Learn about the Michelin-starred hotels in Mexico and what’s behind this recognition.

You’ve surely heard about Michelin Stars, a recognition of restaurants with culinary excellence. But did you know that Michelin Keys also exist? These are awarded to hotels, and Mexico has several that have been recognized with them.

Hotels are an essential part of our vacations. Our rest depends on them, but so does our ability to enjoy other amenities. That’s why there are different ways to classify them, one of the most common being on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

Although they have been associated with luxury, stars also indicate the level of services, facilities, and amenities offered by a property. A hotel with 1 star provides basic accommodations, while a 3-star hotel has its own restaurant and more comfort, and so on.

However, with the growth of tourism, there is a need to go further in hotel ratings. The Michelin Guide, which, since its inception in 1889, has recommended places to stay and eat while traveling, decided to launch its own.

This is how the Michelin Keys emerged in 2024. They do not replace stars, but rather function as a complement, as they focus on aesthetic and experiential aspects. Learn more about them and which hotels have Michelin Keys in Mexico.

What are the Michelin Keys?

Hotels have been included in the Michelin Guide throughout their history. However, they decided to create a new distinction to highlight hotels that excel in design, architecture, service, and personality: the Michelin Key.

According to the official website, the Michelin Guide has 5,000 recommended hotels worldwide. But as with restaurants, being part of this Guide does not guarantee you a key. These are reserved for hotels that offer the most exceptional stays.

Who decides? A team of anonymous experts, based on five basic criteria: excellence in architecture and interior design; quality and consistency of service; personality and overall character; value for money; and contribution to its neighborhood or surroundings.

How many Michelin Keys can a hotel have?

Like restaurants, hotels can receive one to three Michelin Keys. One key is for those offering a very special stay, two for an exceptional stay, and three for a unique stay.

While the Michelin Guide points out that this is not directly related to cost, we must keep in mind that these are different experiences, so they are not the most affordable hotels, although they are certainly worth exploring.

To date, the Michelin Keys have reached 13 countries on three continents. Among them, there are three hotels with three Keys, 21 hotels with two Keys, and 63 hotels with one Michelin Key.

Hotels with three Michelin Stars in Mexico, the best of the best
One&Only Mandarina, Lo de Marcos

Lo de Marcos is a hidden gem in the Bay of Banderas, Nayarit. In this destination, beloved by those seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, lies One&Only Mandarina, a 105-room hotel notable for its modern and vibrant design.

According to the Michelin Guide, this accommodation combines the commitment of an eco-lodge with the beauty of a boutique hotel and the comforts of a luxury hotel, all set on 32 hectares of coastal rainforest.

The hotel features three high-quality restaurants and a wide range of activities, such as nature walks and sea expeditions.

Hotel Esencia, Riviera Maya

Have you heard of Xpu-Há? It’s a small town in Quintana Roo, part of the Riviera Maya, in the municipality of Playa del Carmen. This intimate hotel is located right next to the sea.

Its history tells us that the main building was once the residence of a European duchess. However, at this accommodation, you’ll find suites surrounded by a jungle atmosphere and beachfront bungalows.

In addition to its beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, this hotel features an eco-spa, three restaurants serving Mexican and international cuisine, and many activities to enjoy nature.

Xinalani, Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most important tourist centers, so it’s not unusual to find a wide range of resorts and hotels for all budgets. However, Xinalani is different: it’s located 20 kilometers from the city, in a remote area.

It’s an eco-resort, accessible only by boat, as it’s hidden between the jungle and the waters of the Pacific. This makes it the perfect place to escape the chaos of everyday life… completely, as there’s no television or reliable Wi-Fi.

Of course, you can enjoy its beautiful landscapes, nature, and yoga, as it is an ideal retreat center for yoga lovers. So get ready for a relaxing vacation filled with unique flavors.

Hotels with Two Michelin Keys in Mexico

In 2024, the Michelin Guide awarded two keys to 21 hotels in Mexico. These are mainly located in Baja California, Mexico City, Jalisco, Guerrero, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán.

To see the full list, visit our gallery by clicking on the main image.

Hotels with a Michelin Key in Mexico

Currently, Mexico has 63 hotels with a Michelin Key, demonstrating the commitment of the tourism sector in our country to providing tourists with great experiences.

We provide the complete list of hotels recognized by the famous guide by clicking on the main image.

Both the beaches and the magical towns of our country attract millions of domestic and international tourists annually. For this reason, having Michelin-starred hotels in Mexico is not only a recognition, but also helps tourism continue to grow.

Now that you know them, if you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate to experience these accommodations.

Source: excelsior