The Michelin Guide has recently introduced a new hotel rating system called the Michelin Key in the U.S. The Michelin Key adds to the brand’s existing Michelin Star restaurant ratings, offering travelers a way to choose the best hotels for their stay. This new system aims to recognize excellence in the world of hospitality, much like the Michelin Star system does for restaurants.
Under the Michelin Key system, hotels can receive one, two, or three Michelin Keys based on anonymous inspections by Michelin Guide staff. This rating system takes into account various factors, including a hotel’s location, interior design, service quality, price consistency, and individuality. One Key indicates a special stay, Two Keys represent an exceptional stay, and Three Keys signify an extraordinary stay. This system allows travelers to easily identify hotels that offer top-notch hospitality.
The Michelin Guide recently revealed the first Michelin Key recipients in the U.S., with 124 winners located in seven main tourism destinations. Hotels in New York, California, Washington D.C., Chicago, Florida, Colorado, and Atlanta have been recognized for their exceptional hospitality. Some of the notable winners include The Little Nell in Aspen, 1 Hotel Central Park in New York, Faena Hotel Miami Beach, Peninsula Chicago, Aman New York, and SingleThread Farms in Healdsburg, Calif.
The Michelin Key awards are not limited to the U.S., with winners announced in France and plans for announcements in Spain, Italy, and Japan. This global recognition aims to establish an international benchmark for hospitality, ensuring that quality is consistent across different countries. The Michelin Guide’s commitment to recognizing excellence in the hotel sector is evident through its expansion of the Michelin Key system worldwide.
In recent years, the Michelin Guide has made efforts to deepen its engagement with hotels, culminating in the acquisition of Tablet Hotels in 2018. This acquisition has allowed the Michelin Guide to integrate hotel-booking capabilities into its digital platform, providing travelers with a seamless booking experience. Travelers can now filter for and book Michelin Key hotels directly through the Michelin Guide platform, making it easier to plan their trips.
The introduction of the Michelin Key system by the Michelin Guide marks a significant milestone in the world of hospitality. By recognizing excellence in hotel accommodation, the Michelin Guide is setting a new standard for luxury travel. Travelers can now rely on the Michelin Key ratings to choose hotels that offer exceptional service, design, and authenticity. With further announcements planned for other countries, the Michelin Key is set to become a global symbol of top-tier hospitality.