Travel

6 CA Hotels Awarded Highest Michelin Rating

Inspectors awarded 7,000 global hotels a Michelin key rating, including nearly 60 in California with only six receiving the highest honor.

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The Michelin Guide, globally recognized for its restaurant ratings and star selections, has broadened its scope to include a worldwide hotel selection —recently awarding nearly 2,500 hotels a Michelin Key.

Similar to how Stars identify the world's best culinary experiences, the Michelin Keys spotlight exceptional stays from the guide's selection of over 7,500 hotels. Michelin Guide Inspectors meticulously assess each hotel based on five universal criteria, evaluating the entire hospitality experience beyond individual amenities. This establishes a new and independent global benchmark for excellence in lodging, according to Michelin.

In California, nearly 60 hotels received a one to three Key rating — however, only six of those hotels earned the top three-key ranking/

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“With the introduction of the Michelin Keys, the Guide establishes a new, global, and independent benchmark for outstanding hotel experiences,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The Michelin Guide. “With their unique field expertise, Michelin Guide Inspectors have selected the finest properties from across the globe, reflecting the diversity and excellence of today’s hospitality landscape. Whether travelers seek iconic resorts, historic city hotels, or hidden gems off the beaten path, the Michelin Keys provide a trusted guide to discover, explore, and book truly memorable stays that inspire and delight.”

From over 7,000 hotels in The Michelin Guide selection, they have identified those that offer the most exceptional experiences.

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How The Michelin Guide Breaks Down Each Rating:

One Michelin Key: a very special stay

This establishment is a true standout, offering a unique character and personality that sets it apart. It excels by breaking conventions, providing a distinct experience, or simply being a top-tier example of its kind. The service consistently goes above and beyond, delivering significantly more value than other similarly priced options.

California One Key Hotels:

Two Michelin Keys: an exceptional stay

A truly unique stay where every detail guarantees a memorable experience. This hotel boasts character, personality and charm, clearly operated with pride and considerable care. Its eye-catching design or architecture, coupled with a genuine sense of the locale, makes it an outstanding choice.

California Two Key Hotels:

Three Michelin Keys: an extraordinary stay

This extraordinary hotel offers the ultimate in comfort, service, style, and elegance, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience. It's a destination for a trip of a lifetime, where every element of exceptional hospitality comes together to create lasting memories for every traveler.

California Three Key Hotels:

The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur was the sole California hotel to receive The Michelin Local Gateway Award, which honors hotels that offer guests a profound connection to their surroundings, embodying the distinct character and essence of their region through genuine local experiences.

Other U.S. three key hotels included:

Arizona (Tucson): Canyon Ranch Tucson
Florida (Little Torch Key): Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Hawaii (Kailua Kona): Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Montana (Pray): Sage Lodge
New York (NYC): Aman New York
New York (NYC): Casa Cipriani New York
New York (NYC): Crosby Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
New York (NYC): The Whitby Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
Utah (Canyon Point): Amangiri

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