Michelin Guide to Begin Awarding “Keys” to the World’s Best Hotels
Michelin stars have been a coveted endorsement for restaurants around the globe for more than 120 years. Now in much the same spirit, Michelin will award “keys” to the world’s finest hotels. Described by the Michelin editorial team as providing a “trusted reference” for travellers navigating the crowded luxury accommodation market, keys will only be granted to “establishments offering exceptional hotel and travel experiences.” Hotels will be rated by incognito Michelin inspectors, who will check in anonymously to ensure their experience is as impartial as possible. However, unlike its respected restaurant guide, Michelin’s hotel rankings will also take into account submitted reviews by paying guests.
While this new benchmark for hotel excellence will not come into effect until early 2024, more than 5,300 hotels across 120 countries have already been earmarked by Michelin for its first hotels guide. Michelin editors spent four years compiling its selection, saying this rigour was important “to support [travellers] in their search for personalised experiences”.
With a varied spectrum of price points and styles represented, hotels have been selected based on five criteria. The hotel must be a “destination” and contribute to the local experience; it must display excellence in architecture and interior design; it must hero quality and regularity of service, comfort and maintenance; it must showcase its distinct singularity reflecting the personality of the establishment and its unique character; and it must represent consistency between the quality of the experience and the price paid.
Among this debut tranche of Michelin keyed properties are some obvious choices, including The Plaza in New York and The Ned in London. However, there are also some unexpected inclusions, such as Singureni Manor Equestrian Retreat, a rural country escape in a converted farm house an hour outside of Bucharest, and the Pacific Motel in California, an affordable retro retreat with kitsch, beachy style and a laid back atmosphere.
