[AFAR] Michelin Unveils New Hotel Ratings, Michelin “Keys”

The Beverly Hills Hotel is one of 11 hotels in the United States that received three keys from Michelin. © The Beverly Hills Hotel is one of 11 hotels in the United States that received three keys from Michelin. Courtesy of the Beverly Hills Hotel

Only 11 hotels in the United States were awarded Michelin’s highest distinction as part of the company’s newly announced hotel rating system.

The system is similar to Michelin’s restaurant guide but instead of stars, hotels are given “keys”: three denoting the top honor, or an “extraordinary stay”; two marking hotels that are deemed “exceptional”; and one key for those properties providing “a very special stay.”

In total, 124 U.S. properties received keys (33 were given two keys, and 80 were awarded one key) with another 826 included under the category: “Selected: A high-quality stay.”

Kaushik Vardharajan, BU SHA’s associate professor and real estate program director who previously spent 20 years consulting for hotels, says credible ratings systems-including now Michelin keys-are a good thing because “they recognize great establishments for excellence and inspire others to excel.” They enhance guests’ trust in the hospitality industry too, says Vardharajan.

Vardharajan, who sees Michelin’s hotel ratings as a natural extension of the brand, says its reputation around restaurant ratings gives its new key system credibility-“and a loyal following.”

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