The MICHELIN Guide has announced its inaugural Global MICHELIN Keys Selection. Following the launch of MICHELIN Key Distinctions in 15 top travel destinations last year, The MICHELIN Guide inspectors have scoured the world and chosen among the more than 7,000 hotels in The MICHELIN Guide Selection to identify those offering the most exceptional experiences.
In total, no less than 2,457 hotels have received One (1,742), Two (572) or Three (143) MICHELIN Keys across the globe, all representing the crème de la crème of world hospitality and meeting The MICHELIN Guide’s highest standards of hospitality and quality.
Unveiled online and at an exclusive ceremony at Musée des Arts Décoratifs, in Paris (France), all these hotels are bookable via The MICHELIN Guide’s website and mobile apps, with integrated concierge services and VIP perks for a seamless and memorable experience.
“125
years after its creation as a guide for discerning travellers, The MICHELIN
Guide is once again redefining excellence — this time in the world of
hospitality. Just as MICHELIN Stars celebrate the world’s most exceptional
restaurants, MICHELIN Keys now honour hotels that offer truly remarkable stays,
where design, service, and location come together to create unforgettable
moments. With the introduction of the MICHELIN Keys, the Guide establishes a
new, global, and independent benchmark for outstanding hotel experiences,” says
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide.
“With their unique field expertise and on-the-ground approach, MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have selected the finest properties from across the globe, reflecting the diversity and excellence of today’s hospitality landscape. Whether travellers seek iconic resorts, historic city hotels, or hidden gems off the beaten path, the MICHELIN Keys provide a trusted guide to discover, explore, and book truly memorable stays that inspire and delight.”
THE MICHELIN KEYS: A NEW GLOBAL STANDARD
MICHELIN Keys are awarded based on five universal criteria, evaluating the overall hospitality experience rather than individual amenities.
The distinctions are:
One MICHELIN Key: a very special stay
A true gem with its own character and
personality. It may break the mold, offer something different, or simply be one
of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides
significantly more than similarly priced establishments.
Two MICHELIN Keys: an exceptional stay
Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in
every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of
character, personality, and charm that’s operated with obvious pride and
considerable care.
Three MICHELIN Keys: an extraordinary stay
It’s all about astonishment and indulgence
here – this is the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is
one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination
for that trip of a lifetime.
THE SELECTION AS IT RELATES TO THE GCC AND
MENA MARKETS
The first MICHELIN Key hotels in the Middle
East highlight the very best hotels in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and
Jordan, showcasing the region’s vibrant hospitality landscape and architectural
innovation.
With 13 MICHELIN Key hotels in Dubai (1
Three Keys, 3 Two Keys, and 9 One Key), the city offers a remarkable mix of
style and luxury. Doha follows with 10 Key hotels (3 Two MICHELIN Keys and 7
One MICHELIN Key), while Oman and Saudi Arabia offer some of the most
breathtaking and remote retreats in the world.
Among the many hotels recognised by
MICHELIN Inspectors, Atlantis The Royal stands out as a spectacular Three
MICHELIN Keys property, redefining Dubai’s skyline with its cascading terraces
and world-class dining. In Oman, Alila Jabal Akhdar (Two MICHELIN Keys) and Six
Senses Zighy Bay (One MICHELIN Key) reflect the nation’s commitment to
sustainable, nature-immersive luxury. In Jordan, Bratus Hotel in Aqaba received
One MICHELIN Key for its independent character and design-forward service.
In addition to the MICHELIN Keys, The
MICHELIN Guide presents four Special Awards, recognising hotels for
achievements that transcend traditional categories and celebrating excellence
and uniqueness in specific areas of hospitality.
- MICHELIN Architecture & Design Award honours
hotels whose architecture and design inspire unforgettable journeys, elevating
the guest experience through a distinctive aesthetic identity. This year’s
award goes to Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, UAE. Its monumental geometric design
of stacked, deconstructed volumes redefines Dubai’s skyline, featuring six
interconnected towers composed of terraced, cantilevered blocks, each with its
own dedicated spaces and amenities.
- MICHELIN Wellness Award
recognises hotels with pioneering wellness programmes
that nurture body, mind, and spirit. This year’s award goes to Bürgenstock
Resort Switzerland, a historic yet modern destination perched above Lake
Lucerne. The resort spans three hotels and features extensive spa facilities,
including its Alpine Spa with multiple pools, steam rooms, and medical wellness
programmes focused on recovery and rehabilitation.
- MICHELIN Local Gateway Award
honours hotels that offer guests immersive connections
to their surroundings, evoking the character and spirit of their region and
offering authentic local experiences. This year’s award goes to La Fiermontina
Ocean in Larache, Morocco. The property celebrates Moroccan heritage and
supports nearby villages through education and employment initiatives, inviting
guests to share meals and stories with locals. Set within a protected natural
area, the hotel features traditional homes, olive tree landscapes, and ocean-view
suites that provide an immersive experience of rural Moroccan life.
- MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award, supported by United Overseas Bank (UOB), recognises newly opened hotels that make an exceptional impact on the hospitality landscape within their first year. This year’s winner is The Burman Hotel in Tallinn, Estonia. Opened in 2025 in Tallinn’s Old Town, this elegant boutique hotel offers 17 thoughtfully designed rooms, featuring unique materials, handmade mattresses, and high-luxury Amouage bath products. Connected to the Bombay Club, guests enjoy fine dining, a spa, and entertainment, creating a sophisticated experience that is both intimate and vibrant. -TradeArabia News Service