New York ranks second in the nation as 41 hotels receive Michelin Keys
- Kaitlyn Nicholas
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
New York has reaffirmed its position as one of America’s premier hospitality destinations, with 41 hotels recognized in The Michelin Guide’s 2025 Key Awards—ranking second nationwide, just behind California. The Michelin Key program honors hotels that excel not only in service and comfort but also in architectural character, design integrity, and a distinct sense of place.
The Michelin Key system distinguishes properties by three tiers of excellence: One Key for a very special stay, Two Keys for an exceptional experience, and Three Keys for the extraordinary. New York’s honorees span these categories, reflecting a blend of legacy, innovation, and design-driven evolution—from historic Manhattan landmarks to revitalized rural retreats in the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks.
Three Michelin Key
At the top, four hotels earned the prestigious Three Michelin Key distinction. Aman New York was recognized for its transformation of the historic Crown Building, balancing Japanese minimalism with monumental architecture. Casa Cipriani New York received acclaim for its Art Deco design and exclusive private-club atmosphere overlooking the Battery waterfront. The Whitby Hotel and Crosby Street Hotel, both by Firmdale Hotels, were praised for their distinctive British flair, curated art collections, and personalized approach to city hospitality.
Two Michelin Key
Seven properties received Two Michelin Keys, each illustrating New York’s architectural depth and diversity. The Fifth Avenue Hotel earned distinction for uniting a restored Gilded Age mansion with a modern glass tower in NoMad with impeccable service, while Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York was noted for its Paris-meets-Tribeca aesthetic and meticulous attention to design detail.
The Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side earned distinction for its striking interiors and exceptional, detail-driven hospitality, while Pendry Manhattan West was highlighted for its sculptural architecture and relaxed, California-inspired sensibility within the Manhattan West district of Midtown West.
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel remains an icon of Upper East Side sophistication, well known by its storied clientele and legendary venues like Bemelmans Bar and Café Carlyle. Warren Street Hotel reflected Firmdale’s commitment to expressive design and neighborhood character in Tribeca, while Nine Orchard was celebrated for its meticulous restoration and architectural character within the Lower East Side’s historic former bank building.
One Michelin Key
Across New York City and upstate, thirty properties received One Michelin Key distinctions, each recognized for a clear sense of place, architectural character, and design integrity.
In Midtown and the Upper East Side, 1 Hotel Central Park was noted for its biophilic interiors and reclaimed materials just steps from the park. The Peninsula New York was praised for its neoclassical architecture, modern restoration, and commanding position along Fifth Avenue, while The Lowell stood out for its residential feel and personalized service. Baccarat Hotel & Residences was recognized for its meticulous design and service, the use of Baccarat crystal throughout its interiors and a modern interpretation of French craftsmanship in Midtown. The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, was highlighted for its art-filled interiors, restored pre-war architecture, and prime Upper East Side setting near Central Park, while The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park was honored for its location directly overlooking the park, generous guest room layouts, and exceptional standard of service.
In NoMad and Union Square, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad was celebrated for its striking tower design, expansive city views, and strong connection to the surrounding NoMad district. In Union Square, The Twenty Two New York was recognized for its European-inspired interiors, intimate scale, and dual identity as a hotel and members’ club in the Union Square district. In Chelsea, The Hotel Chelsea was noted for its historic architecture, cultural significance, and continued identity as a landmark for New York’s artistic community.
In Lower Manhattan, The Beekman – A Thompson Hotel was honored for its restoration of the 1883 Temple Court Building, highlighted by a nine-story Victorian atrium and detailed preservation of original architecture. The Wall Street Hotel received acclaim for its Beaux-Arts architecture, modern interior design, and integration of art and community initiatives within the Financial District.
In SoHo and Tribeca, The Mercer was acknowledged for its Romanesque Revival architecture, loft-style interiors, and continued influence as a SoHo landmark favored by the creative and celebrity community, while The Greenwich Hotel was appreciated for its handcrafted design, intimate residential feel, and distinctive cultural influence in Tribeca, including its Japanese-inspired Shibui Spa.
Across the Lower East Side and East Village, The Bowery Hotel showcased vintage materials and downtown energy, The Ludlow Hotel was highlighted for its industrial design, artisan detail, and authentic expression of the Lower East Side’s creative energy.
In Brooklyn, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge earned praise for its eco-conscious design, reclaimed materials, and integration of natural elements within its waterfront setting, while Ace Hotel Brooklyn was emphasized for its minimalist-industrial design, integration of local art, and strong community atmosphere that reflects the creative energy of Downtown Brooklyn. The Wythe Hotel was recognized for its adaptive reuse of a 1901 factory building, preserving original brick and timber elements while framing views of the Manhattan skyline from the Williamsburg waterfront.
Beyond the city, Upstate and the Hudson Valley added several One Keys. Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection, was distinguished by its nature-focused design, integration with the surrounding farmland, and architecture that connects indoor spaces with the Hudson Valley landscape. The Maker Hotel was celebrated for its eclectic design across three restored Hudson townhouses, distinctive craftsmanship, and creative approach that blends art, scent, and hospitality in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Troutbeck stood out for its restored estate architecture, artistic heritage, and ongoing dialogue between history, design, and community in the Hudson Valley, while Six Bells Countryside Inn was commended for its restored farmhouse structure, handcrafted details, and thoughtful connection to the rural landscape of Rosendale. INNESS was acknowledged for its blend of rustic and contemporary design, thoughtful integration with the Hudson Valley landscape, various leisure amenities, and community-driven approach to hospitality. Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery was commended for its sustainable design, Passive House-certified cidery, and seamless combination of organic orchard, boutique lodging, and views across the Delaware River Valley. Eastwind – Hotel & Bar was admired for its Scandinavian-inspired cabins, minimalist design, and relaxed connection to the natural landscape of the Catskills.
In the Finger Lakes and Adirondack regions, five distinctive properties were recognized for their design, restoration, and deep connection to place. The Inns of Aurora were praised for their cohesive lakeside setting on Cayuga Lake, restored historic architecture, and hospitality that weaves wellness and design into the Finger Lakes landscape. The Adelphi Hotel was honored for preserving its Victorian architecture while blending historic detail with contemporary comfort, maintaining its role as a Saratoga Springs landmark along the Broadway Historic District. The Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa was distinguished by its Adirondack craftsmanship, lakeside views, and enduring commitment to thoughtful design and service. The Whiteface Lodge was praised for its timber construction, lodge-style interiors, and ability to capture the character of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Placid. Along the North Fork, The Menhaden was commended for its coastal-inspired design, intimate scale, and integration with the rhythm of village life in Greenport.
With four Three-Key, seven Two-Key, and thirty One-Key hotels, New York ranks second only to California in total Michelin Key distinctions. Together, these 41 properties reflect the state’s architectural ambition, cultural depth, and enduring global influence—affirming that New York’s art of hospitality remains as dynamic and inspiring as the city itself.
