While Australia might not have Michelin stars, nearly every foodie recognises the name. Now, the French tyre company that capitalised on restaurant ratings is doing the same for hotels.
In a major step for the hospitality world, the Michelin Guide has officially launched its new Michelin Keys — a global hotel award system designed to celebrate the best stays around the world.
What Are Michelin Keys?
While the Michelin Guide has been recommending hotels since the 1920s, this marks the first time a formal, tiered hotel rating system has been introduced.
Hotels are now judged on five key criteria:
- Excellence in architecture and interior design
- Quality and consistency of service
- Overall personality and character
- Value for money
- Contribution to the local area
Much like the iconic Michelin stars, hotels can earn one, two, or three keys.
- One Key: A very special stay
- Two Keys: An exceptional stay
- Three Keys: An extraordinary stay
Michelin Keys in Australia: 35 Hotels Recognised
In the first-ever round of awards, 35 Australian hotels earned Michelin Keys, marking the country’s debut in this prestigious new ranking.
Three Michelin Keys
Only one Australian hotel received the coveted three keys:
- Lizard Island Resort, Queensland – Set within Lizard Island National Park, this luxury property with direct beach access was deemed “one of the most outstanding experiences in the world” by Michelin inspectors.
Two Michelin Keys
Nine standout properties earned two keys, representing an “exceptional stay”:
- Jackalope Hotel, Mornington Peninsula, VIC
- Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains, NSW
- Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW
- Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree Rainforest, QLD
- Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale, QLD
- Thorngrove Manor, Adelaide, SA
- Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, SA
- Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay, TAS
- Longitude 131, Yulara, NT
One Michelin Key
Twenty-five properties received one key, marking them as “a very special stay.” These include:
- The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, VIC
- The Interlude, VIC
- Hyde Melbourne Place, VIC
- Drift House, Port Fairy, VIC
- 1 Hotel Melbourne, VIC
- QT Sydney, NSW
- Ace Hotel Sydney, NSW
- The Eve Hotel, Redfern, NSW
- Basq House, Byron Bay, NSW
- Il Delfino Seaside Inn, Yamba, NSW
- Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, Mosman, NSW
- Capella Sydney, NSW
- The Langham Sydney, NSW
- Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW
- Osborn House, Bundanoon, NSW
- Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, NSW
- Crystalbrook Albion, Surry Hills, NSW
- Qualia, Hamilton Island, QLD
- The Calile Hotel, Brisbane, QLD
- Empire Spa Retreat, Yallingup, WA
- COMO The Treasury, Perth, WA
- Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, TAS
- The Islington Hotel, Hobart, TAS
- The Tasman, Hobart, TAS
- MACq 01 Hotel, Hobart, TAS
Where to Find the Most Michelin-Recognised Hotels in Australia
When it comes to state bragging rights, New South Wales leads the way with 14 Michelin Key hotels, followed by:
- Victoria – 6 hotels
- Queensland – 5 hotels
- Tasmania – 5 hotels
- South Australia – 2 hotels
- Western Australia – 2 hotels
- Northern Territory – 1 hotel
Final Thoughts
I’ve been hoping the Michelin restaurant rating system would arrive on Australian shores to shake up the hospilaity scene but I guess the hotel guide will have to suffice for now.
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