Luxury hotel ratings introduced by Michelin: Britain reveals its inaugural list of captivating accommodations earning prestigious stars

In a significant move, Michelin, the renowned guidebooks known for their prestigious restaurant ratings, has extended their system to include hotels. The first batch of winners was announced recently, following an assessment of about 5,000 hotels in more than 120 territories.

Toby Keel, the Digital Director of the platform and a seasoned writer on property, cars, lifestyle, travel, and nature, has been running the website and social media channels for the guide since 2016. Keel shared his thoughts on the extension, expressing excitement about the recognition of hotels that offer exceptional experiences.

One such hotel is Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, a hotel-restaurant located near Oxford, known as the go-to destination for serious food lovers. The Newt in Somerset, a country house hotel, also made the list. It features a restored Roman villa and a world-class apple orchard.

The guidebooks, originally produced by a French tyre company, are regarded as a byword for excellence. However, some high-profile chefs, including Jean-Christophe Novelli and Sebastian Bras, have asked to be removed from the guide due to the pressure it brings.

The winners receive 'keys' instead of stars. In the UK and Ireland, 133 hotels have been awarded Michelin Keys, with 14 receiving three keys. These include Adare Manor, Ballyfin Demesne, The Newt in Somerset, Lucknam Park, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Bulgari Hotel London, Claridge's, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Raffles London at The OWO, The Connaught, The Peninsula London, The Savoy, and The Gleneagles Hotel.

Rosie Paterson, the travel editor of an unspecified platform, wrote that the news of Michelin extending their rating system to hotels made her think that hotel managers must be quaking in their boots. She also expressed a desire to see more independently-owned, boutique, and smaller hotels win awards in the future.

Tom Kerridge, a celebrated chef, questioned the fact that fine dining was rewarded above experiences like fish and chips on Brighton beach during an appearance on the platform's podcast earlier this year. His sentiment echoes the growing trend of recognising establishments that offer unique, local experiences.

Recently awarded independent, boutique, or smaller hotels in the UK and Ireland recognised by the Michelin Keys include Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland, a five-star castle hotel with historic significance and luxury acclaim, and The Dean Dublin, a boutique hotel in Dublin curated by Michelin experts.

For those interested, the full listings can be seen at guide.michelin.com.

Luxury hotel ratings introduced by Michelin: Britain reveals its inaugural list of captivating accommodations earning prestigious stars