The MICHELIN Guide has debuted its inaugural MICHELIN Key awards for hotels across the U.S., establishing a standard of excellence comparable to the renowned MICHELIN Star accolades given to the finest restaurants. California is the state with the most hotels recognized in the newly announced MICHELIN Key awards, with a highlight on several standout establishments in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Evaluation Criteria and Awards Levels
The MICHELIN Keys are awarded based on the following criteria to determine the quality of the hotel experience: architectural and interior design, consistent and high-quality service, unique character, value for money, and meaningful contribution to the local environment. The Keys are categorized into three levels:
- One Key: For hotels offering a very special stay.
- Two Keys: For hotels providing an exceptional stay.
- Three Keys: For hotels delivering an extraordinary stay.
Three Key Hotels:
Canyon Ranch Woodside, Woodside: An all-inclusive wellness haven in the redwoods. Offering a stay in your own personal treehouse with a private deck, Woodside also offers communal activities like yoga, meditation and hiking.
Two Key Hotels:
- Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, San Francisco: Four Seasons Hotels are renowned world-wide for their luxury, and the San Francisco location is no exception. Featuring Panoramic views of the bay, the hotel is nestled in Downtown San Francisco.
- The Battery, San Francisco: This boutique hotel sits in the lively North Beach neighborhood featuring city views and a private members-only club.
- Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito: Just across the Golden Gate Bridge is the charming hotel with a luxurious spa and beautiful views.
One Key Hotels:
- 1 Hotel San Francisco: SF’s first mission-driven luxury hotel, located on the scenic Embarcadero.
- Hotel Drisco, San Francisco: Located in the affluent Pacific Heights neighborhood, Hotel Drisco features quintessential SF architecture with beautiful views from its hilltop perch.
With the MICHELIN Guide now spotlighting these exceptional stays, from the serene escapes of Woodside to the vibrant heart of San Francisco, when’s your next staycation in our celebrated Bay Area?
By Catherine Huynh and Dana Flynn