The Michelin Guide just made history. On October 8, 2025, the iconic red guide expanded beyond restaurants, unveiling its first-ever global Michelin Key awards in Paris. The ceremony recognized the world’s most exceptional hotels, with 143 properties earning the top Three-Key distinction—the hotel equivalent of Michelin’s three stars for dining.
The Keys celebrate hotels that go beyond comfort, combining design, authenticity, and exceptional service to create an extraordinary stay. Out of thousands evaluated across 26 countries, only a few stood out for redefining what hospitality can be.
Here are five that best capture what a Three-Key hotel represents.
1. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo retained its Three-Key status for the second consecutive year, cementing its reputation as one of the most iconic hotels in Europe. Located on Monaco’s Place du Casino, this Belle Époque palace combines historical elegance with modern luxury.
Guests are surrounded by world-class dining, including Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, and Le Grill, known for its panoramic views. The hotel’s wine cellar, holding over 350,000 bottles, is one of the most impressive in the world.
Its recent renovation preserved its architectural heritage while introducing updated suites, a rooftop spa, and access to the nearby Thermes Marins wellness center.
This balance of old-world sophistication and contemporary comfort earned the Hôtel de Paris recognition as one of just 23 Three-Key hotels in France and Monaco.
2. Nayara Springs, Costa Rica
Set in the lush Arenal Volcano National Park, Nayara Springs became Costa Rica’s first-ever Three-Key property. Designed as an adults-only rainforest escape, the resort’s private villas each feature plunge pools fed by natural hot springs.
Michelin inspectors highlighted the resort’s deep connection to its surroundings. Its open-air spa pavilions, on-site nature trails, and locally sourced dining all showcase Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability. The experience is intimate and immersive, reflecting what the Michelin Guide calls a “sense of place” that defines top hospitality today.
3. Asaba Ryokan, Japan
Few properties embody tradition like Asaba Ryokan in Izu, Japan. Established over 500 years ago, this family-run ryokan offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s heritage of hospitality. Guests stay in tatami rooms overlooking koi ponds and bamboo groves, dine on multi-course kaiseki meals, and bathe in natural hot springs.
Upgraded from Two Keys to Three in 2025, Asaba Ryokan represents the heart of Japanese omotenashi—the art of anticipating guests’ needs. The Michelin inspectors praised its meticulous attention to detail and atmosphere that “feels timeless yet alive.” It’s one of seven Japanese properties to earn the top honor this year.
4. La Mamounia, Marrakech
A symbol of Moroccan luxury, La Mamounia in Marrakech also joined the elite list of Three-Key hotels. Originally opened in 1923, this century-old palace recently underwent a major redesign, blending traditional Moroccan architecture with modern art deco flair.
-The hotel’s lush gardens, intricate mosaics, and candlelit courtyards create a setting that feels both regal and intimate. Celebrities and royalty have long been regulars here, drawn by its elegance and warmth. Michelin inspectors highlighted La Mamounia’s “extraordinary sensory experience,” where design, cuisine, and service all work in harmony.
5. The Brando, French Polynesia
Located on Tetiaroa Atoll, The Brando is an eco-luxury resort once owned by actor Marlon Brando. The property earned its Three-Key rating for redefining sustainability in paradise. Its overwater villas are powered by solar energy and cooled by seawater air-conditioning, while the on-site research station and organic gardens reflect a strong environmental mission.
Guests can explore the atoll’s coral reefs, kayak through lagoons, or simply relax in complete seclusion. Michelin inspectors noted how The Brando “sets a new standard for responsible luxury,” merging exclusivity with environmental stewardship. It’s one of only two Three-Key hotels in Oceania.
A new benchmark for global travel
From Monaco to Japan, these Five Three-Key winners show the full range of what Michelin now celebrates—history, innovation, sustainability, and storytelling. According to Michelin Guide Director Gwendal Poullennec, the Keys are “a return to our roots in hospitality, but with a modern lens.”
In total, 143 hotels worldwide received Three Keys, while 572 earned Two Keys and 1,742 received One Key. Together, they mark a new era where travelers can look to Michelin not just for where to eat, but where to stay.
Whether you’re soaking in a hot spring in Japan, exploring a rainforest in Costa Rica, or savoring dinner under the stars in Monaco, the Michelin Keys now point the way to the world’s most extraordinary stays.