On the 8th October 2025, The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors launched their annual Key hotel selections around the world, expanding into more territories than ever before.
The MICHELIN Key celebrates the best-of-the-best within The MICHELIN Guide's hotel selection – the hotel equivalent of the MICHELIN Star – and this year, 19 new Keys join the lineup for the UK and Ireland.
Read on to discover the latest on all of this year's new Key additions or head here to explore the full selection of 139 Key hotels spread across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Explore each new Key by category:
COASTAL CALM
A breath of sea air, stylish rooms with water views and waves lapping nearby – these Key hotels deliver coastal romance with a refined touch. Whether nestled in a fishing village, or perched on a clifftop, each one pairs seaside serenity with boutique design and a sense of place.
Beadnell Towers Hotel, Beadnell, Northumberland (One Key): Set just a short stroll from Beadnell Bay’s golden sands, this former Victorian building has been transformed into a characterful coastal retreat. With nautical tones, vintage textures and a laid-back but polished vibe, it captures the spirit of Northumberland’s wild coastline.
Saltmoore, Whitby, North Yorkshire (Two Keys): Saltmoore offers sweeping clifftop views and a modern aesthetic that nods to Whitby’s maritime past. It’s stylish spa makes it the perfect sanctuary, perched above the sea, where windswept walks end with fireside comfort, while The Brasserie at Saltmoore is an equally chic spot with a local heart.
Padstow Townhouse, Padstow, Cornwall (One Key): Tucked away on a quiet street in Cornwall’s famous foodie harbour town, this intimate hotel blends townhouse elegance with coastal charm. Each of its six individually styled suites is a plush, private haven just moments from the sea – and also from owner Paul Ainsworth's MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, Paul Ainsworth at No.6, as well as his smart brasserie Caffè Rojano.
Related Read: Discover more about Saltmoore in our deep dive
GAELIC GRACE
Luxury lingers a little longer in Ireland. These Key hotels combine dramatic scenery and heartfelt hospitality – and are some of the island’s finest settings for rest and reflection.
Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo (Two Keys): Set on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is an 800-year-old fortress that has been transformed into one of the world’s most celebrated hotels. With opulent interiors, manicured grounds and a rich sense of history – not to mention the impressive George V dining room hung with Waterford chandeliers – it’s the ultimate Irish fairytale escape.
Park Hotel Kenmare, Kenmare, County Kerry (Two Keys): Overlooking Kenmare Bay and the Caha Mountains, this Victorian landmark blends timeless elegance with modern wellness. Expect plush drawing rooms, a serene spa and, as well as its own cinema, front-row seats to some of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes. Food and drink provisions come in the form of elegant Landline, where Irish produce takes the lead.
Related Read: The Best Hotels in Ireland: All the MICHELIN Keys
SOPHISTICATED SMALL TOWN
From honey-stone Cotswold cottages to historic market squares, discover Britain's most picturesque towns from these elegant MICHELIN Key bases.
BULL Burford, Burford, Cotswolds (One Key): Set on the high street of one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest towns, this BULL's owners brings a cool, designer edge to this traditional, gold-hued former coaching inn. It makes for a curiously subversive stay thanks to artwork from Banksy and Damien Hirst, as well as a wine cellar and Idris Elba’s poker table hidden behind an old prison door. A multitude of drinking and dining spots include the interactive Wild, where guests sit around a copper-topped counter and fire pit to watch their dishes cooked over flames.
The Feathers Hotel at Woodstock, Woodstock, Oxfordshire (One Key): The Feathers is a handsome 17th-century sanitarium turned boutique retreat that's located mere steps away from the gates of Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. With its unusual layout, antique touches and warm service, it makes the perfect base for local cultural exploration, as well as countryside strolls, with The Nest providing a chic and elegant spot to return to for an enticing meal.
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Not just places to stay, these Key hotels make you part of their story. These historic building has been lovingly transformed into character-filled retreats where the past and present meet in perfect balance.
Boys Hall, Willesborough, Kent (One Key): This 17th-century manor house sat unloved for years before a young couple revived it with striking attention to period detail and modern comforts. Today, it's a romantic, lived-in luxury retreat with open fires, timber beams and an aura of grounded elegance – and with just nine bedrooms, an intimate experience is assured. Local ingredients and Kentish wines help contribute to a firm sense of place in the restaurant.
Old Parsonage Hotel, Oxford(One Key): Steeped in academic and literary history, the Old Parsonage is one of Oxford’s oldest buildings, whose roots can also be chased back to the 17th century. Ivy-covered stonework gives way to more contemporary interiors, capturing the spirit of old Oxford while offering discreet, modern luxury.
Regency House, Belfast, Northern Ireland (One Key): Set in a classic Regency townhouse whose columned façade exudes a certain sense of grandeur, this hotel perfectly encapsulates Belfast’s ongoing cultural and architectural renaissance. It retains its period charm and original features, while offering guests a sophisticated, design-forward base in the city.
The Blonde Hedgehog, Alderney, Channel Islands (One Key): Tucked away on the quiet island of Alderney, The Blonde Hedgehog occupies a cluster of restored Georgian buildings that have been reborn as a stylish and intimate boutique hotel. Blending warm interiors with a sense of remote island charm, it offers a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from the mainland.
COUNTRY ESTATE ESCAPES
Elegance meets true escapism at these country house Key hotels. Think sweeping lawns, heritage architecture and the slow luxury of rural life.
Great Fosters, Egham, Surrey (One Key): Set in a stunning 16th-century Tudor hunting lodge, Great Fosters combines ancient oak beams, period features and a storied past with electric splashes of colour in its furnishings. The 50 acres grounds take in beautifully landscaped gardens, an atmospheric moat, a heated pool and a tennis court.
Leonardslee House at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Horsham, West Sussex (One Key): Tucked inside 240 acres of Grade I-listed gardens, this Italianate mansion offers a unique stay, with exclusive after-hours access to the enchanting gardens. With just 10 rooms, it feels more like an aristocratic retreat than a hotel, boasting statement wallpapers, vineyard views and its own One-Star restaurant, Interlude.
Moor Hall, Aughton, Lancashire (Two Keys): Housed in a 16th-century manor surrounded by peaceful gardens and a private lake, Moor Hall is a contemporary country hideaway with deep historical roots. Its sleek, understated interiors contrast beautifully with the heritage setting, and with just 14 rooms and a Three-Star restaurant, you'll feel like part of an exclusive set.
The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow, Baslow, Derbyshire (One Key): Set on the Chatsworth Estate, in the heart of the Peak District, The Cavendish blends manor-house tradition with laid-back refinement. Expect antiques furnishings, roaring fires, sweeping countryside views and the quiet luxury of estate living. That Estate provides for its Gallery Restaurant too, with local beef and vegetables taking the lead.
Related Read: Country Escapes Within Easy Reach of London by Car or Train
London Luxe
Certain cities never go out of style. These London hotels balance heritage with high-end amenities and exquisite culinary experiences.
At Sloane, Chelsea (One Key): A relative newcomer on the London hotel scene, but one boasting plenty of confidence, At Sloane blends bold patterns and historic charm with Parisian flair. With 30 rooms and a focus on craftsmanship and detail, it’s a fresh take on London luxury.
The Adria, Kensington (One Key): Set in a white stucco fronted Victorian townhouse, The Adria offers a discreet and elegant base close to some of London’s top museums. A contemporary classic, its serene, stylish interiors and boutique charm are matched by personalised service.
The Lanesborough (Two Keys): With its opulent Regency interiors, butler service and world-class spa, The Lanesborough delivers old-school grandeur but with a modern polish. Overlooking Hyde Park, it’s a destination in itself for luxury lovers. Indeed, you don't even need to leave the building thanks to the ornately decorated Lanesborough Grill.
The Ritz London (Two Keys): The Ritz needs no introduction. A symbol of timeless elegance, it pairs Belle Époque glamour with impeccable service and landmark status. From afternoon tea in the Palm Court to evenings in its Two-MICHELIN-Starred dining room, every detail is pure indulgence.
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Hero Image: Total relaxation at Saltmoore in Whitby, England, one of the new Two-Key hotels.
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