The fabled Michelin Guide has moved beyond restaurants to rate hotels as well

The Ritz in Paris is renowned as one of the world's best hotels.

The most famous restaurant guide in the world is branching out, with hotels now in the spotlight to receive their tick of approval.

After four years of work, the teams responsible for the Michelin Guide have selected 5,000 hotels and accommodations in 120 countries throughout the world, which instead of stars have been selected to receive the new Michelin Key as a mark of excellence.

The Michelin Key is a new distinction that highlights the establishments offering the most exceptional hotel experiences.

All the chosen hotels are available for booking on guide.michelin.com and the Guide mobile app, with chosen hotels set to receive their award in 2024.

To obtain a Michelin Key, there are five criteria on which hotels are assessed:

1. A destination unto itself: the hotel contributes to the local experience
2. Excellence in interior design and architecture
3. Individuality, reflecting personality and authenticity
4. Quality and consistency in service, comfort and maintenance
5. Consistency between the level of experience and the price paid.

The Burj Al Arab in Dubai would be short odds to feature in the list.

“Just as the Michelin Star distinguishes those restaurants that are at the peak of their art, the Michelin Key recognises the most exceptional hotels throughout the world,” said Michelin Guides International Director, Gwendal Poullennec.

Exploring the Michelin Guide website and mobile application is easy and intuitive from planning to booking.

Clients may take inspiration from the magazine section, choose between accommodations using a filtering search engine, reserve a room, pay online and provide feedback or share their experiences.

The platform is ad free for more fluid browsing and future travellers can also enjoy 24-hour, seven-day customer service, as well as the assistance of a team of travel experts who specialise in offering tailored guidance.