Michelin Guide extends remit to hotels

The presence or absence of Michelin Stars have made all the difference to many restaurants, not to mention the careers of those chefs who rule their kitchens. Now Michelin is bringing its guidance into the world of hostelry, and from 2024, establishments that offer the “most exceptional hotel experiences” will be rewarded with the Michelin Key.

“As it does for restaurants, The Michelin Guide intends on independently recommending hotels that constitute true destinations,” shares Michelin. “After four years of work, The Michelin Guide now proposes a new selection of more than 5,000 remarkable hotels in 120 countries.”

Noting that the accommodation industry is one that is “saturated with questionably trustworthy endorsements,” the Michelin Guide will offer its expertise to travellers and direct them towards only the “very best experiences.” Furthermore, in response to today’s “hyper-standardisation of accommodation” in areas such as design, interior decoration, and special touches, Michelin intends for its Guide to appeal to travellers’ emotions by orienting them towards “bold establishments that excel in every way.”

Five criteria

Covering a “broad range of prices and styles,” the Michelin Guide will select hotels based on five criteria:

• A destination unto itself: the hotel contributes to the local experience;
• Excellence in interior design and architecture;
• Individuality, reflecting personality and authenticity;
• Quality and consistency in service, comfort and maintenance;
• Consistency between the level of experience and the price paid.

“Determined independently from all existing labels and free of any pre-established quotas, this hotel selection addresses those travellers who already trust The Michelin Guide and all those who seek verified, well-informed advice,” says Michelin.

Three objectives

With this new approach to hotels, The Michelin Guide has three objectives:

• To enable travellers to precede or follow a gourmet experience with a memorable hotel stay.
• To guide guests towards accommodations of character that offer much more than just a room for the night.
• To offer travellers the opportunity to choose, book, and share their experiences on a single independent platform.

The Michelin Key

Michelin Guide teams will “seek to highlight the establishments that raise hospitality to an art form” and that forge “absolutely unique experiences for travellers,” and will acknowledge these hotels with the Michelin Key.

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of The Michelin Guides, explains that the Michelin Key will serve as a “clear, reliable indication” for travellers. “Just as the Michelin Star distinguishes those restaurants that are at the peak of their art, the Michelin Key recognises the most exceptional hotels throughout the world. It is also an acknowledgment of the teamwork of committed enthusiastic hospitality professionals.”

Each year, the Michelin Key will “distinguish exceptional establishments” that are “led by teams with unique forms of knowledge.” Michelin Guide selection teams will award the Michelin Key following one or several anonymous stays.