The MICHELIN Guide has long been the ultimate benchmark for dining — but it actually began in the early 1920s as a guide for travelers, recommending hotels and inns across France. Long before the MICHELIN Star became synonymous with fine dining, it was about helping motorists find reliable places to stay and rest.
More than a century later, the Guide has come full circle. In April 2024, MICHELIN introduced the MICHELIN Key distinction, applying the same trusted methodology used for its Stars to identify the world’s most exceptional hotels. Then, in October 2025, the Guide hosted its first-ever global ceremony in Paris, honoring the 2025 class of Key-winning hotels — an unprecedented move for a brand that typically announces its restaurant stars at regional or national events.
During our recent monthly meeting with the team at Tablet Hotels — MICHELIN’s official hotel partner — we were given a behind-the-scenes look at how the program came to life. They shared insights from the ceremony, explained the inspection process, and highlighted examples of one-, two-, and three-Key hotels from around the world that embody what the program stands for.
What Are MICHELIN Keys?
The MICHELIN Keys are to hotels what MICHELIN Stars are to restaurants — a trusted symbol of excellence. But unlike traditional hotel rating systems that rely on checklists or mandatory amenities, the MICHELIN approach focuses entirely on the guest experience.
Each property is visited anonymously by full-time MICHELIN inspectors who pose as ordinary guests, placing themselves completely in the traveler’s position. There’s no formula, no minimum amenities, and no predetermined path to success. A small countryside inn and a grand urban palace are judged by the same question: does this stay leave guests with an extraordinary sense of care, place, and memory?
Inspectors use five universal criteria to guide their assessments:
- Excellence in Interior Design & Architecture
- Quality and Consistency of Service
- Distinctive Character & Personality
- Authenticity and Sense of Place
- Value for the Price
Hotels can earn one, two, or three Keys, each representing a different level of distinction:
- One Key: A very special stay — distinctive, warm, and offering standout value.
- Two Keys: An exceptional stay — memorable, refined, and full of character.
- Three Keys: An extraordinary stay — among the most remarkable hotels in the world, delivering the highest level of comfort, service, and inspiration.
The program marks a pivotal shift in how hotels are recognized — away from traditional luxury benchmarks and toward the emotional, human side of travel. MICHELIN isn’t searching for the most opulent stays; it’s identifying the ones that provide guests with the most meaningful experiences.
One-Key Hotels: Authentic Gems with Personality
The Six Bells Inn – Hudson Valley, New York
Founded by Audrey Gelman, this whimsical 11-room inn brings playful charm to the Hudson Valley. Its intimate scale and countryside design create a perfect retreat just outside New York City.
Runo Hotel Porvoo – Porvoo, Finland
Located just outside Helsinki, Runo (“poem” in Finnish) celebrates the nation’s literary and artistic heritage. Custom furniture, local art, and thoughtful design make it an ode to Finnish craftsmanship.
Hotel Sanders – Copenhagen, Denmark
Owned by renowned Danish ballet dancer Alexander Kølpin, Sanders offers quiet elegance and cinematic comfort. It’s the kind of place where you can sit by the fire all afternoon with a book and a glass of wine. Tablet Plus guests receive a 90 € credit, late checkout, and a welcome bottle on arrival.
La Monastica – Tuscany, Italy
Set in a lovingly restored 16th-century monastery near Florence, La Monastica blends historical charm with contemporary warmth. The spa’s stone-carved pool and the restaurant housed in the original chapel make this retreat as soulful as it is stylish.
Two-Key Hotels: Exceptional Experiences Around the World
The Inn at Little Washington – Virginia, USA
A blend of opulence and coziness, this inn west of Washington, D.C., is home to one of America’s most celebrated restaurants — a three-Star MICHELIN institution. Rich furnishings and antique décor make it feel like a stage set for indulgence.
Iniala Harbour House – Valletta, Malta
Spanning four historic townhouses along Malta’s Grand Harbour, Iniala marries baroque heritage with bold modern art. A two-Star restaurant, rooftop terrace, and elegant spa complete the experience.
Vinha Boutique Hotel – Porto, Portugal
Set along the Douro River, this vibrant, design-driven hotel celebrates fashion houses like Hermès and Missoni through its suites. A MICHELIN-Star restaurant and world-class spa make it a destination in itself.
Three-Key Hotels: The World’s Most Extraordinary Stays
Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt – Bavaria, Germany
An alpine retreat of modern elegance and deep tranquility, this lakeside property offers multiple pools, a spa complex, and a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant — ideal for a luxurious mountain escape.
La Réserve – Paris, France
Tucked off the Champs-Élysées, La Réserve offers discreet Parisian grandeur. Designed by Jacques Garcia, its suites, two three-Star restaurants, and personal service embody understated perfection.
Royal Malewane – Kruger National Park, South Africa
A regal safari lodge where classic luxury meets wild adventure. Thatched-roof suites, private butlers, and master trackers create an unforgettable immersion in the African bush.
Las Casitas – Colca Valley, Peru
Peru’s first three-Key hotel, this Belmond property offers quiet luxury amid volcanic peaks and canyons. It’s an idyllic alternative to Cusco or Machu Picchu — pure Andean serenity.
Special Awards: Celebrating Innovation and Impact
At the 2025 global ceremony, MICHELIN also presented four special awards spotlighting hotels that set new benchmarks for creativity and purpose:
- Opening of the Year: The Berman Hotel – Tallinn, Estonia — a 17-room boutique standout that redefined Estonia’s capital for modern travelers.
- Local Gateway Award: La Fiermontina – Morocco — honored for its deep community partnerships and commitment to cultural exchange.
- Wellness Award: Bürgenstock Resort – Switzerland — a mountaintop wellness haven with panoramic spas and crisp alpine air.
- Architecture & Design Award: Atlantis The Royal – Dubai, UAE — a visionary six-tower landmark redefining the skyline and the scale of modern luxury.
Why I Love Using Tablet Hotels
As both a travel advisor and a traveler, I’ve come to rely on Tablet Hotels as one of my favorite discovery tools. Anytime I’m heading somewhere new and not sure where to stay, I start with Tablet. It’s how I’ve uncovered some of my most memorable finds — boutique hotels that blend authenticity, comfort, and story.
A few favorites from this past year include The Country Club Lima Hotel, a property that continues to earn global recognition for its timeless sophistication. Featured in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide, this historic landmark stands as a perfect example of how a classic hotel can evolve gracefully without losing its soul.
Another favorite, Hotel Le Faucigny in Chamonix, remains one of my go-to alpine escapes. Included in the official MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection, it captures the relaxed intimacy that defines the Mont-Blanc Valley — Scandinavian-chalet warmth, a cozy spa, and the kind of local character you simply can’t replicate.
And then there’s Nayara Springs in Costa Rica — the place that first made me fall in love with the art of hospitality. Amanda and I spent nearly two weeks there for our honeymoon in 2019, and it completely redefined what we look for in a stay. Every detail reflected intention and care — from the personal one-on-one mountain bike rides through the rainforest to private yoga sessions overlooking Arenal Volcano.
Each morning began with a neatly printed one-page news brief summarizing the previous day’s U.S. headlines — a small touch that instantly took me back to my West Point days, when upperclassmen would quiz plebes on what was in the news. It became a ritual I genuinely looked forward to, and it ultimately led me to discover 1440 News — a modern version of that same concise daily update I’ve come to love.
Nayara Springs didn’t just raise the bar for what luxury feels like — it reshaped how we view travel altogether. They showed us how sustainability and indulgence can exist side by side, not as opposites but as complements. One of our favorite memories was their hands-on coffee class, where we didn’t just sample the finished brew but roasted the beans ourselves and learned how local farmers grow and process them — all right there on the property. That blend of connection, culture, and comfort is something we’ve carried with us ever since.
During and leading into our stay, Nayara Springs earned recognition from several top travel publications, helping to cement La Fortuna’s reputation as both an eco-luxury and romantic destination. When I returned in 2025, the transformation was unmistakable: the once-quiet town had become a thriving hub for adventure and sustainability — with Nayara Springs now proudly holding the distinction of being Costa Rica’s first three-Key MICHELIN hotel.
Coming Full Circle
The launch of the MICHELIN Keys marks more than a new era in travel — it’s a return to the Guide’s roots. What began over a century ago as a simple booklet helping motorists find good places to stay has evolved into a global benchmark for excellence in hospitality. Today, that legacy continues with inspectors recognizing the world’s most extraordinary hotels, not just for their luxury, but for their ability to create meaningful, memorable experiences.
For travelers inspired to experience one of these MICHELIN Key properties firsthand, I’d love to help you plan your stay. As a preferred partner with Tablet Hotels and with direct relationships at many of these hotels, I can secure exclusive perks, special rates, and added amenities not available to the public.
You can schedule a consultation with me to discuss your next trip — whether it’s a quiet countryside retreat, an alpine adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime stay at one of the world’s newest MICHELIN Key hotels.
Travel bookings are always complimentary, and full trip planning services are free for site members.
Travel is better when it’s personal — and that’s exactly what the MICHELIN Keys, and our approach to travel planning, are all about.
