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The Michelin Guide is now giving you the 'keys' to some of the world’s best hotels

While the Michelin Guide 'stars' recognise outstanding restaurants, hotels now have their own distinction dubbed Michelin Keys – a new international benchmark to identify the best hotels around the world.

While the Michelin Guide ‘stars’ recognise outstanding restaurants, hotels now have their own distinction dubbed Michelin Keys – a new international benchmark to identify the best hotels around the world.

Awarded by the Michelin Guide inspection team from anonymous stays or visits – the Michelin Keys are a new international benchmark to recognise accommodations that stand out for their “unique hospitality concept, distinctive character, warm welcome and extremely high level of service”.

Launched in France, the guide has now revealed the best hotels in the US, Spain, and most recently, Italy, selecting a total of 5,300 hotels to be awarded keys from around the world – with more destinations to be named over the year.

Each hotel can be awarded one, two or three keys. Three keys indicate an extraordinary stay, worthy of a specific trip; two is an exceptional stay, and one key indicates somewhere that “shines with diversity and has an ability to offer experiences suited to all budgets and desires”.

Michelin Guide International Director, Gwendal Poullennec says, “With this new distinction, the Michelin Guide has opened up a brand-new chapter in the service it provides for travellers, which has been its lifeblood for the past 124 years”.

“Every establishment awarded keys is a gem sculpted by talented professionals.”

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

The first keys were awarded in France, with three keys going to 24 hotels including the Four Seasons George V, Paris.

The guide says, “As well as its sumptuous rooms and suites, it features one of the most exceptional spas the French capital has to offer.”

While its three restaurants (all Michelin star ranked) “help turn every moment of a stay into a unique gourmet interlude”.

 The Cheval Blanc Paris, overlooking the Seine, was also awarded three keys for its captivating vistas over the City of Light, while the Saint James Paris, the city’s only château-hotel, was gifted three keys for winning travellers over with its tranquil gardens and character-filled interior design.

In Italy, JK Place Capri was awarded three keys, described as “a smart seaside boutique located on a cliff overlooking the harbour”.  

While its Penthouse suite was called out for its “long private terrace with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples, while other rooms have small balconies facing the sea”.

One of the stunning suites at J.K Capri, Italy
One of the stunning suites at J.K Capri, Italy

In Venice, the 15th-century aristocratic residence of Palazzo Vendramin, Hotel Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel was awarded three keys for its “slightly antique appearance, and private butler service. It is quite possibly the most romantic hotel in the world”.

And in Spain, five hotels gained the coveted three keys. Torre del Marqués Hotel Spa & Winery (Teruel) set back on the inland side of a small mountain range, in the Aragonese region of Matarraña, nested in a beautifully restored 18th-century tower was recognised for its rooms and location.

The guide says, “Its 18 rooms are a perfect marriage of weathered stone walls and contemporary interior design.” And it “offers a farmhouse-style escape, with views of olive groves and vineyards”.

In Sardón de Duero, in the heart of the Duero Valley, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine was awarded as a “first-rate contemporary luxury boutique hotel that architect Maro Serra has set in a carefully preserved 12th-century monastery”.

For the full list, see the Michelin Guide.