- Destinations
- Experiences
- Stay
- What's new
- Celebrating People
- Responsible Tourism
- CampaignsCampaigns
- Subscribe
- Buy Now
The word Michelin instantly evokes a sense of extravagance, precision, and world-class excellence. For decades, the guide has been synonymous with top-tier dining, shaping how travellers, chefs, and critics perceive quality across the globe. While most people know Michelin for its coveted restaurant stars, the brand has recently expanded its legacy beyond gastronomy. In a natural evolution of its commitment to exceptional experiences, the Michelin Guide has begun ranking hotels, bringing the same rigour, discernment, and global authority to the world of hospitality.
A Michelin Key is the hospitality world’s equivalent of the Michelin Star, an honour that recognises hotels offering extraordinary experiences. The Key assesses a property’s design, architecture, service, personality, comfort, and overall guest experience. Hotels can earn one, two, or three Keys, with each tier reflecting escalating levels of excellence.
A 'One Key' hotel is a standout stay with a strong identity and exceptional quality. 'Two Keys' signify a remarkable experience defined by refined design, memorable service, and a deep connection to its surroundings. 'Three Keys,' the highest honour, are reserved for truly exceptional properties that rise above luxury.
With the unveiling of the first global Michelin Key hotels at a ceremony in Paris on October 8, travellers finally have a trusted, design-driven, experience-focused guide to the planet’s most exceptional stays. The 2025 selection is its first edition, spanning 2,457 hotels in 26 countries, with exciting new entries in India, Brazil, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, Vietnam, and more.
What makes this moment especially significant for India is that 36 Indian hotels have earned a place in the 2025 Michelin Key Selection, marking a historic debut for the country. Here are six hotels in India that have made it to the Michelin Key list:
Set in middle of Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace seems to float on water, offering one of the most magical hotel settings in the world. Originally built in the 18th century as a royal summer retreat, this ethereal white-marble palace still carries the softness of an old-world romance, whispering corridors, candlelit jetties, and courtyards that glow gold at sunset. Guests arrive by boat, greeted by the water and views of the City Palace shimmering across the lake, setting the tone for a stay that feels intimate, cinematic, and surreal.
Spanning 121,000 square metres, every corner of The Oberoi Udaivilas, from domes that catch the morning light to long corridors and serene courtyards, feels like a loving tribute to Rajasthan’s regal heritage. The hospitality here is famously intuitive; staff seem to anticipate needs before you articulate them, creating an atmosphere of warmth that complements the hotel’s grandeur. Set along the banks of Lake Pichola, the property offers sweeping views, tranquil pools, and gardens where peacocks wander freely, making every moment feel both luxurious and grounding.
Stepping into Fort Barwara is like walking through centuries of history softened by Six Senses’ soulful approach to wellness. The restored 14th-century fort holds stories in its stone walls, yet the interiors feel contemporary, calming, and designed for deep rest. Days here flow at a gentler rhythm, sunrise yoga, nourishing cuisine, long spa rituals, and evenings that settle over the fort like a warm hush. With the wilderness of Ranthambore just beyond its gates, it offers a rare balance of heritage, wellbeing, and the quiet allure of rural Rajasthan.
The Leela Palace is like a sanctuary in the heart of Delhi, a place where the city’s rush fades the moment you step through its doors. Its design draws from both Lutyens’ Delhi and Indian craftsmanship, creating a space that feels regal without being overwhelming. From leisurely breakfasts on the terrace to evenings at its award-winning restaurants and moments spent by the rooftop pool watching the city glow, the hotel captures the rhythm of Delhi in a way that feels indulgent yet deeply familiar.
At The Kumaon, the world slows down almost instinctively. Set high in the hills, its glass-fronted suites open to Himalayan panoramas that shift with the light. The architecture is minimalist yet warm, blending stone, wood, and silence in a way that feels grounding. Whether you’re sharing stories over a farm-to-table meal or simply listening to the wind move through the pines, the retreat offers a kind of serenity that lingers long after you leave.
Amanbagh is the kind of place where luxury feels effortless. Its sandstone walls, Mughal arches, and sunlit suites come together in a way that’s calming rather than grand. Set amid rugged hills and the quiet rhythm of village life, it creates a peaceful world of its own. Days here unfold gently: a guided walk at dawn, a lingering meal made with local produce, a wellness session that feels like a reset for the senses. Wrapped in Aman’s warm, intuitive hospitality, it becomes a retreat where time slows, your mind quiets, and every moment feels naturally, beautifully unhurried.
FAQs
1. What is a Michelin Key in hotels?
A Michelin Key is the hospitality equivalent of a Michelin Star, awarded to hotels that deliver world-class design, service, comfort, and overall guest experience.
2. How many Indian hotels received Michelin Keys in 2025?
A total of 36 Indian hotels were included in the Michelin Key Selection 2025, with six highlighted for their exceptional experience.
3. What criteria does Michelin use to award Keys?
Hotels are evaluated on design, architecture, service quality, uniqueness, comfort, connection to place, and consistency of the overall guest experience.
4. What is the difference between One, Two, and Three Michelin Keys?
One Key indicates an exceptional stay, Two Keys denote a remarkable and refined experience, and Three Keys honour the world’s most extraordinary hotels.
5. Which Indian hotels earned Michelin Keys in 2025?
Six standout hotels include Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur), Oberoi Udaivilas (Udaipur), Six Senses Fort Barwara, The Leela Palace New Delhi, The Kumaon (Binsar), and Amanbagh (Ajabgarh).
