The first Michelin Key hotels unveiled in the UK and Ireland

In a historic move, the MICHELIN Guide has introduced its highly anticipated hotel ratings in the UK and Ireland, marking a new era for the renowned travel guide. On October 1, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the first-ever recipients of its prestigious One, Two, and Three Key distinctions, celebrating the most exceptional hotels across the UK and Ireland.

This new accolade comes after four years of a significant revamp in the Michelin Guide's approach to hotel curation. With over 5,000 hotels worldwide now part of its selection, the Michelin Guide has shifted focus from being a directory of accommodations to a collection of unique experiences. Each hotel included in the guide has been meticulously evaluated by Michelin's experts based on five key criteria: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for money, and how well the hotel contributes to a guest’s overall experience.

The introduction of the Michelin Key system is intended to mirror the guide’s famous star ratings for restaurants. Much like the Michelin stars, the Keys represent the pinnacle of quality in hospitality, honouring those hotels that offer truly outstanding stays. The system highlights the best of the best, setting a new standard for luxury, service, and guest experience.

For 2024, a total of 123 hotels in the UK and Ireland have been recognised. The top tier includes 14 Three Key hotels, followed by 37 Two Key hotels, and 72 One Key hotels. These hotels span a range of styles and settings, from grand historic estates to chic city retreats. The three Key category, which signifies the highest level of excellence, includes renowned establishments such as The Newt in Somerset, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, Claridge’s and The Connaught in London, and the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland.

>>> See the full list of Three Michelin Keys in the UK and Ireland

>>> See the full list of Two Michelin Keys in the UK and Ireland

>>> See the full list of One Michelin Keys in the UK and Ireland

Notably, only three Three Key hotels are located outside England—Gleneagles, Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois, and Adare Manor in County Limerick. Meanwhile, Wales secured three One Key hotels, including Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire and two in Snowdonia: Penmaenuchaf Hotel and Palé Hall.

The UK and Ireland are the latest regions to receive Michelin Key designations, following the introduction of the rating system in France earlier this year, where 189 hotels were honoured. Since then, the Michelin Guide has expanded its hotel awards to other countries, including Spain, Italy, the United States, Japan, Mexico, and Thailand. Though many of these countries saw the majority of their hotels receive One Key, fewer than 10 hotels per country have earned the coveted Three Key status—except in France, which boasts 24, and the United States, with 16. The UK and Ireland now join that elite group with 14 Three Key hotels.

The Michelin Guide's foray into hotel ratings is part of a decade-long mission to position itself as the world's leading independent booking platform for both restaurants and hotels. While the guide has been recommending hotels since 1920, the official rating system for accommodations only began earlier this year, starting in France. The launch of the Michelin Keys in the UK and Ireland signals the continuation of this global expansion, with further announcements expected in 2025 for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond.

With its rigorous vetting process and high standards, the Michelin Guide's hotel ratings are set to become as respected as its famous restaurant stars, offering travellers a trusted resource for discovering the finest places to stay. Whether it’s a countryside escape or a luxurious urban retreat, the Michelin Key hotels promise to elevate the guest experience to new heights.