New milestone for the hotel industry: Michelin introduces hotel keys

Seventeen Dutch hotels awarded, De L'Europe Amsterdam receives three Keys

An important moment in the international hotel industry took place on Wednesday evening, 8 October 2025. Michelin, known worldwide for its stars for top gastronomy, awarded for the first time Michelin Keys out to exceptional hotels. The new award is the hotel equivalent of the well-known Michelin stars and crowns hotels that excel in hospitality, design, service and character.

A total of 143 hotels worldwide received three Keys, 572 hotels received two Keys and 1,742 hotels received one Key. Seventeen hotels were awarded in the Netherlands. Hotel De L'Europe in Amsterdam, headed by Robert-Jan Woltering, stood out with three Michelin Keys.

International selection

According to Michelin, inspectors have visited more than 7,000 hotels in 125 countries in recent years to make a selection of establishments that stand out in terms of quality and experience. "Each hotel in this selection embodies excellence in terms of design, architecture, service and character," Michelin said. "Like the Stars awarded to restaurants, the Michelin key highlights the very best hotels. This award has three levels: one, two or three Keys."

Assessment criteria

The Michelin key is awarded based on five universal criteria:

• Excellence in architecture and interiors
• Quality and consistency of service
• Personality and character
• Value for money
• Contribution to the neighbourhood or the environment

Hotels that receive one or more Keys meet not just one, but all criteria. According to Michelin, they represent "the best of the best" within their category.

Dutch awards

The 17 Dutch hotels that received a Michelin key are:

One Key
Pulitzer (Amsterdam)
Central Park (Voorburg)
The Dylan (Amsterdam)
Soho House (Amsterdam)
Van Oys Maastricht Retreat (Maastricht)
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Ter Borch (Zwolle)
Château St. Gerlach (Valkenburg)
Mooirivier (Dalfsen)
The Craftsmen (Amsterdam)
De Plesman Hotel (The Hague)
Hotel Het Roode Koper (Ermelo)

Two Keys
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park (Amsterdam)
Château Neercanne (Maastricht)
TwentySeven (Amsterdam)
Rosewood (Amsterdam)
Tivoli Doelen (Amsterdam)

Three Keys
De L'Europe (Amsterdam)

New recognition for the sector

With the introduction of the Michelin key, Michelin extends its influence from gastronomy to hotel management. The award recognises not only luxury, but also authenticity, sustainability and the meaningful role hotels play within their environment.

For the Netherlands, this marks another step in the international appreciation of the hotel industry, where craftsmanship, character and hospitality come together at the highest level.