Florida rises to third nationwide as 22 hotels receive Michelin Keys
- Kaitlyn Nicholas
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Florida has secured a place among America’s top hospitality destinations, with 22 hotels recognized in The Michelin Guide's 2025 Key Awards—ranking third nationwide, behind only California and New York. The new Michelin Key distinction highlights hotels that excel not only in comfort and service but also in architectural quality, design integrity, and a distinct sense of identity.
Properties receive One, Two, or Three Keys, signifying levels of experience from exceptional to truly world-class. Florida’s honorees reflect the state’s growing depth in hospitality design, from historic restorations to modern urban landmarks and secluded island retreats.
Three Michelin Key
Florida’s only Three-Key property, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in Little Torch Key, represents the state’s highest recognition. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the private island retreat earned praise for its handcrafted interiors, rare sense of privacy, and natural elegance, standing among the nation’s most extraordinary stays.
Two Michelin Key
At the Two-Key level, six distinct properties define the state’s design maturity and geographic range. On Palm Beach, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach was commended for its understated approach to coastal luxury, while The Surf Club in Surfside—restored and reimagined by Four Seasons—was celebrated for its architectural legacy and timeless craftsmanship.
In Miami Beach, Faena earned recognition for its theatrical blend of art, culture, and hospitality, while The Setai stood out for its tranquil, Asian-inspired sophistication. The Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove brought a creative revival to a 1980s landmark with tropical interiors and a strong neighborhood identity, and The Marquesa Hotel in Key West received honors for preserving historic island homes while offering a level of comfort that feels both residential and refined.
One Michelin Key
Florida’s fifteen One-Key properties illustrate the state’s design renaissance across nearly every major region. In Miami and Miami Beach, the list includes 1 Hotel South Beach, recognized for its sustainable materials and oceanfront biophilic design; The Betsy Hotel for its cultural programming and historic Art Deco charm; Hotel Greystone, a 1930s restoration with a contemporary, adults-only sensibility; Esmé Miami Beach, known for its colorful Spanish-style courtyards; Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove, reflecting the Cipriani family’s heritage of refined hospitality; and The Moore, a minimalist newcomer that integrates art and architecture in Wynwood.
On Palm Beach, the icons continue. The Breakers was acknowledged for its enduring service tradition and grand Mediterranean-Revival architecture, while White Elephant Palm Beach earned distinction for its residential scale and coastal New England-inspired design. Palm House, just steps from the island’s cultural landmarks, was noted for its boutique scale and charm.
Central Florida saw equal recognition. Ette Hotel and Lake Nona Wave Hotel each brought design-forward sensibilities to Orlando—one rooted in serene wellness interiors, the other blending art and technology within a growing innovation district. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes maintained its place as a benchmark for resort-scale luxury and consistency in service.
Across the state, smaller destinations also stood out: The Collector - Luxury Inn & Gardens in St. Augustine, where a cluster of historic homes forms a living museum; Palihouse Hyde Park Village in Tampa, which introduced Palisociety’s residential aesthetic to a walkable neighborhood setting; and The Tower at The Boca Raton, which completed a contemporary renovation within one of Florida’s most storied resorts.
With 22 Michelin Key hotels, Florida now ranks third in the United States, following California (65) and New York (38), and ahead of Texas (21) and Massachusetts (16). The recognition underscores how far Florida’s hospitality landscape has evolved—defined today by design precision, architectural ambition, and a deeper sense of authenticity rather than excess. Across Florida, hundreds of transformative waterfront resorts and branded residences to design-led urban hotels are now underway—signaling an unprecedented era of investment and creativity.
