5 NC hotels awarded Michelin Keys as ‘most outstanding hotels’ in the US

North Carolina is in the Michelin spotlight, thanks to several hotels being recognized among the most outstanding in the U.S.

Similar to the Michelin Star, which recognizes the most outstanding restaurants in the world, the Michelin Key does the same for outstanding hotels.

As part of its second ever announcement “to specially highlight the crème de la crème” of top stays for travelers, The MichelinGuide recently revealed the latest additions to its list of One, Two, and Three Key hotels across the country — including five across the Tar Heel state.

Just like MichelinI star restaurants, One Key recognition is awarded for “a very special stay,” Two Keys for “an exceptional stay” and Three Keys for “an extraordinary stay.”

ARRIVE Wilmington

Location: 101 S 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

Blind Tiger Asheville

Location: 173 E Chestnut St, Asheville, NC 28801

Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

Dreamers Welcome

Location: 118 S 4th St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

The Ivey’s Hotel

Location: 127 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

Proximity Hotel

Location: 704 Green Valley Rd, Greensboro, NC 27408

Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

2024 Michelin Guide top hotels

“The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels across the world, and not a single one is simply a room for the night,” a press release of the announcement says.

Michelin Keys are determined based on five specific criteria for hotels: excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighborhood or setting, the Michelin Guide website says.

Including the five North Carolina hotels recognized among the most outstanding across the country, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide U.S. hotel selection is made up of 16 Three Key hotels, 70 Two Key hotel, and 207 One Key hotels. You can find that full list online at guide.michelin.com .