Michelin, known for its restaurant ratings, has introduced a new key rating system for hotels in 2024 in the United States. Out of the 124 hotels selected, 11 received the coveted “3 Keys” award, with 4 of them located in New York City. The International Director of Michelin, Gwendal Poullennec, stated that this new distinction opens up a new chapter in the travel services provided by Michelin. He emphasized that each establishment awarded with the keys is a gem crafted by talented professionals, reflecting the inspectors’ best hotel experiences in the US.
The Michelin keys are a new benchmark for travelers that qualify each hotel experience beyond simple amenities. The 3 Key award signifies an extraordinary stay that offers ultimate comfort, service, style, and elegance. This type of hotel is considered one of the most remarkable and extraordinary in the world, ensuring a memorable and indulgent experience. The 2 Key award represents an exceptional stay, reflecting a unique and exceptional hotel with character, charm, and eye-catching design or architecture. The 1 Key award designates a very special stay with its own character, personality, and exceptional service that goes above and beyond similarly priced establishments.
The list of 2024 Three Michelin Key hotels in the United States includes Aman in New York, Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley, The Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles, The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, Canyon Ranch Woodside in California, Casa Cipriani in New York, Crosby Street Hotel in New York, Meadowood in Napa Valley, Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, and SingleThread Inn in Healdsburg. Each of these hotels offers a unique and exceptional experience that sets them apart in terms of service, design, and overall guest satisfaction. The selection process for the Michelin keys involves vetting and scrutinizing more than 5,000 hotels to identify those offering the most outstanding stays.
The Michelin Guide’s new hotel rating system represents a shift toward recognizing and highlighting exceptional hotel experiences for travelers. The keys provide a broader evaluation of accommodations based on factors beyond amenities, focusing on the overall quality, character, and charm of each establishment. This new distinction for hotels complements Michelin’s existing restaurant ratings, offering travelers a comprehensive guide to exceptional dining and lodging experiences. The unveiling of the inaugural Michelin keys in the United States showcases a diverse selection of hotels across different regions and highlights the exemplary service and hospitality provided by these award-winning properties.
Overall, the introduction of the Michelin keys for hotels adds a new layer of prestige and recognition to the hospitality industry, elevating the standards for luxury accommodations and setting a benchmark for excellence. The 2024 list of Three Michelin Key hotels in the United States includes a mix of iconic properties and boutique gems that cater to discerning travelers seeking exceptional stays. As Michelin continues to expand its hotel ratings globally, hoteliers and guests alike will have a renewed focus on quality, service, and overall guest experience, ensuring that the hospitality industry continues to innovate and excel in providing memorable and indulgent stays for travelers worldwide.
