Michelin awards keys to 58 hotels in Thailand

Michelin has presented the very first Michelin Key selection for Thailand, awarding 58 properties offering the most outstanding stays throughout the country. Eight hotels were awarded with Three Michelin Keys, 19 with Two Michelin Keys, and 31 with One Michelin Key.

This inaugural Thai selection makes the Kingdom the second Asian country to see its hospitality scene rewarded by the Michelin Guide after earlier Michelin Key selections in France, Spain, Italy, Japan, the US, Canada and Mexico.

The Michelin Guide’s hotel selection provides users with recommendations for a complete travel experience. Awarded by the Michelin Guide inspection team based on anonymous stays or visits – independently of existing labels, tourism stars and pre-established quotas – the Michelin Keys are a new international benchmark that aim to guide travellers to accommodation that stand out for their unique hospitality concept, distinctive character, warm welcome and extremely high level of service.

Eight hotels were awarded the highest ranking of Three Michelin Keys, indicating an extraordinary stay. The eight awarded hotels include Keemala and Amanpuri in Phuket, Samujana Villas in Koh Samui, Soneva Kiri in Koh Kood, Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai, as well as Mandarin Oriental and The Siam in Bangkok.

Two Michelin Keys – describing an exceptional stay – were presented to 19 properties, comprising seven in Bangkok, such as Capella Bangkok and The Sukhothai Bangkok; four in Koh Samui, namely Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, Banyan Tree Samui, SALA Samui Choengmon Beach, and Six Senses Samui; Rachamankha located in Chiang Mai; and The Sarojin in Khao Lak.

Of the 31 newly-awarded hotels receiving the One Michelin Key, which means a very special stay, eight are located in the Bangkok, five in Phuket and four in Chiang Mai. These include InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Iniala Beach House, Rayavadee, InterContinental Bangkok, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, 137 Pillars Suites Bangkok, and Raya Heritage, among others.

All Michelin Guide hotel recommendations are available for free on the Michelin Guide website and mobile application. To assist travellers throughout their stay, the Michelin Guide also provides a concierge service run by travel experts employed by the Michelin Guide.

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, stated: “This selection is an open invitation to explore Thailand, enjoy its heavenly landscapes and warm hospitality, and experience memorable stays at some of the most attractive prices.

“Using the Michelin Guide’s digital platforms, travellers can now filter their search and book hotels for stays that we hope will be unforgettable.”

The next Michelin Keys will be announced in Great Britain and Ireland on October 1 and in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on October 9.