My analysis of the newest hotels ranking: the Michelin keys?
Should we trust them or any other ranking anyway? Plus a neo baroque gem in Hungary, a Slovenia stylish country retreat and the laste hotel with private beach in France. #82.
This week, the Michelin guide revealed its list of “hotels with keys”, their new ranking system for hotels, equivalent to stars for restaurants. They attribute a ranking of one key, two keys, or three keys, based on their standards and criteria. Those criteria include architecture and design, service, value for money, personality and link to the region where they are located.
They started with 169 hotels in France and will release their ranking in other countries throughout the year.
Looking at the list in France and the hotels they gave 3 or 2 keys, their highest accolade, I have a feeling that they over indexed on gastronomy rather than personality.
We were lucky to stay at several of the hotels they noted as such and I wouldn’t say that they have personality or that their interior design was fabulous. For instance, in the 3 keys category, they have Les Sources de Caudalie - you know from my newsletter last week that personality is precisely what it lacked, Baumanière - a very picturesque setting in Provence and a 3 Michelin stars restaurant but the interior design was nothing special, Royal Champagne - agree with the service and the food but design was quite global bling for me. I do agree that le Saint James in Paris is really a great experience and special given how difficult it is to have a hotel with a garden, a pool, a nice design and good food all in one place.
So this made me reflect on all the different rankings that are released. Not long ago, there was the list of the 50 best hotels in the world, which I have previously discussed and questioned its accuracy. And you also have various labels such as Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Leading Hotels of the World, Design Hotels, Relais & Chateaux..
The lists are established with various criteria and judging panels, while the labels are more like alliances of airlines, mainly for marketing purposes.
But how much value do these lists and labels really hold? Should we trust them?
Judging on my analysis of this latest Michelin list, I’d say, as always, do take them with a pinch of salt. My experience has shown me that, rather than a label or a list, it's essential to find someone with similar tastes whom you can trust.
I hope to be one of those people, and I am aware that my tastes and choices, especially when it comes to finances, may not be to everyone's liking. But I do everything with transparency and honesty, and as you know, I pay for all my hotels, so I am not influenced by invitations or sponsorships.
Over the next few weeks I will also on time to time introduce you to other travel or hotel lovers who I’ve been following for a while. They either are in the same niche as me or in a completely different one (big luxury chains, affordable UK escapes, adventurous journeys around the world,…). Hopefully this will open other possibilities for you too.
Do you stick to lists and labels or do you only go with personal recommendations?
PS: One of the writers on Substack recently reminded her readers on how you can comment if you read this on the web so here’s the tip too: you can just click on the speech bubble at the top or at the bottom of this post. I will also regularly add the “comment” button to help you get there ;-)
Extra finds
Domaine de la Xavoliere, Provence
From 366 Euros - Check latest prices and availability
This luxury guest house is located in a spectacular natural private estate of 10 hectares, in the Parc naturel des Préalpes d'Azur with a panoramic view of the mountains. It’s 10km from Grasse and at 600metres of altitude so more fresh during the hot summer months. There is an outdoor pool. Children above 12 years old only.
L´Escale du Ciel, Provence
From 240 Euros - Check latest prices and availability
This enchanting stone house is situated in the charming hillside village of Le Bar-sur-Loup, near Grasse and Valbonne. The "Mas" has been recently refurbished with a lot of passion and is the perfect blend between old and new. The Villa can be rented on request completely for up to 9 persons, also with room service and breakfast or the rooms individually as Chambre d'Hotes. There is a large 11 x 5m infinity pool and a lovely shaded pergola just beside it, perfect for relaxation.
Vila Planinka, Slovenia
From 301 Euros - Check latest prices and availability
Vila Planinka is situated in the picturesque village of Jezersko in Slovenia. The luxuriously furnished rooms are free from TV and wifi is only available in the lobby so you can really disconnect! There is no pool but a wellness area has saunas and you can book massages. Children are only allowed above 12 years old.
Rothay Manor, Lake district, UK
From £269- Check latest prices and availability
Rothay Manor in Ambleside is a luxurious Cumbrian escape with a charming country house setting and views of the rugged fells beyond in the Lake District. Each of Rothay Manor’s rooms and suites is individually designed in chic country style and very British! There is no pool but some suites have a private hot tub.
Botaniq, Hungary
From 303 euros - Check latest prices and availability
Originally built by a 19th-century baron for his beloved wife, this neo-baroque retreat has been transformed into a chic escape, complete with a luxury spa, tennis courts, and handmade cashmere mattresses. There are two pools, one indoor and one outdoor and a breathtaking 10-hectare forest and park.
New hotels now opened
There are a few hotels that have now emerged from their winter building or renovation. Read on to find out where to spend a chic country stay near London, a luxury and stylish holiday in Greece or the latest hotel with a private beach on the French riviera.