All articles

Key Decisions: Michelin Guide Brings Hotel Awards to Australia

For the first time since its inception in 2024, the Michelin Guide’s Keys have arrived in Australia, with 35 Australian hotels getting the coveted award – but just one Queensland property has received all three.

The Michelin Guide’s global Keys were announced this week at an exclusive ceremony at Musée des Arts Décoratifs, in Paris. The awards represent the pinnacle of hotel hospitality in the same way that Michelin Stars denote the world’s best restaurants.

Following the launch of Michelin Key distinctions in 15 top travel destinations last year, The Michelin Guide has extended its reach to 7,000 hotels across the world. In total, 2,457 hotels have received One (1,742), Two (572) or Three (143) Michelin Keys.

Dream by Luxury Escapes - Key Decisions: Michelin Guide Brings Hotel Awards to Australia

“With the introduction of the Michelin Keys, the Guide establishes a new, global, and independent benchmark for outstanding hotel experiences,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides. “Whether travellers seek iconic resorts, historic city hotels, or hidden gems off the beaten path, the Michelin Keys provide a trusted guide to discover, explore, and book truly memorable stays that inspire and delight.”

Lizard Island was the only property in Australia to be awarded three Michelin Keys - Luxury Escapes

In Australia, Lizard Island, the luxury resort just off the coast of Cairns was the only property to be awarded Three Keys. Overall, 63 hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and French Polynesia received one or more keys.

In Adelaide, Thorngrove Manor House, a Gothic-style sprawl in the Adelaide Hills opened in 1984 received Two Keys. Other Two Key properties included Longitude 131° at Uluru, Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, Silky Oaks Lodge in Queensland’s Daintree, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and Jackalope Hotel on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Brisbane's The Calile received one Michelin Key - Luxury Escapes

Brisbane’s The Calile was awarded One Key and general manager Chris Kemlo said the honour was testament to hotel’s dedicated team.

“To be awarded this accolade by such a prestigious global organisation marks a significant milestone for The Calile and reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and exceptional service and drive to continually exceed our guests’ expectations,” Chris said.

Other One Key recipients included Park Hyatt Sydney, Hobart’s Henry Jones Art Hotel and Basq House in Byron Bay. For a full list of properties awarded Michelin Keys see here.

A copy of the Michelin Guide - Luxury Escapes

To be awarded a Michelin Key hotels have to exhibit five universal criteria:

  • excellence in architecture and interior design
  • quality and consistency of service
  • overall personality and character
  • value for the price
  • a significant contribution to the neighbourhood or setting.

Written by Paul Chai

Paul Chai has been a travel writer for over two decades. He has dived with great white sharks in South Australia, walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival and stuffed himself with enough food and wine working on the Good Food Guide to make his GP shake his head. Chai is currently managing editor of Dream by Luxury Escapes.
Read more articles by Paul »
Nearby Destinations
See All