The Michelin Key Hotels 2025 selection has officially been unveiled, marking the first truly global rollout of the Michelin Guide’s hotel distinction system. With more than 2,400 properties recognised across nearly 120 countries, the initiative establishes a new worldwide standard for excellence in hospitality.
A new chapter for Michelin Key Hotels
This year’s announcement expands beyond Europe and the United States, offering a unified system that evaluates hotels with the same precision long associated with Michelin’s restaurant ratings. Each property was assessed anonymously and judged on five key criteria: architectural design, personality and character, service quality, value for money, and the ability to connect guests with the surrounding destination.
Much like Michelin’s famed stars for restaurants, the Keys are tiered: One Key for a “very special stay,” Two Keys for an “exceptional stay,” and Three Keys for an “extraordinary stay.” A total of 2,457 hotels were honoured this year, with 143 Three-Keys, 572 Two-Keys and 1,742 One-Key hotels — a new global measure of distinction for the hospitality world.
Dubai’s shining moment
Among the standout winners, Atlantis The Royal, Dubai (Three Keys) emerged as one of only a handful of properties worldwide to earn the top distinction. Recognised for its architectural ingenuity and comprehensive approach to luxury, the resort also received Michelin’s Architecture & Design Award — a testament to its striking façade and layered guest experience. From its 17 restaurants, including Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, to its sculptural towers and panoramic infinity pools, Atlantis The Royal embodies the ambition and creativity that define Dubai’s luxury landscape.
Several other Dubai landmarks also featured in the selection. The Lana, Dorchester Collection (Two Keys), one of the city’s most celebrated new openings, was recognised for its modern design and refined service, while Bvlgari Resort Dubai (Two Keys) and One&Only The Palm (Two Keys) earned praise for their blend of intimacy and sophistication. Additionally, Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa (One Key), located deep within Dubai’s desert conservation reserve, was honoured for its tranquil setting and authentic sense of place — highlighting Dubai’s range across all Michelin tiers.
Global highlights in the Michelin Key Hotels 2025 list
The 2025 selection reinforces the diversity of luxury hospitality worldwide. Europe remains a stronghold, with The Savoy, London (Three Keys) and Cheval Blanc Paris (Three Keys) receiving top honours for their heritage and refinement. Across the Atlantic, Aman New York (Three Keys) and The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City (Two Keys) were celebrated for their innovation in urban hospitality, while Six Senses Kyoto (Two Keys) and Hoshinoya Tokyo (Two Keys) showcased Japan’s balance of tradition and modernity.
Elsewhere, Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé (Two Keys) in France was recognised for preserving 18th-century grandeur while offering an artful, contemporary escape in the Loire Valley. In Spain, Cap Rocat Mallorca (Two Keys) earned praise for transforming a 19th-century fortress into a tranquil coastal retreat that perfectly captures the spirit of Mediterranean elegance. Meanwhile, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Two Keys) was celebrated for its architectural sensitivity and sustainable approach to island living, positioning Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea archipelago as one of the most exciting new destinations in the world of luxury travel.
Beyond these, Michelin’s inspectors also turned their attention to lesser-known gems such as Fogo Island Inn, Canada (Two Keys), Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan (One Key), and Tierra Patagonia, Chile (Two Keys) — all commended for their deep connection to place and commitment to sustainability.
The meaning behind the Michelin Key
The Michelin Key hotels initiative represents a major shift in how travellers can assess quality. While Michelin Stars remain synonymous with culinary excellence, the Keys redefine what it means to deliver an exceptional stay. The programme is entirely independent of hotel sponsorships and is based on direct evaluations by Michelin’s own inspectors, ensuring consistency and impartiality.
Michelin has also introduced four special awards to accompany the main ranking, recognising properties that excel in architecture and design, wellness, local connection, and new openings. These additions highlight the growing diversity of luxury travel experiences and reward innovation beyond the traditional framework of five-star hospitality.
A new era for global travel
The 2025 global unveiling marks a significant milestone in the evolution of modern hospitality. For hoteliers, being listed among the Michelin Key hotels carries prestige akin to a Michelin Star — elevating reputation and guiding traveller expectations. For guests, it offers a consistent, reliable reference for exceptional stays worldwide.
From Dubai’s glittering skyline to the shores of Mallorca and the coral islands of the Red Sea, this year’s selection demonstrates that extraordinary hospitality transcends borders. As Michelin expands its reach, the Keys are poised to become the defining emblem of excellence for discerning travellers seeking authenticity, design, and service of the highest calibre.
Alongside the Michelin Key Hotels selection, the guide introduces four Special Awards that celebrate excellence in specific hospitality fields:
- The Michelin Architecture & Design Award honours hotels whose aesthetic identity elevates the guest experience through distinctive design elements. Its 2025 winner is Atlantis The Royal, Dubai — selected for its bold “indoor-outdoor neighbourhood” design with interconnected cantilevered towers.
- The Michelin Wellness Award recognises properties with pioneering holistic wellness programmes. The 2025 winner is Bürgenstock Resort, Switzerland, praised for its transformative spa experiences and mountain setting.
- The Michelin Local Gateway Award celebrates hotels offering deep immersion in their locale — those that embody the character and spirit of their region. The 2025 winner is La Fiermontina Ocean in Morocco (Tangier area) for its sense of place and connection to surroundings.
- The Michelin Opening of the Year Award rewards newly opened hotels that make an exceptional impact within their first year. The inaugural 2025 winner is The Burman Hotel, Tallinn (Estonia) — a boutique property recognised for its fresh vision in its home city.
A seamless booking experience for discerning travellers
The global launch of Michelin Key hotels coincides with integrated booking services, creating a seamless experience for travellers seeking exceptional accommodation. This development marks the first time the guide has combined its trusted distinctions with direct reservation capabilities, making it easier to discover and book the world’s finest hotels.
The current selection features over 7,000 properties across 125+ countries, with more than 1,500 hotels already recognised through initial Key selections. This extensive network ensures that Michelin Key hotels represent diverse hospitality experiences across different cultures and price points, whilst maintaining consistent standards of excellence.
Quick summary
- 📍 Location: Global – over 2,400 hotels across nearly 120 countries were recognised
- 🏨 What it means: Michelin Keys rate the world’s best stays, similar to how Michelin Stars rank restaurants
- 🔑 The system: One Key = very special stay, Two Keys = exceptional stay, Three Keys = extraordinary stay
- 🌟 Top winners: Atlantis The Royal Dubai, The Savoy London, Cheval Blanc Paris
- 💡 Why it matters: The Keys help travellers choose hotels known for outstanding service, design, and sense of place
- 🗝️ How to find them: All winners are listed on the official Michelin Guide website and app
