Awarding outstanding hotels: Michelin Guide to unveil first Global Key Selection

By Evangeline Elsa / July 17, 2025

Dubai, UAE: Imagine discovering the world’s most exceptional hotel stays with the same trusted guidance that helps you find a Michelin-starred meal. Here’s some good news for travellers! The Michelin Guide has announced the launch of its first global ‘Michelin Key’ selection, set for October 8, 2025, in Paris, France.

This event will celebrate and award the most outstanding hotels across the globe. The announcement holds profound significance for both discerning travellers and the global hospitality sector.

Michelin Keys will offer travellers a new, trusted way to find unique and exceptional hotel experiences.

These Keys will guide them to properties that possess genuine character, offer impeccable service, and provide a deep connection to their surroundings. It simplifies the search for that “trip of a lifetime” stay, transforming hotel choices from transactional decisions into inspirational journeys.

An integrated booking service will also make discovering and reserving these world-class properties easier than ever.

The Michelin Keys: A New Benchmark for Exceptional Stays

Internationally renowned for its restaurant selections and Star ratings, the Michelin Guide has built an independent global hotel selection. This now features over 7,000 properties across more than 125 countries. Just as the iconic Stars indicate top culinary experiences, the Michelin Keys will highlight the most outstanding stays within the Guide’s hotel selection.

Michelin Guide inspectors will carefully evaluate hotels against five universal criteria. These Keys will qualify each hotel experience beyond simple amenities.

One MICHELIN Key
Signifies 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 rank as one of the best of its type. Service consistently goes the extra mile, providing significantly more than similarly priced establishments.

Two MICHELIN Keys
Marks an exceptional stay. This destination is truly unique and outstanding in every way. A memorable experience always guarantees. It is a hotel of distinct character, personality, and charm, operated with clear pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.

Three MICHELIN Keys
Designates an extraordinary stay. Here, astonishment and indulgence define the experience. This represents the ultimate in comfort, service, style, and elegance. It stands as one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels, a true destination for that trip of a lifetime. All elements of truly great hospitality ensure any stay lives long in the memory and hearts of travellers.

After celebrating over 1,500 outstanding hotels through its initial Key selections, the Michelin Guide will now showcase the very best of global hospitality. Inspectors are currently finalising this first worldwide selection.

Introducing Four New Special Awards

In addition to the Michelin Keys, the Michelin Guide will introduce four new special awards. These awards recognise properties for achievements that transcend classic categories:

Michelin Architecture & Design Award: Celebrates hotels whose architecture and design inspire unforgettable journeys. They elevate the guest experience through a distinctive aesthetic identity.

Michelin Wellness Award: Recognises properties with pioneering and holistic wellness programmes nurturing body, mind, and spirit.

Michelin Local Gateway Award: Honours hotels offering guests immersive connections to their surroundings. They evoke the character and spirit of their region.

Michelin Opening of the Year Award: Rewards newly opened hotels that made an exceptional impact on the hospitality landscape within their first year.

One winning property will receive each Special Award. The winners will be revealed during the Ceremony on October 8, 2025. Ahead of this, nomination lists (five nominees per award) will be unveiled on the MICHELIN Guide social media and editorial platforms from August 13.

The Michelin Guide Hotels Ceremony

The unveiling of the 2025 Michelin Keys selection will occur both digitally and physically, during an exclusive Ceremony in Paris on October 8, 2025.

The Michelin Guide Hotels Ceremony will takes place at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, which overlooks the Louvre Palace and the Tuileries Garden. This exclusive professional event will gather awarded hotels, Special Award winners, top journalists, and leading industry opinion leaders.