MICHELIN Guide has unveiled its 2026 MICHELIN Key selection, with 470 hotels joining the exclusive club across 79 destinations.
The recent additions include 10 destinations receiving the coveted distinction for the first time.
The global selection now includes a whopping 2,832 MICHELIN Key hotels, led by 2,020 One Key hotels (a very special stay). The list also includes 657 Two Key (an exceptional stay) and 155 Three Key (an extraordinary stay) properties.
Eighteen hotels were awarded Three Keys for the first time, while 84 hotels have been promoted from One to Two Keys or from Two to Three Keys.
"This second global selection of the MICHELIN Keys reflects the extraordinary momentum driving the hospitality sector once again this year," Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, said in a statement.
"With nearly 470 newly distinguished establishments, we are witnessing a continuous upscaling of the offering, driven by even more creative and ambitious projects. All around the world, hoteliers are reinventing the stay experience through more immersive, personalized, and experiential concepts," added Poullennec.
"This capacity for innovation is expressed both in must-visit destinations and in emerging tourist markets. Often driven by visionary independent hotelkeepers, this evolution in concepts is now inspiring the industry as a whole. It is also supported by investments from major international groups, which are helping to accelerate this transformation," said Poullennec.
"The 2026 selection thus celebrates the diversity, vitality, and excellence of an ever-evolving sector, one that continues to push the boundaries of the hospitality experience and invite travelers to discover new destinations."
Guest checking in at a hotel front desk. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Charlie's)
Europe leads the way with nearly half of the world's MICHELIN Key hotels. More specifically, the continent boasts 1,338 MICHELIN Key properties across more than 35 destinations, with 194 new Keys and promotions this year.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica is home to the only new Three-Key hotel in the Americas after Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve was promoted from Two to Three Keys.
Special Award Winners
MICHELIN Guide inspectors also recognized four properties with special awards for 2026.
The MICHELIN Guide Architecture & Design Award went to Desert Rock Resort in Umluj, Saudi Arabia, while Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway in Elmau, Germany, secured the MICHELIN Guide Wellness Award.
The MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award was given to Airelles Palladio Venice in Venice, Italy, and the MICHELIN Guide Local Gateway Award recognized Londolozi Game Reserve in Kruger, South Africa for its pioneering safari experience.
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