Keys for 130 hotels in Germany

PARIS. The MICHELIN Guide has unveiled its hotel selection for the second time. The inspectors have recognised more than 470 new hotels across 79 destinations. Europe and Asia accounted for the most new entries. There was significant growth in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, as well as in China, India, Indonesia and Japan. Ten new destinations were added to the 2026 MICHELIN Keys selection, whilst more than 80 hotels within the overall selection received a higher rating.

For Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, the growth in the hotel selection comes at a particularly interesting time: “The second global selection of MICHELIN Keys demonstrates just how dynamic the hotel industry is. 470 newly awarded hotels prove that creative and ambitious projects are constantly enhancing what’s on offer. Around the world, hoteliers are reimagining the guest experience and creating more immersive, personalised experiences. This is evident in both established destinations and emerging markets. Often, visionary, independent hoteliers are driving this development and inspiring the entire sector. Major international groups are further accelerating this transformation. The 2026 selection therefore celebrates the diversity and quality of an industry that is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of hospitality and inviting travellers to make new discoveries.”

Gourmet delights and travel experiences under one roof

All six establishments in Germany with three MICHELIN Keys have retained their awards in 2026. Two of these are located in Baiersbronn in the heart of the Black Forest (Hotel Bareiss, Hotel Traube Tonbach), two in Hamburg (Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, The Fontenay) and two in Bavaria (Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway, Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt). What makes them special is that these establishments with three MICHELIN Keys bring together restaurants boasting an impressive total of 15 MICHELIN stars under one roof.
The selection for Germany comprises ten new hotels with one MICHELIN Key:

• Diepeschrather Mühle in Bergisch Gladbach
• Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten in Bernkastel-Kues
• Strandhotel Dünenmeer in Dierhagen
• The Florentin by Althoff Collection in Frankfurt
• Wald & Schlosshotel in Friedrichsruhe
• Hotel VILLINO in Lindau
• Romantik Hotel Residenz am See in Meersburg
• Hotel Franks in Oberstdorf
• The König Ludwig Inspiration SPA in Schwangau
• Reischlhof Wellness & Nature Resort in Wegscheid

There are also five hotels that have been promoted from one to two MICHELIN Keys: Hotel PURS in Andernach, the Steigenberger Icon Europäischer Hof in Baden-Baden, the Hüttenhof – Wellnesshotel & Luxus-Bergchalets – Adults only in Grainet, the Birkenhof Spa & Genuss Resort in Hofenstetten and the Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat in Übersee. The Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden and the Waldorf Astoria in Berlin have entered the selection with two MICHELIN Keys straight away.

A new era of grand hotels in Baden-Baden

Even the Romans valued Baden-Baden’s thermal springs. To this day, wellness, culture and a rich hotel tradition characterise the city. In the 19th century, some of Europe’s most sophisticated grand hotels were built here. Two historic establishments now epitomise this tradition: the Brenners Park Hotel & Spa, which underwent extensive renovation until the end of 2025 and can now boast two MICHELIN Keys. The hotel’s history dates back to 1820. The Europäische Hof has been promoted from one to two MICHELIN Keys; following extensive refurbishment last year, it reopened as the Steigenberger Icon Europäischer Hof.
Trends in the hotel industry
Looking beyond individual hotels, the MICHELIN Guide inspectors have observed a trend shaped by changing travel habits and increasingly diverse guest expectations:

• Slower and more immersive travel: Travellers are spending more time in fewer places and are increasingly opting for less crowded, more accessible destinations.
• More flexible travel: The lines between business and leisure travel are becoming increasingly blurred, whilst guests switch more freely between different travel styles, budgets and experiences.
• A new interpretation of luxury: from ‘rough luxury’ and outdoor experiences to private villas and home-from-home hospitality. Travellers are seeking privacy, authenticity and a stronger connection to the destination.
• Wellness beyond the spa: Hotels are expanding their offerings to include more sophisticated wellness and fitness facilities, reflecting the growing focus on physical and mental wellbeing.
• Design that invites discovery: Striking, visually impressive interiors are increasingly designed to capture the eye, whilst service, atmosphere and a sense of place remain essential components of the guest experience.
• Luxury takes to the water: New concepts such as Four Seasons Yachts, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Aman at Sea are bringing the luxury hotel experience to the sea.

The MICHELIN Guide’s selection of hotels is based on the work of inspectors who travel anonymously and independently to find hotels that offer outstanding experiences. The selection covers a wide range of accommodation, from historic landmarks and grand hotels to independent boutique hotels, secluded retreats and innovative new openings.
The MICHELIN Key is the award presented by the MICHELIN Guide to hotels, equivalent to the MICHELIN stars awarded to restaurants. The MICHELIN Key was introduced in 2024 across 15 destinations in North America, Europe and Asia, and has since become a global accolade.
Hotels are awarded one, two or three MICHELIN Keys depending on the experience they offer:

• One MICHELIN Key: a very special stay
• Two MICHELIN Keys: an exceptional stay
• Three MICHELIN Keys: a unique stay

Reactions

For Nelson Müller and his team, the award for the Diepeschrather Mühle is far more than just a star on a list: it is recognition of his vision to make the Diepeschrather Mühle a place where indulgence, nature, history and personal hospitality come together.

“The first MICHELIN Key is a very special honour for us. It represents all my staff, who work with passion every day to ensure our guests feel welcome and at home here. We are incredibly proud of this,” says hotelier Nelson Müller.