Has your hotel been selected by our Inspectors? Congratulations! But what does that really mean? Read below to learn everything about our selection…
Since 1900, you’ve known The MICHELIN Guide for its annual red guide, dedicated above all to the best restaurants. It is built on the expertise of our international team of Inspectors, who work independently and anonymously, following a universal methodology that dates back decades.
Hotels have long been mentioned in our printed guides. But in 2024, we decided to apply the same level of rigor to our hotel selection as we do to restaurants.
Our mission is to identify the most vibrant accommodations around the world — places worthy of being called “a MICHELIN Guide hotel” — and to present them on our website and app. Some of these establishments have also received our new distinction: the MICHELIN Key.
From the table to the room, it’s only one step…
On a single platform — independent, international, and free — we recommend character-filled accommodations that can precede or extend a unique gastronomic experience.With a system of filters, users can select their accommodation on The MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app, book a room, and pay online. They can also leave a review or share their experience. Travelers benefit from 24/7 customer support and access to a team of travel experts for personalized assistance.
A MICHELIN Guide hotel is a cultural ambassador, a place in harmony with its surroundings and reflecting local identity. Our aim is to spark emotion by guiding travelers to establishments that combine architectural vision, professional expertise, and a distinctive personality.
A hotel selected by our Guide is a destination in itself, offering not only rooms and services but also lasting memories. Editorial content (articles, videos) allows readers to immerse themselves in the experiences lived by our Inspection team in the hotels we’ve selected.
Today, more than 7,000 hotels worldwide have been selected by our Inspectors.
Everything you need to know about the MICHELIN Guide hotel selection
1.) Who creates The MICHELIN Guide hotel selection?
Just as with restaurants, it is our Inspectors around the world who decide The MICHELIN Guide hotel selection. They are, above all, hospitality experts with extensive professional experience in the sector, as well as passionate travelers who crisscross the globe in search of establishments that will inspire and delight guests. Our Inspectors are anonymous and independent, working with the utmost objectivity and following a universal methodology.
2.) What is the criteria for being selected?
As with restaurants, we have neither numerical quotas nor required a style of hotel. Whether your hotel is urban, rural, luxurious, or budget-friendly, it can be part of our selection, which is based on five universal criteria:
1. The hotel is an open door to the destination
2. Excellence in interior design and architecture
3. Quality and consistency in service, comfort and maintenance
4. Consistency between the level of experience and the price paid
5. Individuality, reflecting personality and authenticity
3.) What is the MICHELIN Key?
In recent years, The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have selected more than 7,000 establishments around the world, creating an exceptional global hotel collection. Every hotel in this selection embodies excellence in design, architecture, service, and character. Just as Stars are awarded to restaurants, the MICHELIN Key highlights the very best of this collection. The distinction comes in three levels: One Key, Two Keys, or Three Keys.
4.) Why did you create the MICHELIN Key distinction?
After selecting thousands of hotels worldwide, it is our privilege to specially highlight the crème de la crème of our selection. All MICHELIN Guide hotels excel in design, architecture, service and personality — the MICHELIN Key denotes the most outstanding experiences in our selection.
5.) Can a hotel earn more than one MICHELIN Key?
Just like a MICHELIN-rated restaurant, a MICHELIN-rated hotel can earn One, Two or Three Keys.
• One Key: A very special stay
A true gem with personality. Service always goes the extra mile, and the hotel provides much more than others in its price range.
• Two Keys: An exceptional stay
A hotel that's unique in every way, where a memorable experience is always a guarantee. A hotel of character and charm, run with obvious pride and considerable care.
• Three Keys: An extraordinary stay
The ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world's most remarkable and extraordinary stays and a destination for the trip of a lifetime.
6.) Is the MICHELIN Key the MICHELIN Star for restaurants?
Yes. The same way the MICHELIN Star recognizes restaurants for outstanding cooking, the MICHELIN Key recognizes hotels for outstanding stays.
7.) Which hotels are eligible to receive a MICHELIN Key?
Any hotel listed in the MICHELIN Guide is potentially eligible. Over the past four years, our teams of Inspectors have reviewed thousands of hotels. They have studied, verified, and selected more than 7,000 remarkable hotels.
Among them, those offering the most memorable stays are awarded One, Two, or Three MICHELIN Keys.
8.) Do MICHELIN-Key Hotels have MICHELIN-Star restaurants?
Not necessarily. Our hotel selections and restaurant selections are distinct, and decisions on the Star and the Key are made independently of each other. However, it is possible for a MICHELIN Star restaurant to reside within a MICHELIN Key hotel.
