In a welcome, yet unsurprising move, the renowned Michelin Guide has expanded into luxury hospitality with its inaugural hotel issue, released on April 24, 2024, for the United States. A significant development in the realm of hospitality ratings, this move, says Michelin, “follows four years of thorough evaluation and careful selection, resulting in a comprehensive list of over 5,000 hotels worldwide.”
Hotels are evaluated based on criteria such as architecture, service quality, personality, value, and overall contribution to the guest experience. The guide will give 1, 2 and 3 “Michelin Keys”—akin to their “Michelin Stars” for restaurants—highlighting the pinnacle of luxury hospitality across the United States—as they see it. As you might expect, given that hotels these days offer much more than just a room to rest your head, the ratings are reflective of the “total travel experience” that they offer.
In total, the 2024 Michelin Guide hotel selection in the United States includes 11 Three Key hotels, 33 Two Key hotels, and 80 One Key hotels. The array of distinguished accommodations spans cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC, showcasing the breadth and depth of luxury hospitality in the country—though quite a bit of concentration in New York City, Miami and California (Los Anglese, San Francisco and Wine Country).
Here’s how they distinguish between One, Two and Three Keys:
One MICHELIN Key: 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.”
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. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.”
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 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.”
Is the list too focused on major markets? Perhaps. Nonetheless, we like a lot of the hotels on the list. Here are some notable hotels (including a few we particularly like) from all three levels:
Three Keys:
Crosby Street Hotel, New York, NY
Nestled in the vibrant heart of SOHO, Crosby Street Hotel blends contemporary flair with British charm. Beyond its inviting atmosphere and top-notch service, what truly sets Crosby Street apart is its ingenious incorporation of sustainable features (LEED-Gold certified) within the context of SoHo’s iconic cast-iron architecture. Situated on one of the neighborhood’s most intriguing cobblestone streets, between Spring and Prince, Crosby Street retains its historic character while being just steps away from all the great restaurants (Balthazar) and shops in SOHO.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA
Perched atop the craggy cliffs of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn provides a secluded sanctuary amid breathtaking natural beauty. With eco-friendly guestrooms boasting sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and award-winning cuisine at the esteemed Sierra Mar, PRI blends nature and luxury in near perfect unison—a bona fide bucket-lister that is truly unique.
The Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles, CA
Steeped in Hollywood glamour and history, this legendary retreat in West Hollywood offers a glimpse into the golden age of cinema, with iconic bungalows and storied history.
SingleThread, Healdsburg, CA
Right in the heart of California’s wine country, SingleThread Restaurant in Healdsburg is a culinary haven celebrated for its 3-star, Japanese-inspired, multi-course tasting menu that is truly “farm-to-table.” Like many of the top chefs in Sonoma, SingleThread’s chef Kyle Connaughton takes full advantage of the produce that grows in Sonoma County, tapping his 24 acre, biodiverse farm, to provide the restaurant with much of its bounty. While SingleThread is still mostly known as a dining destination, above the restaurant, is their meticulous, if not tiny, five-room hotel that has 3 keys to go along with the restaurants 3 stars. A tranquil retreat with elegant rooms and personalized service, the inn is complemented by an extravagant daily breakfast. Oh, and did we mention, Inn guests enjoy preferential booking.
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta, GA
Embodies southern hospitality at its finest, situated in the heart of downtown Atlanta, with elegant accommodations, impeccable service, and unparalleled amenities.
Other Three Key hotels we like or have written about…
Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection, California
Meadwoood, California
Two Keys:
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Inspired by Alan Faena’s vision and crafted by architectural virtuosos, the namesake Faena Hotel Miami Beach blends vintage Hollywood glam with modern chic. As you step inside and encounter Damien Hirst’s striking mammoth sculpture in the lobby, sophistication and flair envelop you. With decadent guest rooms offering ocean views and a lineup of top-notch dining, plus live performances at the Faena Theater, it’s a playground for the discerning and daring alike.
Peninsula Chicago
Situated in the heart of Chicago’s lively Magnificent Mile, the Peninsula Chicago exudes timeless elegance and luxury. Its sleek design and impeccable service create a refined sanctuary amidst the city’s energy. From breathtaking views of Lake Michigan to award-winning dining experiences, the hotel embodies excellence in every detail.
The Mark Hotel, New York
Other Two Key hotels we like or have written about…
Cavallo Point Lodge, California
Montage Healdsburg, California
Montage Laguna Beach, California
Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Florida
One Star Hotels
Harbor House Inn, California
Nestled on the rugged, redwood-lined Mendocino coastline, the Harbor House Inn blends nature, sustainability and luxury with near perfection——much like it’s neighbor to the south, The Post Ranch Inn. If you are a foodie who loves gourmet cuisine that is caught, foraged or grown nearby and a natural setting that begs for hiking and exploring to burn off those extra calories, you can’t go wrong at this majestic property.
The Little Nell, Colorado
An iconic luxury hotel nestled in the heart of Aspen, The Little Nell offers tremendous service and breathtaking mountain views. It is also an oasis of great food, drink and otherwise pampering accommodations replete with just about everything you could want to relax in the heart of Aspen. If you are not the relaxing type, they will also set you up with biking, fishing, hiking, kayaking and just any other mountain activity you crave in the summer. In the winter it has an enviable ski-in/ski-out location at the base of Aspen Mountain, while drivers will also shuttle you to nearby Snowmass and Buttermilk.
The Beekman, New York, NY
An architectural gem hailed for its iconic nine-story atrium and pyramidal skylight, The Beekman unites some of the world’s greatest talent, including the sophisticated design of Martin Brudnizki and the culinary cachet of restaurateur and chef Tom Colicchio. This boutique hotel also features a restaurant by Keith McNally, his first in the neighborhood.
Other One Star hotels we like or have written about…
The Betsy – South Beach, Florida
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Florida
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, New York
Ace Hotel Brooklyn, New York
1 Hotel San Francisco, California
Four Seasons Vail, Colorado
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, California
