The MICHELIN Guide recently debuted a brand new and unique distinction for hotels – the MICHELIN Key. While the MICHELIN Star honors the most outstanding restaurants in the world, now the MICHELIN Key does the same for hotels. The announcement was made in April 2024 and revealed a list of One, Two, and Three Key hotels in cities across the United States including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Washington D.C.
After spending four years revamping the hotels section of the MICHELIN Guide, which includes over 5,000 hotels worldwide, the vetting process was extensive, and each property was judged on architecture and design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and whether the hotel offered a significant contribution to the guest experience in its particular setting.
This extensive research led to the MICHELIN Keys which represent the most outstanding hotels, and all MICHELIN Guide hotels are eligible to receive this new distinction. Keys will be announced this year in batches by country, starting with a list of Keys in France, followed by Italy, Spain, Japan, and select locations in the United States. Keys are assigned by these distinctions:
One Key: a very special stay.
Two Keys: an exceptional stay.
Three Keys: an extraordinary stay.
Colorado boasts eight One Key hotels, located in Aspen, Denver, and Vail.
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection | 330 East Main Street, Aspen, CO | 855-331-7213
93 Rooms
From its Old West beginnings with the silver boom, to its upscale history today, Aspen is a playground to the stars. Started by Macy’s co-owner Jerome Wheeler, this namesake hotel offers a swanky atmosphere in a small, picturesque mountain town.
The Little Nell | 675 East Durant Avenuem Aspen, CO | 970-920-4600
92 Rooms
Named after a madam who used to run the town, The Little Nell is now one of Aspen’s most upscale hotel offerings. Steps away from the Silver Queen Gondola, the hotel is a favorite of those who come to town to ski and be seen.
Mollie Aspen | 111 S. Garmisch Street, Aspen, CO | 970-742-1234
68 Rooms
This modern Colorado ski hotel takes inspiration from Japanese, Scandinavian and Bauhaus designs creating a luxurious atmosphere that sets it apart from any other hotel in town. Situated downtown, it is a quick shuttle ride from the Aspen Mountain slopes.
Clayton Hotel & Members Club | 233 Clayton Street, Denver, CO | 303-551-1600
63 Rooms
Located in Cherry Creek North, the Clayton Hotel & Members Club strives to be inclusive, offering chic luxury without being uptight, and to be a private member’ club without drawing from the already privileged. Mid-century modern style with nods to Colorado’s landscape and history result in a lively, luxury hotel.
Four Seasons Denver | 1111 14th Street, Denver, CO | 303-389-3000
239 Rooms
With far-ranging views of the Rockies and the plains, the Four Seasons is situated in Downtown Denver in a spire-topped skyscraper. The atmosphere speaks luxury while the hotel has commissioned local artists to provide over 1,000 original contemporary sculptures and paintings which accent every room.
The Crawford Hotel | 1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO | 720-460-3700
112 Rooms
Union Station is a vibrant Beaux-Arts building in the heart of LoDo (Lower Downtown), a place where you can catch a train to the airport, grab a cocktail or dinner, and spend the night at the Crawford Hotel. The lobby doubles as a waiting room for rail passengers, but the hotel offers nods to the Victorian – era, Art Deco luxury, and contemporary décor.
Four Seasons Vail | One Vail Road, Vail, CO | 970-477-8600
121 Rooms
Located in Vail Village, the Four Seasons Vail is in a prime location for the town’s considerable restaurant and social scene. With an expert ski concierge staff to help with the transition between the hotel and the slopes and vice versa, you can relax after a day on the mountain with the gas fireplace and freestanding soaking tub found in most rooms.
Sonnenalp Hotel | 20 Vail Road, Vail, CO | 866-284-4411
127 Rooms
This remarkably authentic Alpine-style resort is owned by the Faessler family, who opened the original Sonnenalp hotel in Ofterschwang, Germany in the years immediately following the World War I. Featuring old-world charm and a spa offering massage and beauty treatments, yoga, and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
