The Michelin Guide will unveil its first-ever global hotel key selection on October 8

The new award aims to help travellers discover the best hotel experiences around the world. Photo Courtesy: The Michelin Guide

After its much-anticipated stars for restaurants annually, the Michelin Guide is all set to make an addition to its list of awards as it unveils its first global Michelin Key Selection, set to be revealed on October 8.

Following the rollout of key distinctions in 15 top travel destinations throughout 2024 and early 2025, this marks the debut of a worldwide selection celebrating the most outstanding hotels across the globe, to help travellers discover the best hotel experiences around the world.

In addition to the keys, The Michelin Guide will introduce four brand-new special awards, spotlighting excellence in specific areas of hospitality.

The announcement will be made both online - via the Guide's social media and editorial platforms - and in person during an exclusive ceremony in Paris.

Internationally known for its restaurant selections and Star ratings, the Michelin Guide has in recent years built an independent global hotel selection featuring over 7,000 properties located in over 125 countries.

Just like the stars indicate the best culinary experiences, the keys highlight the most outstanding stays within the Guide's hotel selection. It will be carefully evaluated by The Michelin Guide Inspectors following 5 universal criteria including each hotel experience in broader terms than simple amenities, to establish a new international and reliable benchmark for exceptional hospitality:

One Michelin Key: A very special stay
This is for a hotel with its own character and personality. It may break the mould, offer something different, or simply be one of the best of its type. The service always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments.

Two Michelin Keys: An exceptional stay
This will be awarded to a hotel that is somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, and where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm that's operated with obvious pride and considerable care. It also has 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
This award will be given to the hotel which embodies its essence and is 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 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 of travellers.

After celebrating over 1,500 outstanding hotels through its initial Key selections, The Michelin Guide now goes a step further in showcasing the very best of global hospitality, with Inspectors currently finalising this first worldwide selection.

Here are four new special awards:
In addition to the keys, the Guide will introduce four Special Awards, recognising properties for achievements that transcend classic categories, and celebrating excellence and uniqueness in specific hospitality fields:

MICHELIN Architecture & Design Award: Celebrates hotels whose architecture and design inspire unforgettable journeys, and elevate the guest experience through a distinctive aesthetic identity.
MICHELIN Wellness Award: Recognises properties with pioneering and holistic wellness programs nurturing body, mind, and spirit.
MICHELIN Local Gateway Award: Honours hotels that offer guests immersive connections to their surroundings, evoking the character and spirit of their region.
MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award: Rewards newly opened hotels that have made an exceptional impact on the hospitality landscape within their first year.

Each Special Award will be attributed to one winning property. The winner will be revealed during the ceremony on October 8. Ahead of this, nomination lists (five nominees per award) will be unveiled on the social media and editorial platforms according to the following schedule:
Architecture & Design Award Nominees: August 13
Wellness Award Nominees: August 27
Local Gateway Award Nominees: September 10
Opening of the Year Award Nominees: September 2

The ceremony
The unveiling of the 2025 Michelin Keys selection will take place both digitally - across The MICHELIN Guide social media and editorial platforms - and physically during an exclusive Ceremony to be organised in Paris on October 8.

Offering a glimpse into timeless culture and exceptional design, The ceremony will take place at the spectacular Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, overlooking the Louvre Palace and the Tuileries Garden.

It will gather a selection of awarded hotels (represented by approximately 300 international hoteliers), Special Award winners, top journalists, and leading industry opinion leaders.

Conceived as an immersive and celebratory occasion, the ceremony will honour global hospitality cultures, genuine concepts, and remarkable know-how.