Michelin Guide Unveils 2026 Key Hotel Selections
The Michelin Guide has released its 2026 MICHELIN Keys, recognising nearly 500 new hotels and upgrading over 80 more globally, with new countries represented.
By Jonas Manser
The Michelin Guide is famous for its restaurant recommendations, but they also visit and rate hotels under the 'Michelin Keys' brand. As the title suggests, they award outstanding hotels with one to three keys, similar to the stars for restaurants.
The Guide has now announced its 2026 MICHELIN Keys, marking the third year for the hotel distinction system. This year's selection includes nearly 500 hotels receiving Key distinctions for the first time, and more than 80 hotels seeing their existing Key status upgraded.
The 2026 guide expands its global reach, with 10 countries earning their first representation in the Key selection. A total of 18 new Three-Key hotels have been added, bringing the global count to 155 Three-Keys, 657 Two-Keys, and 2,020 One-Keys across more than 9,000 selected hotels.
Regional Highlights
The Americas have seen significant updates. The United States, Mexico, and Canada collectively feature nearly 500 Key hotels. Costa Rica is particularly highlighted for 2026, earning the only new Three-Key hotel in the Americas, along with four new One-Key and three new Two-Key hotels. The region also includes over twenty existing Three-Key hotels.
Notable additions and upgrades in North & Central America include:
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Costa Rica: Awarded Central America's latest Three-Key distinction.
Cataloochee Ranch, North Carolina, USA: Achieved Two Keys, along with its sister property, The Swag.
Hotel Sevilla, Mérida, Mexico: Received a new One-Key for its 16th-century colonial villa restoration.