9 VA, DC Hotels Awarded Highest Michelin Rating

The Michelin Guide, globally recognized for its restaurant ratings and star selections, has broadened its scope to include hotels and recently awarded nearly 2,500 a coveted 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 Virginia and Washington, D.C., nine hotels received a Key rating.

“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.

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.

Virginia/D.C. One Key Hotels:

• Middleburg: Salamander Resort & Spa
• Washington, D.C.: Eaton DC
• Washington, D.C.: Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf
• Washington, D.C.: Riggs Washington DC
• Washington, D.C.: The Dupont Circle Hotel
• Washington, D.C.: The Hay-Adams Hotel

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.

Virginia/D.C. Two Key Hotels:

• Washington: The Inn at Little Washington
• Washington, D.C.: Rosewood Washington, D.C.
• Washington, D.C.: The Jefferson

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.

No Virginia or Washington, D.C. hotels received three Keys.

Three Key hotels located in the United States include:

Arizona (Tucson): Canyon Ranch Tucson
California (Beverly Hills): The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection
California (Big Sur): Post Ranch Inn
California (Healdsburg): SingleThread Inn
California (Los Angeles): Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection
California (Rutherford): Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection
California (St. Helena): Meadowood Napa Valley
California (Woodside): Canyon Ranch Woodside
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