"Michelin knows a thing or two about luxury. Its illustrious stars have been synonymous with fine dining for the past 100 years, representing one of the highest honours that can be bestowed on a restaurant. But luxurious living isn't just about where you eat out, it's about where you stay too. Enter: Michelin keys. If prestige and opulence is at the top of your requirements when looking for somewhere to stay, Michelin keys exist to steer you in the right direction."
"Michelin's keys are to hotels what its stars are to restaurants. But while the stars have existed since 1926, Michelin only introduced keys in 2023 and handed out its first batch last year. Like Michelin stars, only the finest establishments in the land receive one, and the maximum of three is reserved for the absolute crème de la crème. The guide sums up places with one key as 'very special', two keys as 'exceptional' and three keys as 'extraordinary'."
Michelin awards hotel keys on a one-to-three scale, with one key labeled 'very special', two keys 'exceptional', and three keys 'extraordinary'. The keys were introduced in 2023, with the first batch handed out the following year. Nineteen hotels across the UK and Ireland received keys in 2025, including four London properties. Anonymous Michelin inspectors evaluate hotels using five factors: architecture and interior design; quality and consistency of service; overall personality and character; value for the price; and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. The keys guide travellers seeking prestige and opulence in accommodation choices.
Read at Time Out London
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]