Michelin will be handing out Keys to Luxury. Premiere in fall 2025

No longer just stars for restaurants, the Michelin Guide is opening a new chapter in its history. This time, it's all about hotels. Keys, Special Awards, and a global selection are coming to the table, potentially changing the way we travel.

For foodies and aesthetes, the red Michelin Guide has been a beacon of light for years. When the global gastronomic giant awards stars to restaurants, the effect is comparable to an Oscar in cinema. Now, Michelin is going a step further. For the first time in history, hotels are in the spotlight. And not just any hotels. The Michelin Keys are at stake: a new distinction for the world's most extraordinary places that redefine hospitality.

The first wave of announcements began in early 2025, covering 15 top tourist destinations . The culmination will be a ceremony in Paris, scheduled for October 8th . There, we will discover the full list of properties that Michelin inspectors consider to be true gems among hotels.

Interior of a luxury hotel / Photo: Shuterstock

The new distinction is divided into three levels , but it's not about luxury measured by apartment size or the number of swimming pools. Michelin focuses on the entire experience—atmosphere, details, emotions.

One Key signals: something special awaits you here, even if it's not necessarily ultra-exclusive. This could be a boutique hotel with soul, brimming with local color and authenticity.

Two Keys takes you to truly unforgettable places. It's not just the aesthetics and service that count, but also the character—that elusive element that makes you want to return.

The Three Keys? They're the crème de la crème. Dream hotels that redefine the concept of luxury relaxation. "A lifetime destination"—that's how the Guide itself describes them. Comfort, style, service, architecture, and above all, emotion—everything must be perfectly synchronized.

What sets the new selection apart is not only its prestige but also its usability. For the first time, users will be able to not only find out where to stay, but also instantly book a room. Michelin is introducing an integrated reservation service, available online and in the app. The selected database already includes over 7,000 hotels in 125 countries —all assessed according to five universal criteria by professional inspectors.

But the keys aren't everything. Four new Michelin Special Awards are also entering the scene, which will be awarded to establishments that go beyond the norm and redefine specific aspects of hospitality.

The Architecture and Design Award recognizes places that inspire with their form and interior. These aren't just beautiful walls—they are spaces that become part of the journey.

Wellness? We will recognize properties that understand the needs of body, mind, and soul, offering authentic, comprehensive relaxation experiences.

Local flair? Local Gateway will honor hotels that immerse guests in the local scene—through flavors, rituals, and landscapes.

And finally, the Opening of the Year – for those who changed the rules of the game immediately after entering the market.

Importantly, each hotel can only receive one such award, which further enhances the distinction.