The Michelin Keys: A Revolution in the Hotel Industry

Published the 04/22/2024 in Useful Information

The Michelin Keys: A Revolution in the Hotel Industry

photos d'hôtels ayant reçu des clefs michelin

For over a century, the Michelin Guide has been a global reference in terms of culinary and hotel excellence. Founded in 1900 by brothers André and Édouard Michelin, the guide aims to help travelers find the best restaurants and hotels. With its rigorous selection and star rating system, the Michelin Guide has become a symbol of quality and prestige for the establishments listed

However, the Michelin Guide did not stop there. In a constant effort to innovate and improve, the guide recently introduced a new award: the Michelin Keys. This distinction is awarded to hotels that stand out for their excellence in five key areas:

But what does this mean for hotels and for travelers? Firstly, it means that hotels are evaluated accordint to broader criteria than just their comfort and equipments. The MICHELIN Keys take into account the overall experience offered by the hotel, from the architecture to the quality of service, contribution and local experience. This allows travelers to choose hotels that truly meet their expectations and needs.

Furthermore, the MICHELIN Keys offer a new way to reward hotels that really stand out. While MICHELIN stars are awarded to restaurants, MICHELIN Keys are awarded to hotels. This allows to distinguish hotels that offer an exceptional experience from those that simply offer good accommodation. Hotels that receive a MICHELIN Key are truly la crème de la crème in all the categories mentioned above.

But how does this new reward work? Well, just like the MICHELIN Stars reward the most exceptional restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys reward hotels offering the most remarkable experiences. Hotels that receive a MICHELIN Key do not meet just one, but all the criteria of excellence. They are evaluated based on five key criteria: architecture and interior design, service quality, personality and character, value for money, and contribution to the local experience.

The Evaluation Criteria for the MICHELIN Keys:

Architecture and interior design are key elements of the hotel experience. Hotels must offer an exceptional setting, combining aesthetics and functionality. The inspectors of the MICHELIN Guide evaluate the quality of the architecture, the design of the spaces, the decoration and the interior layout. They also take into account the harmony between the architecture and the environment, as well as the use of quality materials.

The quality of service is another essential criterion. Hotels must offer impeccable, personalized and attentive service. The inspectors of the MICHELIN Guide evaluate the quality of the reception, the availability and responsiveness of the staff, the quality of the room service, the quality of the catering and room service, as well as the quality of the equipment and facilities.

The personality and character of the hotel are also taken into account in the awarding of the MICHELIN Keys. Hotels must have their own identity, reflecting the history and culture of their region. The inspectors of the MICHELIN Guide evaluate the originality and authenticity of the hotel, as well as its ability to offer a unique and memorable experience.

The price-quality ratio is another important criterion. Hotels must offer an excellent price-quality ratio, offering quality services at reasonable rates. The inspectors of the MICHELIN Guide evaluate the consistency between the prices charged and the quality of the services offered.

Finally, the contribution to the local experience is an essential criterion in the awarding of the MICHELIN Keys. Hotels must contribute to the enrichment of the local experience, offering unique activities and experiences to their guests. The inspectors of the MICHELIN Guide evaluate the hotel's ability to offer authentic and memorable experiences, in connection with local culture and traditions.

intérieur d'hôtel ayant reçu une, deux ou trois clefs michelin

The different levels of distinction of the MICHELIN Keys

Hotels can receive one, two or three MICHELIN Keys, depending on their level of excellence.

Hotels distinguished by a MICHELIN Key must offer a unique and memorable experience to their guests, going beyond expectations in terms of service, comfort and experience. These hotels stand out for their personality and character, offering a singular and authentic hotel experience.

Hotels distinguished by two MICHELIN Keys offer an exceptional experience to their guests. They stand out for their excellence in all areas, offering impeccable service, remarkable architecture and interior design, as well as a significant contribution to the local experience.

Finally, hotels distinguished by three MICHELIN Keys offer an extraordinary experience to their guests. They represent the best of the best of hotel excellence, offering a unique and memorable experience in all areas. These hotels stand out for their exceptional architecture and interior design, impeccable service, unique personality and character, as well as their significant contribution to the local experience.

The MICHELIN Keys: a guarantee of quality for travelers

The MICHELIN Keys are not only a reward for hotels, but also a guarantee of quality for travelers. The MICHELIN Keys are a trusted brand, enabling travelers to choose hotels that offer unique and memorable experiences. The MICHELIN Keys are also a valuable tool for professionals in the hotel industry, allowing them to measure themselves against high standards of excellence and stand out from the competition. By choosing a hotel with MICHELIN Keys, travelers can be assured of exceptional service, unique personality, and a significant contribution to the local experience. The MICHELIN Keys provide a reliable indicator of quality, helping travelers make informed decisions about their accommodations and ensuring that they have an unforgettable stay.

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The French 2024 MICHELIN Keys palmarès: A celebration of French hotel excellence

The French 2024 MICHELIN Keys palmarès was unveiled in early April, and once again, France stands out for the richness and diversity of its luxury hotel offerings. French palaces, offering a blend of history, modernity, and tradition, are perfect examples of French-style luxury. Among them, the Four Seasons George V, Le K2 Palace, and La Reserve Paris stand out, offering exceptional hotel experiences.

But France is not limited to its palaces. Chateaux and vineyards are also jewels of French hospitality, offering unique stays in enchanting settings. Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey and Château de la Gaude, both awarded two MICHELIN Keys, perfectly illustrate these establishments that combine charm, history, and viticulture.

Finally, let's not forget Les Sources de Caudalie, a property classified as Three MICHELIN Keys located on the lands of the Château Smith Haut-Lafitte vineyard in Bordeaux. Built on a natural hot water source and operated by the famous Caudalie beauty product brand, this property particularly impressed the MICHELIN Guide teams.

This French 2024 MICHELIN Keys palmarès testifies to the richness and diversity of luxury hotel offerings in France, ranging from palaces to chateaux and vineyards to unique properties. The MICHELIN Guide teams have once again highlighted the jewels of French hospitality, and we are delighted to share these discoveries with you.

Winners of the French 2024 MICHELIN Keys  Palmares

In this 2024 edition, several establishments have distinguished themselves by obtaining the prestigious distinction of Three MICHELIN Keys, synonymous with an extraordinary stay. Among them are renowned establishments such as Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, Les Sources de Caudalie in Bordeaux, Le Royal Champagne in Champillon, Cheval Blanc Courchevel, Le K2 Palace in Courchevel, La Bastide de Gordes, Hôtel du Castellet, Villa La Coste, Baumanière, Four Seasons Megeve, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Villeroy in Paris, and many others.

Other establishments have also been rewarded with Two MICHELIN Keys, synonymous with an exceptional stay. Among them are Château de la Gaude in Aix-en-Provence, La Mirande in Avignon, Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey in Bommes, Les Roches Blanches in Cassis, Les Sources de Cheverny, Chais Monnet in Cognac, Aman Le Mélézin in Courchevel, L'Apogée Courchevel, Castelbrac in Dinard, Les Pres d’Eugenie - Michel Guerard in Eugenie les Bains, Château Eza in Èze, Château de la Chèvre d'Or in Èze, Coquillade - Provence in Gargas, Domaine de Fontenille in Lauris, and many others.

Finally, many establishments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine have been awarded One MICHELIN Key, synonymous with a unique stay. Among them are Regina Experimental Biarritz in Biarritz, Les Frères Ibarboure in Bidart, InterContinental Grand Hôtel Bordeaux in Bordeaux, Villa Grand Voile Christopher Coutanceau in La Rochelle, Moulin de l'Abbaye in Brantôme, L'Auberge Basque in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, Les Hortensias du Lac in Soorts-Hossegor, Trémolat: Le Vieux Logis in Trémolat, and many others.

The French 2024 MICHELIN Keys palmarès testifies to the richness and diversity of the luxury hotel offer in France, from palaces to castles and vineyards to unique properties such as Les Sources de Caudalie. The MICHELIN Guide teams have once again highlighted the jewels of French hospitality, and we are delighted to share these discoveries with you. Whether you are looking for an extraordinary, exceptional or unique stay, the French 2024 MICHELIN Keys palmarès is your ultimate guide to finding the hotel of your dreams.

intérieurs de restaurants ayant obtenu une, deux, ou trois clefs

The MICHELIN Keys: A Distinction for Exceptional Hotels

The MICHELIN Keys are therefore a new distinction for exceptional hotels, evaluated according to five criteria of excellence. This initiative aims to reward establishments that offer the most remarkable hotel experiences, thus contributing to the enhancement of the local experience and the promotion of excellence in the hotel industry. The MICHELIN Keys are a guarantee of quality for travelers, enabling them to choose hotels offering unique and memorable experiences.

The French 2024 palmarès of the MICHELIN Keys testifies to the richness and diversity of the luxury hotel offer in France, from palaces to castles and vineyards to unique properties such as Les Sources de Caudalie. The MICHELIN Guide teams have once again highlighted the jewels of French hospitality, and we are delighted to share these discoveries with you. Whether you are looking for an extraordinary, exceptional or unique stay, the French 2024 palmarès of the MICHELIN Keys is your ultimate guide to finding the hotel of your dreams.

So, ready to discover the most exceptional hotels in the world? Follow the MICHELIN Guide and let yourself be guided by the MICHELIN Keys to experience unique and memorable hotel experiences. The MICHELIN Keys are much more than a simple distinction, they are a true revolution in the hotel industry, offering travelers a guarantee of quality and excellence.

If you wish to discover these exceptional hotels, our receptive agency is at your disposal to organize customized guided tours. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of these iconic places, let yourself be charmed by their enchanting universe and discover the fascinating stories that surround them. Do not hesitate to contact us now to plan your next excursion to discover the French cultural heritage.

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