Key to a Great Hotel Stay

The Peak sits down with Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, who shares more about its upcoming plans to recognise exceptional hotels around the world with the Key distinction.

- KENNETH SZ GOH

The Michelin Guide has been synonymous with rating restaurants with its renowned stars system for over 120 years. In early 2024, the guide by the French tyre company will expand beyond the gastronomy sphere — it will also review hotels and accommodation options, from ryokans to surf houses, and recognise them with the Key distinction. Hotels in Japan will be among the first in the world to receive the accolade when the inaugural list is revealed.

Speaking to The Peak in Tokyo, Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, says that rating hotels is a natural extension, with dining out and travel being closely intertwined. He says: “Part of the Michelin Guide’s responsibility is helping people make the best choices in lifestyle experiences, and the Key selection is about giving independent advice on where to stay for high-end and discerning travellers.”

Reviewing hotels has long been part of the Michelin Guide’s DNA, Poullennec reminds us, with hotel selections published in European and some Asian editions of the guide for decades. However, it has now integrated hotel recommendations with a reservation system, complete with user-generated reviews and a 24/7 concierge that is staffed by humans who can provide travel advice and on-the-ground assistance.