The Michelin Guide has expanded its ratings to include hotels in the UK and Ireland, awarding ‘keys’ to exceptional accommodation establishments. The list features a diverse range of hotels, from Irish castles to Scottish stately homes and boutique townhouses in London.
Since April 2024, over 5,000 hotels worldwide have received the prestigious Michelin ‘key’ following thorough inspections by guide inspectors. The criteria for selection include excellence in architecture and interior design, quality of service, overall character, value for money, and contribution to the local community or environment.
For those who value Michelin Star-rated dining experiences, the hotel ratings offer a similar guide. One key signifies a ‘very special stay’, two keys represent an ‘exceptional stay’, and three keys indicate an ‘extraordinary stay’. Among the 123 hotels in the UK and Ireland recognised by Michelin, 14 received three keys, 37 received two keys, and 72 received one key.
The top-rated hotels with three keys include iconic properties such as Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, renowned establishments like Claridges and the Four Seasons in London, and the luxurious Adare Manor in Ireland. London dominates the list with a third of the selections, featuring 44 prestigious properties ranging from opulent hotels to historic Victorian-era buildings.
Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guides, expressed excitement about presenting the first Michelin key selection for Great Britain and Ireland. Poullennec highlighted the diversity of the selected hotels, inviting travellers to explore the rich history of the UK and Ireland, from country manors to boutique London hotels.
The Michelin Guide’s hotel ratings aim to guide travellers in discovering unique and exceptional places to stay, whether it’s a chic boutique hotel in London or a historic castle in the Irish countryside. The list showcases the best of British and Irish hospitality, celebrating the efforts of talented professionals in creating memorable guest experiences.