US Hotels Awarded Michelin Keys for 2026

Over 300 US properties have been recognized for their excellence in architecture, design, service quality, character, value, and contribution to their surroundings by being awarded a Michelin Key for 2026.

The Michelin Guide has selected 359 US hotels as part of its 2026 list, with 65 new additions. This year's selection includes properties from major cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Nashville.

A key feature of the Michelin Key award is that it recognizes not just individual hotels but also their impact on their neighborhoods or surroundings. Similar to the Michelin Star awards given to restaurants, hotels are ranked with one to three keys, indicating a "very special stay," an "exceptional stay," or an "extraordinary stay.

Among the top-rated properties in the US are several notable names, including Canyon Ranch Tucson and Meadowood Napa Valley, both of which have earned three Michelin Keys for 2026. The Amangiri resort in Utah has also been awarded three keys.

The list includes a range of high-end hotels, such as Casa Cipriani New York, Aman New York, and Kona Village on the Big Island of Hawaii, which all boast three Michelin Keys.

The list of properties awarded two Michelin keys continues to grow, with notable additions including Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club and The Setai in Miami Beach. These high-end establishments join other esteemed hotels that have earned this prestigious recognition.

In addition to these luxury hotels, The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville and The Breakers Palm Beach have also been awarded two Michelin keys. L'Ermitage Beverly Hills and The Maybourne Beverly Hills are among the other properties to receive this honor, along with The Peninsula Chicago. These recognitions highlight the exceptional standards of service and cuisine found at these esteemed hotels.

The Fairmont Breakers in Long Beach has made a significant impact on its first day of recognition, receiving its very first Michelin key. This milestone comes as the hotel celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking an impressive century of providing luxurious accommodations to its guests. The property's rich history dates back to 1926, when it was a playground for Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Cary Grant.

As part of its centennial celebration, the Fairmont Breakers unveiled a $150 million renovation that aimed to restore much of the hotel's original architecture while incorporating modern touches. This restoration has resulted in refurbished guestrooms with a coastal California vibe and bars and restaurants infused with a touch of Hollywood glamour. The property has been transformed into a luxurious oasis that honors its rich history.

The centennial celebration took place on September 17, with an intimate gathering at the hotel's rooftop bar, HALO. This exclusive event featured live music, fine dining, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and downtown Long Beach below. In recognition of its significant contributions to the city's history, Historic Hotels of America declared September 18 as National Fairmont Breakers Long Beach Day," acknowledging the property's enduring legacy in the region.

The Michelin Guide has unveiled its 2026 key list of top properties around the world, recognizing several historic US hotels that have recently joined the prestigious guide. One such property is The Swag in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which initially operated as a potato farm before opening as an overflow hotel in 1982 for guests attending The World's Fair.

The Swag underwent extensive renovations in 2018 and subsequently became a member of Relais & Châteaux in 2020. Its appearance on the Michelin Guide marks its first recognition by the esteemed guide, with two Michelin keys awarded to the property.

Other notable additions to the Michelin Guide include Cataloochee Ranch, another Relais & Châteaux resort situated amidst the Great Smoky Mountains; Tu Tu' Tun Lodge, a wilderness retreat catering exclusively to adults and nestled on the banks of Oregon's Rogue River; and the W New York - Union Square, which recently celebrated its $100 million renovation with a high-profile event.

The recent additions to the Michelin Guide reflect changing travel trends, where guests are increasingly seeking unique experiences beyond traditional hotel amenities. This shift towards wellness-focused offerings is evident in the guide's recognition of properties that offer outdoor camps and residential yachts as alternative accommodations.

Properties like Sun Rose Hotel (formerly Pendry West Hollywood) are also gaining recognition for their innovative dining concepts, such as YUHI, a 12-seat omakase experience offering an exclusive culinary journey.

Travelers are increasingly seeking a more authentic experience when visiting luxury destinations, opting for longer stays in fewer locations and favoring less crowded spots that offer a deeper connection to their surroundings.

The Michelin Guide inspectors who awarded the 2026 Michelin Keys conducted anonymous visits to thousands of hotels worldwide over the past year, ensuring unbiased evaluations. This exhaustive process has resulted in a total of 2,832 hotels being recognized globally for their exceptional standards.

These properties now join the ranks of those that have been consistently meeting the Michelin Guide's high expectations, with 155 out of these 2,832 holding the prestigious three-key designation, signifying an unwavering commitment to excellence.