The first global hotel Keys Selection by the Michelin Guide includes four hotels in Taiwan, Michelin announced yesterday.
All four received the “Michelin One Key,” indicating guests are to experience a “very special stay” at any of the locations as the establishments are “a true gem with personality. Service always goes the extra mile, and the hotel provides much more than others in its price range.”
Of the four hotels, three are located in Taipei and one in Taichung.
Photo courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Taipei
In Taipei, the One Key accolades were awarded to the Capella Taipei, Kimpton Da An Taipei and Mandarin Oriental Taipei.
Capella Taipei was described by Michelin as being featured for being a property designed by Hong Kong’s world-renowned hotel architect Andre Fu (傅厚民), which combines a luxury hotel experience with a luxe private residence feel.
It was also selected for providing panoramic views of the capital city and surrounding hills.
Kimpton Da An Taipei was selected as a boutique-hotel that cares for the culinary preferences of its customers.
With its flagship restaurant, Tavernist, run by a former alumnus of Chef Rene Redzepi’s gastronomic mecca Noma, the hotel offers a fine-dinning culinary experience that is further spotlighted by the pairing of the establishment’s “daily social hour,” where guests are treated to wine, tapas and casual conversations with fellow residents.
The Mandarin Oriental was picked for its luxury hotel amenities.
In addition to the lavish comforts accentuated by attentive service from the staff, the hotel is included on the Michelin list with its spa and wellness program, together with eateries that are so diverse the hotel even offers a specialized cake shop.
The sole One Key awarded outside Taipei went to Taichung’s Hoshinoya Guguan for the hot spring baths made famous by the hotel’s Japanese parent company the Hoshinoya hotel group.
By selecting the valley in the central mountains of Taiwan, the Japanese company is able to run the establishment like a Japanese ryokan, offering tranquil and luxurious rooms that pair with the location’s scenery.
As with the 2,457 establishments listed in the Michelin Keys guide, all four Taiwanese hotels were judged for their “excellence in design, architecture, service and personality.”
Much like the Michelin Stars for restaurants, the Michelin Keys is a three-tier award given to hotels.
Where One Key awards given to Taiwan indicates that a property is a very special stay, Two Keys means an establishment is “an exceptional stay” that is unique in every way, while Three Keys indicates a hotel is “an extraordinary stay” where patrons are to experience “the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance.”
Although the Michelin company had long included hotels in its guides, the catalogue only started distinguishing properties with its Michelin Keys accolades last year, initially focusing on hotels in western countries.
On Wednesday, the company officially revealed the 2,457 hotels selected for this year as the first official listing for Michelin Keys.
“125 years after its creation as a guide for discerning travelers, The Michelin Guide is once again redefining excellence — this time in the world of hospitality,” said Michelin Guide head Gwendal Poullennec.
“Just as Michelin Stars celebrate the world’s most exceptional restaurants, Michelin Keys now honor hotels that offer truly remarkable stays, where design, service and location come together to create unforgettable moments,” Poullennec added.
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