Michelin to present first batch of international key awards

Michelin has provided an update on the launch of its key awards, which will be the hotel equivalent of a Michelin star.

The first Michelin keys will be presented today (8 April), starting with a list of hotels in France.

Further key awards will be released in batches by country at later dates, which the guide has yet to confirm.

"While the Michelin star recognises the most outstanding restaurants in the world, the Michelin key does the same for outstanding hotels," Michelin said in an announcement.

The guide announced the launch of the key award last October, which it said was the product of four years of work.

Hotels have been recommended in its guides since the 1920s but Michelin said the key would highlight the "crème de la crème" of its selection.

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, told The Caterer last year that the distinction would judge a hotel by its restaurants, architecture and design, maintenance, the welcome and service.

He said the chosen hotels would provide "gateways to local experience" where guests feel "connected to the destination", instead of being "a resort you live inside".

"The main point for the key hotels is that they have to stand out because they are authentic and quite singular, so that should really make the difference," said Poullennec.

There are 5,000 hotels in 120 countries listed in the Michelin Guide.