Huge success for Hungarian tourism: First Michelin Key hotels have been announced!
The first-ever Michelin Key hotel ratings in Hungary have been revealed, marking a milestone for the country’s hospitality industry. Considered the hotel world’s equivalent of Michelin stars, these prestigious keys have been awarded to 13 outstanding establishments. Two of them earned two keys each, while 29 more hotels were included on Michelin’s list of recommended properties.
With these results, the MICHELIN Guide Hungary now highlights 42 domestic hotels offering exceptional experiences – an achievement that stands out even on a regional level and represents a major recognition of the progress made by Hungary’s hotel sector.
What does it take to earn a Michelin Key?
Starting in 2024, the MICHELIN Guide began evaluating not only restaurants but also hotels, introducing the Michelin Key rating system for accommodations. To earn this distinction, a hotel must meet a set of strict criteria:
- Provide guests with a unique, memorable experience that goes beyond just a room to stay in.
- Feature outstanding architecture and interior design.
- Offer high-quality services, comfort, and consistent maintenance.
- Reflect a distinctive personality and character.
- Ensure that the experience matches the price.
- Contribute meaningfully to local tourism and serve as a destination in itself.
- Allow guests to book and review through a trusted, independent platform.
The rating is determined by anonymous inspectors of various nationalities and ages, who visit hotels in secret to ensure objective assessments.
Michelin Key hotels in Hungary
Two Budapest hotels received the two-key distinction:
- Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
- Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Another 11 Hungarian hotels earned one Michelin Key each:
- Anantara New York Palace Budapest
- Dorothea Hotel (Budapest)
- Hotel Clark Budapest
- Kimpton Bem Budapest
- Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa (Budapest)
- Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest
- Verno House (Budapest)
- W Budapest
- BOTANIQ Castle of Tura
- Hotel Petit Bois (Balatonfüred)
- Platán Manor (Tata)
29 more Hungarian hotels recommended by Michelin
In addition to the key recipients, 29 more Hungarian hotels have been featured among Michelin’s recommended destinations offering exceptional experiences:
Natura Hill Zebegény, Pest-Buda Design Hotel (Budapest), Aria Hotel Budapest, Kástu by Pajta (Őriszentpéter), Hotel Rum Budapest, Baltazár Budapest – Boutique Hotel, Hotel Collect, Andrássy Kúria & Spa (Tarcal), LUA Resort (Balatonfüred), Al Habtoor Palace Budapest, Aurea Ana Palace (Budapest), Hotel Vinifera Wine & Spa (Balatonfüred), Minaro Hotel Tokaj, BoHo Hotel Budapest, Avalon Resort & Spa (Miskolctapolca), Palatinus Boutique Hotel (Pécs), Hotel GIN Budapest, Mandilla (Köveskál), Sirius Hotel (Keszthely), Le Primore Hotel & Spa (Hévíz), Viale Boutique Hotel (Villány), Natur Lodge Tiszafüred, Noir Hotel (Szeged), Art Hotel Szeged, Riva Prestige Hotel (Szeged), Turul Boutique Rooms & Apartment (Szarvas), Mövenpick Balaland Resort Lake Balaton (Szántód), H11 Rooms (Esztergom), and 1552 Boutique Hotel (Eger).
A milestone for Hungarian hospitality
This marks the first time that Michelin has honoured Hungarian hotels with the MICHELIN Key recognition – a distinction regarded as the hotel industry’s equivalent of a Michelin star. The award celebrates excellence in hospitality, design, service quality, and authentic connection to place.
Although the guide published its first Hungarian hotel recommendations in 2024, this year’s edition is the first to feature official Key ratings. The programme’s global aim is to highlight hotels that offer unparalleled experiences, distinctive personality, and exceptional quality.
“This prestigious recognition elevates Hungary’s tourism reputation on the international stage. The Michelin Key awards not only confirm the excellence of the honoured hotels but also strengthen Hungary’s image as a premium travel destination,” said Olivér Csendes, CEO of Visit Hungary.
Something to be really proud of will be if they can keep such lofty designations beyond the next few years. Hospitality is so tough a buisiness. The Bridgewater Bulletin this week has an article written for buisness owners/operators giving examples of how greeting the customer-guest certain ways can spoil the event, using specific words can demean when questioning or acknowleging a request or order….hit home with me. While shopping, my taxi driver often trails along beside me, then at the cash he goes ahead a bit and starts packing my groceries as they have been wrung in. I am standing there facing the cashier, making eye contact, smiling, holding my cards for her to scan and she turns away from me to the man and asks “do you want the reciept?” as if HE is the customer instead of ME. To me it signalled that she assumed we were in a personal relationship (ick!) or that he somehow was in control…..really pissed me off. This is how equality for women still gets erroded. When we are publicly embarrassed or our needs cause someone below us in status to raise an eyebrow in judgement.