7 Singapore hotels recognised in first Michelin Keys awards, Raffles Hotel earns Three Keys

Seven hotels in Singapore have been recognised in the inaugural Michelin Keys global selection, a new accolade by the Michelin Guide, which is more known for awarding restaurants with its prestigious stars.

 The guide, which is run by the French tyre giant, is now hoping to also muscle in on the hotel and accommodation realm by having its famously anonymous inspectors cover over 7,000 hotels around the world to recognise exceptional stays.

Leading the Singapore list is Raffles Hotel Singapore, which received the coveted Three Michelin Keys distinction — the highest possible honour. Six other properties: Artyzen Singapore, Capella Singapore, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Parkroyal Collection Pickering, and the all-villa Raffles Sentosa Singapore, which opened in March, were each awarded One Michelin Key.

The Michelin Keys distinction, unveiled globally in Paris at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs on October 9, marks a major expansion of the Guide’s hospitality coverage. Modeled after its renowned star rating, the new system recognises hotels that deliver outstanding guest experiences, assessed by the guide’s full-time inspectors using five universal criteria that go beyond amenities to measure design, service, and overall excellence.

According to the Michelin Guide, the inaugural selection includes 2,457 hotels worldwide — 1,742 with One Key, 572 with Two Keys, and 143 with Three Keys — chosen from more than 7,000 properties in its global database. The accolade serves as an independent benchmark for quality in the international lodging industry.

In Singapore, the sole Three Key recipient is Raffles Hotel, which opened in 1886. The grand dame was praised for its heritage charm and timeless hospitality. The hotel’s enduring reputation for meticulous service and its blend of colonial-era elegance with modern comfort have made it one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

Out of 2,457 hotels on the list, only 143 received the Three Key rating. Other Three Key hotels in the region include Amanpuri and The Siam in Thailand, and The Rosewood in Hong Kong.

Among the other One Key recipients, Artyzen Singapore was recognised for its modern design and greenery-filled aesthetic, while Capella Singapore stood out for combining contemporary architecture by Foster + Partners with restored colonial buildings on Sentosa Island. 

The Four Seasons Hotel Singapore was noted for its refined service and tranquil setting just off Orchard Road, and the recently renovated Mandarin Oriental Singapore for its refreshed interiors and panoramic Marina Bay views.

Parkroyal Collection Pickering was highlighted for its distinctive “hotel-in-a-garden” concept and sustainable design features, while Raffles Sentosa Singapore was commended for its villa-based retreat offering a high level of privacy and personalised service.

The Michelin Keys aim to guide travellers toward the most memorable hotels worldwide, much as its Star ratings do for restaurants. Each distinction corresponds to a level of experience: One Key indicates a “very special stay,” Two Keys denote an “exceptional stay,” and Three Keys signify an “extraordinary stay.”

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, says: “With their unique field expertise, MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have selected the finest properties from across the globe, reflecting the diversity and excellence of today’s hospitality landscape.”

With the Michelin Keys, the guide is “establishing a new, global, and independent benchmark for outstanding hotel experiences”. Other popular hotel rating systems include The World’s 50 Best Hotels, which was launched in 2023, and the Forbes Travel Guide, which also has its stable of inspectors that rate luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises. 

The launch of Michelin Keys Selection also introduced four special awards recognising hotels for achievements in design, wellness, local engagement, and innovation. The 2025 recipients include Atlantis The Royal in Dubai for Architecture & Design, Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland for Wellness, La Fiermontina Ocean in Morocco for Local Gateway, and The Burman Hotel in Estonia for Opening of the Year.

The announcement underscores Singapore’s standing as a leading destination for luxury hospitality in Asia, with its hotels continuing to deliver experiences that balance world-class service with a strong sense of place.