The Valley (La Croix-Valmer, France), and The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (Grindavik, Iceland).

The MICHELIN Local Gateway Awardhonors hotels that offer guests immersive connections to their surroundings, evoking the character and spirit of their region and offering authentic local experiences. This year's award goes to La Fiermontina Ocean in Larache, Morocco. The property celebrates Moroccan heritage and supports nearby villages through education and employment initiatives, inviting guests to share meals and stories with locals. Set within a protected natural area, the hotel features traditional homes, olive tree landscapes, and ocean-view suites that provide an immersive experience of rural Moroccan life. Other nominees in this category were Zannier Sonop (Namib Desert, Namibia), Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa (Torres del Paine National Park, Chile), Longitude 131 (Yulara, Australia), and Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur, USA).

The MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award, supported by United Overseas Bank (UOB), recognizes newly opened hotels that make an exceptional impact on the hospitality landscape within their first year. This year's winner is The Burman Hotel in Tallinn, Estonia. Opened in 2025 in Tallinn's Old Town, this elegant boutique hotel offers 17 thoughtfully designed rooms, featuring unique materials, handmade mattresses, and high-luxury Amouage bath products. Connected to the Bombay Club, guests enjoy fine dining, a spa, and entertainment, creating a sophisticated experience that is both intimate and vibrant. Other nominees included Aman Nai Lert Bangkok (Thailand), Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection (Florence, Italy), Le Mouflon D'Or (Corsica, France), and Cheval Blanc Seychelles (Takamaka, Seychelles).

All MICHELIN Guide hotel recommendations are available for free on The MICHELIN Guide's website and mobile app, where travelers can book their stays directly at the best market price. To enhance the guest experience, The MICHELIN Guide also offers travel experts service, providing personalized assistance before and during each stay.

Access herethe 2025 Global MICHELIN Keys Selection, as well as the picturesof the MICHELIN Guide Global Hotels Ceremony.

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