A prestigious new hotel rating system highlights the finest places to stay across Britain and Ireland.
In a groundbreaking move, the Michelin Guide has expanded its esteemed offerings to include hotel recommendations, unveiling the ‘key’ rating system for 2024. This new category highlights more than 120 exceptional hotels across the UK and Ireland, ranging from luxurious city hotels to grand countryside estates.
The Michelin ‘keys’ are awarded based on five key criteria: the architectural and interior design excellence, consistency and quality of service, the overall character of the hotel, value relative to price, and its contribution to the local community and setting. As with its renowned restaurant stars, the key ratings reflect the level of quality, with one key indicating a very good stay, two keys for an exceptional experience, and three keys representing extraordinary accommodations.
This year, 14 hotels earned the prestigious three-key award, including iconic properties such as Claridge’s, The Connaught, and Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. In Ireland, Adare Manor and Ballyfin Demesne also received three keys, setting a high benchmark for luxury hospitality.
Among the hotels recognised, London dominates with 44 top-rated establishments, but there are standout properties across the whole of the UK and Ireland, from Scottish castles to boutique townhouses in Dublin. For those seeking unique experiences, the guide also highlights notable rural retreats and historic hotels such as the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, as well as the Newt in Somerset, which offers an exceptional countryside experience.
Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guides, expressed enthusiasm for the new category, inviting global travellers to discover some of the finest accommodations in the British Isles. The Michelin Guide continues to celebrate exceptional service, luxurious comfort, and the timeless appeal of these outstanding hotels, all of which provide unforgettable stays that embody both elegance and character.
