‘Thrilled and humbled’: Hoteliers react to winning Michelin keys

Michelin recognised 123 hotels in the UK and Ireland with its new key awards today.

 

Similar to Michelin stars, the keys are a three-tiered award designed to highlight the best places to stay across the globe. Hotels can be rated as one key (a special place to stay), two keys (an exceptional stay) or three keys (an extraordinary stay).

 

Only 14 hotels received the highest accolade of three keys, including Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, Gleneagles and the Connaught hotel, while 37 two-key awards were handed to the likes of the Fife Arms, Cliveden House and Heckfield Place.

 

Farlam Hall, the Emory and the Grove of Narberth were among the 72 recipients of the one-key award.

 

Read the full list of Michelin key winners here.

 

Raymond Blanc, chef-patron, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond hotel, Oxfordshire (three keys)

“It was unexpected. We are here [at the ceremony] among the very best hotels. The keys are like a Michelin star for the hotel and will draw people towards better food, better service and a better welcome. Because Michelin is a multi-global guide [the key awards] will have huge impact on how hotels are being run. Food is an important part of it, but we all work very hard to give our guests a wonderful stay. It’s a huge marketing tool because it’s global.”

Lynn Brutman, general manager, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane (three keys)

“We are deeply honoured to be awarded three Michelin keys. At the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, luxury goes beyond extravagance – it’s about creating a meaningful sense of belonging and delivering the kind of genuine care that our guests deserve. This recognition is a testament to our passionate team, who take pride in offering personalised, unforgettable experiences that place each guest at the heart of everything we do.”

Conor O’Leary, managing director, Gleneagles, Auchterarder (three keys) and Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh (one key)

“In this, our centenary year for Gleneagles and just two years into operation for Gleneagles Townhouse, it is an incredible honour to have both hotels included in the inaugural list of Michelin keys. To have been awarded the highest accolade of three keys for Gleneagles and one key for Gleneagles Townhouse reflects the unwavering commitment and enthusiasm of the Gleneagles team. I am thrilled that the spirit of hospitality at both our hotels has been recognised in this way.”

Rolf Buehlmann, managing director, the Peninsula, London (three keys)

“I speak for everyone here at the Peninsula London to convey how deeply touched and proud we are to have been awarded three Michelin keys in this year’s inaugural award. This precious accolade is a testament to the dedication and passion of every member of our team in delivering a memorable Peninsula experience to our guests. To have achieved this award within one year of opening is truly humbling.”

 

Torsten Van Dullemen, general manager and and area vice-president, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London (three keys)

 

“We are honoured to have both London properties recognised on this prestigious list; it is an incredible achievement. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair, complement each other beautifully. Together, they offer our guests the unique opportunity to experience the very best of both Knightsbridge and Mayfair, with each hotel providing a distinct atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of tastes, creating unforgettable moments for every fan.”

 

Franck Arnold, regional vice president and managing director, the Savoy (three keys)

“To achieve three Michelin keys is an incredible honour, especially at such a pivotal moment for the Savoy as we prepare to launch a new dining destination in November and unveil the first of our refurbished rooms and suites in 2025.

“As a hotelier who has been involved with Michelin since starting my hospitality journey 40 years ago, I feel humbled by this accolade. It represents such fantastic recognition for the Savoy team, who relentlessly strive to create special moments for our guests, day-in, day-out. My heartfelt congratulations to all the other hotels in the UK and Ireland, who have also been recognised by this highly respected institution.”

 

Ashley Ely, general manager, the Newt, Somerset (three keys)

 

“It’s really amazing – the point of distinction and recognition is incredible for the whole team for all their hard work. We never take any award for granted. And there are many reasons why people choose to stay at a hotel anywhere in the world, but as a point of distinction from Michelin as an organisation is massive for us.”

 

Andrew Stembridge, executive director, Iconic Luxury Hotels

“We are delighted that two Iconic Luxury Hotels – Chewton Glen and Cliveden House – have been recognised in the augural UK & Ireland Michelin Guide, both awarded two keys – an exceptional stay. 

 

Rachael Henley, general manager, Fife Arms, Braemar (two keys)

 

“We are deeply honoured in this inaugural year, to be awarded two Michelin keys, a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team. At the Fife Arms, we strive to create unforgettable experiences for all our guests, whether that’s through our dining and drinking options, cultural programming or tailor-made adventures, all showcasing the very best of what the Scottish Highlands has to offer. This recognition from Michelin reaffirms our commitment to excellence, and we are delighted that the hotel has been recognised as a leader in hospitality by the Michelin in the UK.”

 

Thomas Ferrante, general manager, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Windermere (two keys)

 

“Equivalent to the prestigious Michelin stars for restaurants, this award recognises our hotel as a truly unique and exceptional destination. It’s an incredible honour that celebrates the character, consistency of service, and care of our guests, which are at the heart of everything we do.”

Nuno César de Sá, general manager, Grantley Hall, Ripon (two keys)

 

“It was very emotional. It’s a great award to receive. We’re a baby hotel, we’re only five years old, so it gives us something to aim for [to get three keys]. The staff can be very proud.”

“[Michelin keys] will give [hoteliers] targets. Michelin being what it is for so many years means it’s so much easier for the guest to navigate.”

Karen Baybutt, finance director, and Hrishikesh Desai, chef-patron, Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant, Brampton (one key)

 

“We are absolutely thrilled and humbled to have received such prestigious recognition at the inaugural Michelin keys awards! This is a wonderful achievement and incredibly rewarding; a testament to the dedication, creativity and passion the entire team have put into making Farlam Hall a top go-to destination in the north west.”

Andrew Harrison, general manager, Four Seasons Hampshire (one key)

 

“To be awarded one Michelin key at Four Seasons Hampshire is a proud moment for our team. We pride ourselves on offering our guests the rare luxury of space – space to reconnect with nature, their loved ones, and themselves. True luxury here is found in the thoughtful care and attention we extend to each guest, whether exploring our 500-acre grounds, enjoying seasonal dining experiences, or relaxing in our spa. We are committed to continuing to create an environment where guests can truly relax and be themselves.”