Arizona finally has Michelin Guide recognition.
True, the Grand Canyon State still doesn't have a Michelin Star restaurant , but the Guide announced the first places in Arizona to receive its new Michelin Key designation for hotels — equal to stars for restaurants and awarded from one to three.
Seven Arizona hotels and resorts were recognized. One of them, Canyon Ranch Tucson, received the highest honor with a Three Key hotel designation.
The Michelin Guide, compiled by the tire manufacturing company, was conceived as a travel guidebook that pointed out stops along roads, such as restaurants; the idea was encouraging people to take more road trips would increase the demand for tires. It began awarding stars to restaurants in Europe in 1926.
Here's what to know about the Michelin Guide's new awards for hotels and the Arizona honorees.
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Canyon Ranch receives highest Michelin acclaim
Canyon Ranch, frequently named one of America's best spa resorts , stands out for its personalized approach to wellness and healing. Booking a stay involves not only choosing the dates but also a wellness pathway: it could involve relaxation and self-care, developing healthier everyday habits, inspiring creativity, escaping into nature or even going with the flow with a self-guided stay.
Canyon Ranch first opened in Tucson in 1979 and the focus on combining elevated hospitality with world-class wellness amenities explains why the resort, located in an old dude ranch setting, appeals to travelers, Canyon Ranch CEO Mark Rivers told The Arizona Republic.
“You have the ability to transform your life around a wellness journey, whether it’s engaging on your body or your mind or your spirit,” Rivers said. “We've done it at a very high level for decades, continue to do it and continue add more ways to offer wellness experiences to our guests. And we work very hard to achieve it at the highest level.”
To Rivers, what high-level experiences look like are care and expertise with a human touch that integrates new and emerging wellness technologies.
Metro Phoenix, Sedona hotels also honored
The story of Arizona finally earning Michelin Guide recognition doesn't end with the Canyon Ranch. Six other hotels received Key awards.
Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel , a Sedona resort integrated within the city's red rock canyon landscape, received a Two Key hotel designation. The honor follows Ambiente's recent accolades as one of Travel + Leisure's best Arizona hotels of 2024 and one of Sunset Magazine's best lodging options for nature lovers .
"Ambiente is truly honored to be welcomed into such a prestigious program, and we are especially proud to be recognized as Arizona’s only Two Key property," Ambiente co-owner Jennifer May told The Republic in an email statement. "Since opening our doors just last year, our focus has been on creating a warm, intimate experience for each of our guests, blending the beauty of Sedona with personalized service. This milestone affirms our commitment to providing an exceptional, nature-inspired retreat that feels like home. We look forward to continuing to welcome guests as part of our family, offering them a peaceful, unforgettable escape for years to come."
Another hotel first opened last year, restaurateur Sam Fox's The Global Ambassador , was one of five Arizona hotels to receive One Key designation. The Phoenix hotel's managing director, Geoff Gray, said its staff is "incredibly honored" by its inclusion in the Michelin Guide.
"It is a testament to our team's unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class experience in every aspect, from our culinary and wellness offerings to attentive and personalized service," he said. "This honor reinforces our continued pursuit of excellence at the highest level."
Also honored was the historic Royal Palms Resort and Spa, which opened in 1929 as a private estate and became a resort open to the public in 1948. Recognition from the Michelin Guide is a symbol of Royal Palms' "long-standing commitment to excellence and place in the Phoenix hospitality story," said Tyler Stirrett, the hotel's general manager.
"This designation honors our team’s dedication to a top-tier guest experience at every turn and we’re proud to be part of such an esteemed group of hotels," he said.
What are Michelin Keys?
The Michelin Key recognizes the best hotels in the world, just as the Michelin Star does for restaurants.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, stated the Michelin Key "is a clear, reliable indication for travelers" that a hotel is exceptional.
What are the 3 Michelin star keys?
There are three tiers of recognition in the program. One Key, Two Keys and Three Keys.
A One Key hotel is "a very special stay" that the Michelin Guide considers "a true gem with its own character and personality" and offers a more outstanding experience than similarly priced accommodations.
A Two Key hotel is "an exceptional stay" that consistently delivers memorable experiences. These hotels are renowned for "character, personality and charm" and "operated with obvious pride and considerable care."
A Three Key hotel is "an extraordinary stay" and represents the highest standard of comfort, service and luxury. Further, Michelin deems them destinations within a destination, where "all the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts of travelers."
How does a hotel get a Michelin key?
All hotels must meet these five criteria to receive a Michelin Key:
- Function as a destination that contributes to the local experience.
- Excellence in architecture and interior design.
- Consistent quality of service, comfort and maintenance.
- Singularity reflecting the personality of the establishment and its unique character.
- Consistency between the quality of the experience and the price paid.
Michelin Guide Three Key hotels in Arizona
Michelin Guide Two Key hotels in Arizona
Michelin Guide One Key hotels in Arizona
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx .
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Michelin Guide awards 7 Arizona hotels with new Key designations — 1 with top honors
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