(26 October 2025) - Michelin has unveiled its first global MICHELIN Key hotel selection in Paris. Following the launch of the MICHELIN Key awards for 15 top destinations in 2024 and early 2025, this is another milestone recognising the most outstanding hotels around the globe. In total, 2,457 hotels worldwide have received one (1,742), two (572) or three (143) MICHELIN Keys - all representing the crème de la crème of the global hotel industry. The MICHELIN Guide inspectors rate the hotels according to five international criteria[2] and place them in a broader context. The Keys have thus created a new, independent and international benchmark for travellers: The award goes far beyond the mere facilities of the hotels and stands for exceptional excellence and hospitality. Discerning travellers can now access and book the best restaurants and hotels directly via the MICHELIN Guide's digital platforms.

"With their expertise, the Guide MICHELIN inspectors have selected the best hotels worldwide, reflecting the diversity and excellence of today's hotel landscape. Whether travellers are looking for legendary resorts, historic city hotels or hidden gems off the beaten track, the MICHELIN Keys offer a reliable guide to discovering, exploring and booking unforgettable stays that inspire and delight," says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Guide MICHELIN.

Europe: the best hotels in more than 30 countries

The selection of MICHELIN Keys in Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Spain and the United Kingdom has been updated - with many new additions and upgraded hotels in Italy. At the same time, the inspectors have expanded the selection with hundreds of new Keys across the continent. France tops the list with 203 MICHELIN Keys, followed by Italy with 188 Keys and Germany with 130 Keys.

Overall, the DACH region is strongly represented with 285 keys, which is also due to 21 new additions - twelve in Germany, five in Switzerland and four in Austria. New additions with two MICHELIN Keys are the Vitalhotel Alter Meierhof in Glücksburg (DE) and the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Montreaux (CH). The Hotel Tannenhof in St. Anton am Arlberg (AUT) made a leap forward to two Keys. In Switzerland, nine hotels can still boast three MICHELIN Keys, in Germany six and in Austria there are two hotels with the highest honour.

Travellers can discover hidden gems in all categories in Europe: from ski resorts in Andorra such as L'Ovella Negra Mountain and the Grau Roig Andorra Boutique Hotel & Spa to wineries in Georgia such as the Vazisubani Estate in the Kakheti region and futuristic glass cabins in Norway such as Manshausen. Other highlights include De L'Europe Amsterdam in the Netherlands, a classic European grand hotel with three MICHELIN Keys, offering timeless luxury and different styles. In contrast, Villa Nai 3.3 in Croatia (also awarded three MICHELIN Keys) is an intimate property with eight rooms on a centuries-old olive grove. Architect Nikola Bašić has integrated the property on Dugi Otok into a low stone slope. For mountain adventurers, the EN Hotel in Zakopane, Poland, offers a stay with two MICHELIN Keys in the heart of the Tatra National Park.

With more than 1,200 MICHELIN Keys, Europe has a significant share of the world's best hotels. This includes 79 hotels with three MICHELIN Keys, 273 with two MICHELIN Keys and 876 with one MICHELIN Key.

North and Central America and the Caribbean: new Key hotels in more than 20 countries

The United States, Mexico and Canada have updated their MICHELIN Key selection with 50 new additions and upgraded hotels. These include the Wakax Hacienda - Cenote & Boutique Hotel in Tulum, Mexico, and the Warren Street Hotel in New York City, both of which have been upgraded from one to two MICHELIN Keys.

For the first time, the MICHELIN Guide inspectors have also recognised key hotels in Central America and the Caribbean. These offer tropical and cultural destinations, with particularly strong representation in Costa Rica and Saint Barth, as well as in the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. In this region, the best hotels surprise with their variety, from glamping in the wilderness and eco-lodges in the jungle to elegant city boutiques and charming country houses. Highlights include the Nayara Springs in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica, the country's first hotel with three MICHELIN Keys, an adults-only retreat in the Arenal Volcano National Park. Another highlight is the Golden Rock Inn in Charlestown, St Kitts and Nevis - with two MICHELIN Keys. At this secluded property, founded by artists Helen and Brice Marden, Raymond Jungles, a former employee of Frank Gehry, designed the gardens. There are a total of 526 MICHELIN Key hotels in North and Central America and the Caribbean, including 23 with three MICHELIN Keys, 123 with two MICHELIN Keys and 380 with one MICHELIN Key.

South America: the best hotels in Brazil, Chile, Argentina and four other countries

Reflecting the continent's diversity of cultures, landscapes and travel experiences, the inspectors honoured 84 MICHELIN Key hotels (five with three, 21 with two and 58 with one Key) in seven countries. Three MICHELIN Keys were awarded to Hotel das Cataratas, A Bel mond Hotel and Rosewood São Paulo in Brazil, Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa and Awasi Patagonia in Chile and Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel, Colca Canyon in Arequipa, Peru.

The MICHELIN Key hotels are located in major cities, coastal resorts and remote regions. One example is the Explora Rapa Nui adventure hotel with a MICHELIN Key on Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. It combines all-inclusive accommodation with guided explorations of the Moai statues and other archaeological and cultural sites, offering a unique experience on the edge of the continent.

Africa: the best hotels in Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa and seven other countries

The first selection in Africa includes luxury safaris in South Africa and Kenya, historic riads in Morocco and beach resorts in Mauritius and the Seychelles. It also includes some of the world's boldest and most creative hospitality experiences, including six hotels with three MICHELIN Keys in four countries: Giraffe Manor in Kenya, Kasbah Tamadot and La Mamounia in Morocco, Zannier Sonop in Namibia, and Londolozi Game Reserve and Royal Malewane in Kruger National Park in South Africa. The latter offers the pinnacle of safari luxury with its lavish suites and residences, ranger-led Big Five expeditions and first-class dining and spa experiences.

Awarded two MICHELIN Keys, Shipwreck Lodge on Namibia's Skeleton Coast combines desert and seascapes with a design inspired by historic shipwrecks, offering a variety of adventure experiences. In Marrakech, Morocco, the Riad Sakkan (a MICHELIN Key) embodies the city's iconic riad tradition with a contemporary vision: the twelve rooms facing the private courtyard offer the intimacy of a home in the medina.

Asia: the first hotels in China, Milan, Cambodia, India, Vietnam and more than 15 other countries

In Izu City, Japan, the Asaba Ryokan has been upgraded from two to three MICHELIN Keys. More than 500 years old, the ryokan epitomises traditional hospitality in a tranquil, natural setting. The new three MICHELIN Keys hotels in Asia include properties in mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, the Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. A notable example is the Ceylon Tea Trails - Relais & Châteaux in Sri Lanka. It offers a blend of colonial and contemporary flair with accommodation in the valley and opportunities for kayaking, mountain climbing, tea trail tours and guided explorations of the rainforest and national park.

While hotels with three MICHELIN Keys are often in the spotlight, all the award-winning hotels take travellers on extraordinary trips across Asia - from the beaches of the Maldives and Bali to the mountains of Bhutan and the foothills of the Himalayas. In India, The Kumaon (a MICHELIN Key) is a ten-suite mountain retreat designed by disciples of modernist master Geoffrey Bawa, featuring cantilevered dining rooms with breathtaking views. Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li (two MICHELIN Keys) in the historic Xuhui district combines characteristic Shikumen architecture with a spa, a MICHELIN-starred restaurant and a variety of meeting and event spaces.

Middle East: the best hotels in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and five other countries

While Dubai awaits travellers with its usual luxurious glamour, the region also offers secluded retreats amid some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. The inspectors have awarded Keys for a wide range of experiences, from business to holiday to adventure travel.

With 13 MICHELIN Key hotels (one three Keys, three two Keys and nine one Keys hotels), Dubai offers a remarkable variety of style and luxury. Doha, the capital of Qatar, follows close behind with ten Key hotels (three two Keys and seven one Keys hotels), including several hotels with their own private beaches. Oman and Saudi Arabia invite travellers to immerse themselves in some of the world's most unforgettable desert adventures.

Among the many hotels in Dubai recognised by MICHELIN inspectors, Atlantis The Royal stands out as a spectacular three Keys hotel. Far from a hidden gem, this iconic destination redefines the skyscraper as a sprawling indoor-outdoor oasis, complete with cascading terraces, sparkling pools and a plethora of world-class dining and entertainment options.

Awarded two Keys, Alila Jabal Akhdar is located in the Al Hajar Mountains in Oman. The resort features hand-painted suites with private balconies. The Six Senses Zighy Bay, on the other hand, which has been awarded a MICHELIN Key, is known for its unique paragliding arrival option.

In Jordan, the MICHELIN Guide inspectors awarded a Key to the Bratus Hotel, an independent luxury hotel in the centre of Aqaba. The hotel is characterised by its design and service and stands out in a market dominated by international chains. It is located just a few minutes' walk from the beach.

Oceania: the best hotels in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia

The first MICHELIN Keys in Oceania recognises 63 hotels in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia. They include secluded island resorts in Bora Bora, architecturally stunning coastal hotels in Australia and spectacular properties in New Zealand.

The selection also highlights a strong mix of city hotels, including historic properties, independent discoveries and leading international luxury brands. Awarded three Keys, The Brando eco-resort in French Polynesia is located on a private atoll named after the actor who originally bought it. It offers guided excursions that focus on its diverse ecosystem and sustainability-focussed initiatives, including organic gardens, solar energy and its own research station. In Australia, in the Adelaide Hills, is Thorngrove Manor, a two Keys manor house in the Gothic style. It was opened in 1984 as an alternative to the usual hotel chains and is still known for its handcrafted interiors and many antiques. The Stoneridge Estate is a Keys luxury lodge near Queenstown (New Zealand) on a 150-year-old stone homestead on Lake Hayes. It has its own vineyard, modern accommodation and is often booked for weddings. It offers views of the surrounding mountain peaks and a design inspired by European castles.

Four new special awards

In addition to the MICHELIN Keys, the MICHELIN Guide presents four special awards that recognise hotels for achievements that go beyond the classic categories and stand for excellence and uniqueness in certain areas of the hotel industry. After the announcement of five nominees per category in August and September, the inspectors announce the winners.

The MICHELIN Architecture & Design Award recognises hotels whose architecture and design inspire unforgettable journeys and enrich the experience with a distinctive aesthetic identity. This year's award goes to Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its monumental geometric design of stacked, deconstructed cuboids redefines the Dubai skyline and comprises six interconnected towers made up of terraced, cantilevered blocks, each with its own spaces and amenities. Other nominees in this category were Rosewood São Paulo (Brazil), Shabara Resort (Umluj, Saudi Arabia), Benesse House (Naoshima, Japan) and Villa Nai 3.3 (Dugi Otok, Croatia).

The MICHELIN Wellness Award recognises hotels with pioneering and holistic wellness programmes that nurture body, mind and soul. This year's award goes to the Bürgenstock Resort, Switzerland, a historic yet modern holiday destination above Lake Lucerne. The resort comprises three hotels and has extensive spas, including the Alpine Spa with several pools, steam baths and medical wellness programmes for relaxation and rehabilitation. Other nominees in this category were Canyon Ranch Tucson (Arizona, USA), Joali Being (Raa Atoll, Maldives), Lily of The Valley (La Croix-Valmer, France) and The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (Grindavik, Iceland).

The MICHELIN Local Gateway Award recognises hotels that enable their guests to connect deeply with their destination - and to experience the character and authentic spirit of their region. This year's award goes to La Fiermontina Ocean in Larache, Morocco. The property celebrates Moroccan heritage and supports neighbouring villages through education and employment initiatives. Guests can share meals and stories with locals. The hotel is set in a nature reserve with traditional houses, olive groves and suites with sea views, offering an immersive experience of rural Moroccan life. Other nominees in this category were Zannier Sonop (Namib Desert, Namibia), Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa (Torres del Paine National Park, Chile), Longitude 131 (Yulara, Australia) and Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur, USA).

The MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award is supported by the United Overseas Bank (UOB) and honours newly opened hotels that have already enriched and shaped the hotel industry with exceptional charisma in their first year. This year's winner is the Burman Hotel in Tallinn, Estonia. This elegant boutique hotel opened in 2025 in Tallinn's Old Town and features 17 carefully designed rooms with unique materials, handmade mattresses and luxurious Amouage toiletries. Thanks to its connection to the Bombay Club, guests can enjoy fine dining, a spa and plenty of entertainment, creating a sophisticated experience that is both intimate and vibrant. Other nominees were the Aman Nai Lert Bangkok (Thailand), the Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection (Florence, Italy), the Le Mouflon D'Or (Corsica, France) and the Cheval Blanc Seychelles (Takamaka, Seychelles).

The MICHELIN Keys

A MICHELIN Key: a very special stay: A hotel awarded a Key is a true jewel with its own character and personality. It can stand out from the crowd, offer something different or simply be one of the best of its kind. The service always goes beyond the usual and offers much more than comparable establishments in terms of price.

Two MICHELIN Keys: an exceptional stay: A hotel with two Keys is exceptional in every way - an unforgettable experience for travellers is guaranteed. The hotel has character, personality and charm, and is run with obvious pride and care. Eye-catching design or impressive architecture and a tangible connection to the surroundings make this hotel an exceptional place to stay.

Three MICHELIN Keys: a unique stay: these establishments are all about wonder and pleasure - they are the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. A hotel with three Keys is one of the most remarkable and extraordinary hotels in the world and a destination for the journey of a lifetime. All aspects of truly great hospitality can be found here. Every stay is unforgettable - and stays long in the hearts of travellers.