UK & Ireland MICHELIN Keys 2025: Top Hotels Revealed

The MICHELIN Guide, which has recommended hotels since the 1920s, introduced its prestigious ‘Keys' two years ago to recognize the absolute pinnacle of hospitality. Similar to its restaurant Stars, these Keys are awarded to hotels that excel in design, architecture, service, and personality, denoting the most outstanding experiences. Hotels can receive one, two, or three Keys, with three Keys signifying the ultimate in luxury and excellence.

For 2025, the MICHELIN Guide announced 139 Key hotels across the UK and Ireland, an increase of 16 from the previous year. This includes 14 Three Key hotels (with no new additions this year), 43 Two Key hotels (six new), and 82 One Key hotels (thirteen new). While the Three Key list largely comprises expected establishments, the article highlights the One Key selection as particularly interesting for featuring hotels that might not typically be on a traveller's radar.

Notable new Two Key recipients include Ashford Castle in Ireland, The Lanesborough and The Ritz London, Moor Hall, Park Hotel Kenmare, and Saltmoore. Among the new One Key hotels are The Adria, At Sloane, and Beadnell Towers Hotel, alongside establishments like BULL Burford and Old Parsonage Hotel in Oxford. Conversely, three hotels were removed from the list: Baglioni Hotel London (closed), Chiltern Firehouse (closed due to fire), and Cliff House Hotel, which remains open but lost its Key status.

An analysis of hotels linked to major loyalty schemes reveals Accor's surprising dominance, with properties like Raffles London at The OWO and The Savoy earning Three Keys. In contrast, IHG has no Key hotels, Marriott's Bvlgari Hotel London doesn't participate in Bonvoy points, and Hilton's only entry, NoMad London, was a recent acquisition. The article also notes Key hotels within partnerships like Small Luxury Hotels (linked to Hilton) and Mr & Mrs Smith (linked to Hyatt), indicating diverse recognition beyond traditional loyalty programs.

(Source: https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/12/uk-ireland-michelin-keys-2025/)