Michelin’s first-ever global Key selection for hotels
Michelin will unveil its first-ever global selection of hotels awarded the MICHELIN Key on October 8, 2025, during an official ceremony in Paris. This year, four Special Awards in the hospitality sector will also be revealed as part of the announcement.
What is the MICHELIN Key?
In 2024, the MICHELIN Guide introduced an entirely new distinction: the MICHELIN Key. While the MICHELIN Star celebrates the world’s most outstanding restaurants, the MICHELIN Key recognizes the finest hotels across the globe, according to the rigorous standards of the MICHELIN Guide.
The global selection includes over 7,000 curated accommodations in more than 125 countries. Carefully reviewed by MICHELIN Guide inspectors and evaluated based on five universal criteria, the MICHELIN Key focuses on the overall quality of the guest experience, rather than simply rating facilities or amenities. Its goal: to establish a new, trustworthy international benchmark for excellence in hospitality.
Put simply, if top restaurants earn “Stars,” then truly exceptional hotels are awarded the prestigious MICHELIN “Key.”
Five universal criteria:
- The hotel is a gateway to the destination;
- Excellence in interior design and architecture;
- Quality and consistency in service, comfort and maintenance;
- Consistency between the level of experience and the price paid;
- Uniqueness, personality and authenticity.
Alila Ventana Big Sur (Two Key)
One MICHELIN Key: a very special stay
This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mold, offer something different, or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments.
Two MICHELIN Keys: an exceptional stay
Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s operated with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.
Three MICHELIN Keys: an extraordinary stay
It’s all about astonishment and indulgence here – this is the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts of travelers.
After celebrating over 1,500 outstanding hotels through its initial Key selections, The MICHELIN Guide now goes a step further in showcasing the very best of global hospitality, with Inspectors currently finalizing this first worldwide selection.
Amangiri Utah (Three Key)
Introducing Four New Special Awards
In addition to the MICHELIN Keys, The MICHELIN Guide will introduce four Special Awards, recognizing properties for achievements that transcend classic categories, and celebrating excellence and uniqueness in specific hospitality fields:
- MICHELIN Architecture & Design Award: Celebrates hotels whose architecture and design inspire unforgettable journeys, and elevate the guest experience through a distinctive aesthetic identity.
- MICHELIN Wellness Award: Recognizes properties with pioneering and holistic wellness programs nurturing body, mind, and spirit.
- MICHELIN Local Gateway Award: Honors hotels that offer guests immersive connections to their surroundings, evoking the character and spirit of their region.
- MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award: Rewards newly opened hotels that have made an exceptional impact on the hospitality landscape within their first year.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort (Three Key)
Each Special Award will be attributed to one winning property. The winner will be revealed during the Ceremony on October 8th, 2025. Ahead of this, nomination lists (five nominees per award) will be unveiled on the MICHELIN Guide social media and editorial platforms according to the following schedule:
- Architecture & Design Award Nominees: August 13th
- Wellness Award Nominees: August 27th
- Local Gateway Award Nominees: September 10th
- Opening of the Year Award Nominees: September 24th
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
The MICHELIN Guide Hotels Ceremony
The unveiling of the 2025 MICHELIN Keys selection will take place both digitally – across The MICHELIN Guide social media and editorial platforms – and physically during an exclusive Ceremony to be organized in Paris on October 8th, 2025.
Offering a glimpse into timeless culture and exceptional design, The MICHELIN Guide Hotels Ceremony will take place at the spectacular Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, overlooking the Louvre Palace and the Tuileries Garden. This exclusive professional event will gather a selection of awarded hotels (represented by approximately 300 international hoteliers), Special Award winners, top journalists, and leading industry opinion leaders.
