Michelin Guide Expands to Hotel Ratings; Begins with 5,300 Worldwide Selections

The Michelin Guide has announced extending its renowned rating system to include hotels. Starting with an initial selection of 5,300 hotels across 120 countries, Michelin aims to provide travelers with a trusted reference to navigate the options online.

Reshaping the Travelers' Experience

Recognizing the abundance of information and the challenges travelers face when choosing accommodations, Michelin aspires to simplify the process, reports CNA Lifestyle. Gwendal Poullennec, the director of the Michelin Guide, emphasized the need to cut through the noise, highlighting that users spend an average of 10 hours researching trips on multiple platforms.

Following its restaurant ratings, Michelin will evaluate hotels based on various criteria, including architecture, individuality, service, comfort, and price. These assessments will be carried out by anonymous inspectors to maintain objectivity and transparency, according to Japan Today.

A Rich Heritage Paving the Way

With its origins dating back to 1900, the Michelin Guide was initially designed to assist travelers in a time of limited information. Since then, it has evolved into a trusted source for culinary guidance. Michelin aims to provide a holistic travel experience by extending its reach to hotels.

To bolster its expertise, Michelin acquired Tablet Hotels in 2018—a US-based site specializing in boutique hotel stays worldwide. Since then, the teams from both entities have collaborated extensively to curate a comprehensive selection of the finest establishments.

Rather than the stars associated with top-rated restaurants, Michelin will award hotels with keys as a symbol of distinction. The number of keys assigned to a hotel will be based on evaluating its various attributes, ensuring that excellence prevails.

Hotel Ratings Uplift Revenue Streams

While the Michelin Guide has traditionally earned revenue through its website referrals, it will now extend this model to hotel reservations. Hotels listed on the Michelin platform will pay a commission ranging from 10 to 15 percent per reservation. Poullennec assures that the editorial and sales teams will operate independently.

This expansion comes as a response to the growing demand for curated accommodation options. The collaboration between Michelin and Tablet Hotels aims to provide travelers with an exceptional experience, offering a selection of accommodations that often include Michelin-rated restaurants.

Embracing the Future of Hospitality

With the first set of awards scheduled to be announced in the first half of 2024, the Michelin Guide's foray into the hotel industry marks a significant step. By adapting to the changing travel landscape, Michelin continues to solidify its position as a trusted authority in the culinary and hospitality realms.

Similarly, the hotels featured next year will be bookable through its website, whether or not they earn keys.

Michelin will receive commissions on bookings made on its site.

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