Hoteliers had better sleep with one eye open.
The restless restaurant gurus at Michelin have decided to cast their famously critical eyes on the world’s most luxurious hotels, establishing a key rating system for the very first time — and just 124 snooze shops around the world managed to snag a slot on the tire maker’s debut list for the United States, released on Wednesday.
Out of that already elite group, 11 pampering palaces — sticking to the mix of American destinations where Michelin currently publishes a restaurant guide — were considered worthy of the coveted “3 Keys” award, with 4 of the properties found right here in the Big Apple.
“With this new distinction, the Michelin Guide has opened up a brand-new chapter in the service it provides for travelers, which has been its lifeblood for the past 124 years,” Gwendal Poullennec, International Director, said in a statement released Wednesday.
“Steadfast in our field-based approach, the Michelin Guide inspectors drew up this unprecedented list to share their best hotel experiences in the US. Every establishment awarded One, Two or Three Michelin Keys is a gem sculpted by talented professionals,” he said.
Michelin has been recommending hotels for years, however the key system is new for 2024.
“Over the last four years, our selection team of passionate, independent experts vetted, scrutinized, and ultimately determined more than 5,000 remarkable hotels for inclusion in our collection,” an earlier statement read.
“Each has been selected for its remarkable quality. Out of these thousands of hotels, those offering the most outstanding stays will be awarded the special Michelin Key distinction.”
The first key awards — for France, naturellement — were announced on April 8. The United States awards were announced at a ceremony in Manhattan on Wednesday.
What do the Michelin keys mean?
“Just like the famous Stars that indicate the best culinary experiences in the Michelin Guide restaurant selection, the Michelin Keys reveal accommodations in the Guide’s hotel selection that offer the most outstanding stays. They are a new benchmark for travelers, qualifying each hotel experience in broader terms than simple amenities,” the publisher stated.
For the inaugural American listing, the eleven 3 Key winners are joined by 33 Two Key properties and 80 One Key establishments.
What is a One Michelin Key hotel?
Described as a “very special stay.”
“This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mould, 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,” the experts said.
What is a Two Key Michelin hotel?
Described as “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. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay,” the pros explained.
What is a Three Key Michelin hotel?
Described as “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 in itself for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts.”
Here are the eleven Three Michelin Key hotels for 2024 in the United States:
Aman, New York
Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, Calif.
The Bel-Air Hotel, Los Angeles
The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles
Canyon Ranch Woodside, California
The famed spa brand reaches new heights at this small property among the redwoods, up above Silicon Valley.
Casa Cipriani, New York
Crosby Street Hotel, New York
London’s can’t-fail Firmdale Hotels knocked it out of the park with their first stateside effort, delivering one of the Big Apple’s finest stays on one of its most charming streets.
Meadowood, Napa Valley, Calif.
This classic resort, tucked away in its own canyon, has overcome numerous obstacles to remain one of the most relevant addresses in a region where hotel style sometimes trumps substance.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, Calif.
SingleThread Inn, Healdsburg, Calif.
A restaurant with rooms for the upper crust in Sonoma County — three Michelin star dining, plus five breathtaking suites to retreat to when finished.
The Whitby Hotel, New York
Proving the Crosby Street was no one-hit wonder, Firmdale Hotels swept into Midtown to remind the giant palace hotels that scale and luxury are two different things entirely.
