The MICHELIN Guide has unveiled plans for a new distinction recognising “establishments offering exceptional hotel and travel experiences”.
Similar to the group’s established MICHELIN Star for restaurants, the MICHELIN Key will see hotels and accommodation anonymously reviewed and potentially awarded a Key.
The MICHELIN Guide said its teams had selected more than 5,000 properties worldwide, and are currently “in the field”, with the first MICHELIN Key selection set to be published in the first half of 2024.
It’s not clear if the Key system will follow the same one, two and three-star recognition awarded under the MICHELIN Star guides.
The group said that “In response to the hyper standardization of accommodation (design, interior decoration, attention to detail in the room, etc), we wish to arouse the emotion of customers by directing them towards establishments that excel in all areas – architectural choices, the art of craftsmanship and detail to doing a job, and asserting your own personality”.
It added that the guide would recommend hotels across 120 countries, “with varied price ranges and diverse styles”, based on the following five criteria:
- A destination unto itself: the hotel contributes to the local experience
- Excellence in architecture and interior design
- Quality and regularity of service, comfort and maintenance
- Singularity reflecting the personality of the establishment, its unique character
- Consistency between the quality of the experience and the price paid
MICHELIN said that the selection had been developed “independently of existing labels and without pre-established quotas” meaning that hotels could see them be awarded a Key or Keys for the property itself, alongside Stars for their restaurants.
The group already has a booking platform for selected hotels, albeit without Key recognition at present.
Commenting on the news Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guide, said:
“The MICHELIN Key is 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 recognizes the most exceptional hotels throughout the world.
“It is also an acknowledgment of the teamwork of committed enthusiastic hospitality professionals.”
