The First MICHELIN Keys for Germany revealed

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On October 9, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed (link in German) its brand-new awards, with one, two, and three Keys, for the most outstanding hotels in Germany. This announcement comes four years after a comprehensive overhaul of our hotel selection. The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels worldwide, and none of them are just places to spend the night. Each of these hotels has been evaluated in five categories and deemed excellent: architecture and interior design, service quality and consistency, personality and character, value for money, and contribution to the overall guest experience in a specific setting.

Hotel Traube Tonbach (Source: Michelin)

ONE, TWO, AND THREE MICHELIN KEYS

Similar to the Stars that indicate the best culinary experiences in the MICHELIN Guide restaurant selection, the MICHELIN Keys highlight accommodations in the Guide’s hotel selection that offer the most outstanding stays. They are a new benchmark for travelers, qualifying each hotel experience in broader terms than simple amenities.

  • One MICHELIN Key: A Very Special Stay
    This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mold, offer something different, or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments.

  • Two MICHELIN Keys: An Exceptional Stay
    This is a truly unique and exceptional place in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality, and charm that’s operated with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.

  • Three MICHELIN Keys: An Extraordinary Stay
    This level is all about astonishment and indulgence — the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination in itself for that trip of a lifetime. All elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts.

In 2024, the MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection in Germany includes six 3-Key hotels, 36 2-Key hotels, and 80 1-Key hotels.

Germany’s 3-Key Club

Six hotels in Germany have earned our highest award, the exclusive 3 Keys:

Hotel Bareiss
Baiersbronn

Hotel Bareiss (Source: Michelin)

Hotel Bareiss, originally founded as ‘Gasthaus Kranz’ by Hermine Bareiss, is now a prestigious Black Forest hotel known for its top-tier gastronomy, luxurious spa, and beautiful outdoor areas. The elegantly designed rooms evoke the charm of a country house, while guests can enjoy nine pools and a natural pond before dining in one of three à la carte restaurants. Its gourmet restaurant, led by 3-MICHELIN-starred chef Claus-Peter Lumpp, is among Germany’s finest, with exceptional service provided by Thomas Brandt and Teoman Mezda.

Hotel Traube Tonbach
Baiersbronn

Hotel Traube Tonbach (Source: Michelin)

Contrary to its name, the Black Forest is a green, lush landscape that offers a surprisingly light and airy vacation experience, especially at the sun-filled Traube Tonbach Hotel. The hotel is a modern country house with spacious rooms, many featuring balconies or terraces, and decorated in neutral tones with local touches like natural wood and red accents. Traube Tonbach excels in wellness with a comprehensive spa, various fitness options, and five restaurants, ensuring guests feel refreshed and rejuvenated by the end of their stay.

Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway
Elmau

Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway (Source: Michelin)

Schloss Elmau in Bavaria offers a unique alpine experience, transforming into a winter wonderland that rivals Switzerland, yet it distinguishes itself as more than just a ski hotel—it’s a true cultural retreat. The castle-like exterior houses a luxurious, contemporary hotel with spacious rooms and four distinct spas, including family-friendly and adults-only options. Alongside its wellness offerings, Schloss Elmau impresses with a rich cultural program, featuring concerts, readings, and two libraries, while its two-MICHELIN-star restaurant, IKIGAI, further elevates the experience.

Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Hamburg

Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (Source: Michelin)

Since the late 19th century, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten has defined luxury in Hamburg, maintaining its classic charm despite management changes. Located by the Binnenalster, the hotel combines a traditional style with modern comforts, offering timeless elegance. Its culinary options, including French-inspired dishes at Haerlin and Japanese-Peruvian fusion at NIKKEI NINE, along with a spa and extensive business facilities, cater to both leisure and business guests.

The Fontenay
Hamburg

The Fontenay (Source: Michelin)

Located on the Außenalster, Hotel Fontenay is a luxurious base for exploring Hamburg, with top attractions and trendy areas just a short walk away. Architect Jan Störmer designed the hotel as an “urban retreat in a park,” offering amenities like a Michelin-starred restaurant, panoramic pools, and an 8 km jogging trail. Its spacious rooftop spa and rooms equipped with modern luxuries, including touchscreens and rain showers, ensure a comfortable and indulgent stay.

Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt
Rottach-Egern

Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt (Source: Michelin)

Lake Tegernsee, with its postcard-worthy Alpine views, attracts visitors year-round for outdoor activities and local beer. The wellness-oriented Seehotel Überfahrt provides a modern-luxe experience, offering private balconies with panoramic lake or mountain views and a range of spa facilities, including pools, saunas, and fitness services. Its diverse culinary options, featuring Alpine, Bavarian, and Italian cuisine, complement the hotel’s inclusive and vibrant atmosphere.

Conclusion

We are continually amazed by the skill and confidence with which German hoteliers handle alpine hospitality, a tradition that spans centuries. Key hotels like Romantischer Winkel and Staudacherhof boast nearly fifty and over one hundred years of history, respectively. Meanwhile, properties like Kulturhof Stanggass and Das Kranzbach Hotel & Wellness Retreat offer a delightfully modern twist on this long tradition. Other standout alpine experiences can be found at Sonnenalp Resort, Villa Sonnenhof, Graseck, Hanusel Hof, and the Boutique-Hotel Blaue Burg Falkenstein.

 
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