Michelin Guide Names 18 New Three-Key Hotels Globally, Eight in Europe
The esteemed guide has expanded its hotel selection to recognize exceptional accommodations worldwide, with Italy and France leading the European additions.
The Michelin Guide has unveiled its 2026 Global Michelin Keys Selection, identifying 2,832 hotels worldwide for offering outstanding guest experiences. This new accolade, akin to its renowned 'stars' for restaurants, aims to highlight hotels that provide truly unparalleled stays.
Michelin inspectors independently assess hotels to identify those delivering exceptional experiences. The Michelin Key is awarded based on a property's quality, character, and service, with hotels able to receive one, two, or three Keys. A single Key signifies a 'very special stay,' two Keys indicate an 'exceptional stay,' and the highest distinction, three Keys, denotes an 'extraordinary stay.'
This year, 18 new properties have earned the coveted Three-Key distinction, with eight of these located in Europe. Among the new European honorees are notable establishments in Italy and France.
New European Three-Key Hotels
In Italy, Airelles Palladio in Venice received the 'Opening of the Year Award' in addition to its Three-Key status. Overlooking the Giudecca Canal, this property is housed in a building favored by Venetian nobility since the 15th century. Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection in Florence, known for its quiet gardens and views of the Duomo, also earned three Keys. On the Amalfi Coast, Borgo Santandrea was promoted to Three-Key status, offering dramatic cliffside views and private beach access. Portofino's iconic Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, a former 16th-century Benedictine monastery that has hosted numerous celebrities since opening in 1902, also secured the award.
France boasts several new additions, including Château de la Chèvre d'Or in Èze, perched on a hilltop with Mediterranean views and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Le Couvent des Minimes in Mane offers a serene countryside retreat with immaculately kept gardens and a philosophy centered on well-being.
Switzerland's luxury hotel scene is also represented, with Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, a Belle Époque landmark on the shores of Lake Geneva, receiving three Keys for its majestic interiors and top-notch service. Rounding out the European list is Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, a historic Alpine resort founded nearly 165 years ago, credited with playing a significant role in establishing Alpine tourism in the region. The hotel features a state-of-the-art spa, multiple restaurants, and a golf course.