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New York and California dominated in the top "key" category with Michelin's new U.S. hotel ratings.
Michelin announced its top picks for U.S. hotels Wednesday, using its new hotel "key" system. Only a small number of hotels across seven cities made the cut.
Hotels in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, Orlando, Tampa, and Washington, D.C., were eligible, along with ones in California and Colorado.
Michelin already lists about 1,000 hotels in the U.S. as recommendations. The 124 hotels are the first in a wave of U.S. hotels to receive the higher commendation of "key" awards.
Rating hotels is new for Michelin and the “key” system mirrors its restaurant star system. One key denotes a “special” hotel, two keys are “exceptional,” and the coveted three keys are awarded to “extraordinary” establishments.
Michelin said that its goal is to evaluate hotels beyond basic amenities, placing a premium on their restaurants, design, and service. It said it is focusing on the local character, individuality, and an overall memorable guest experience.
Michelin revealed its top hotels in Paris earlier this month. It plans to reveal its picks for top luxury hotels for Spain on April 29, for Italy in early May, and for Japan and Korea in July. It eventually aims to cover key "touristic hubs" worldwide.
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