MICHELIN Guide Honors Top California Boutique Hotels with New Key Distinction
The esteemed MICHELIN Guide recently announced its brand new list of One, Two, and Three Key hotels in the United States. Just as its Stars celebrate the world’s best restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys honor the most outstanding hotels. Hotels that receive Keys distinction demonstrate best-in-class performance in five universal criteria which examine excellence in architecture and interior design, service quality and consistency, character, value, and significant contribution to the neighborhood or setting.
According to the MICHELIN Guide, Three Key signifies an extraordinary stay, Two Key represents an exceptional stay, and One Key is bestowed for a very special stay. The following CABBI-member properties received MICHELIN’S top hotel distinctions.
Three Key Hotels
Hotel Bel-Air
Hotel Bel-Air has embodied refined service and attention to detail since it opened in 1946. Situated on 12 acres of lush gardens, Hotel Bel-Air is a discreet getaway in the heart of Los Angeles. Elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites exude a modern aesthetic with timeless touches that honor the hotel’s Hollywood Golden Age legacy. Guest amenities include a full-service spa, fitness studio, restaurant, top-shelf bar and lounge, private outdoor seating vignettes, and complimentary chauffeur services within a three-mile radius. Swan Lake and the heated oval swimming pool are iconic Hotel Bel-Air features. Book online.
Canyon Ranch Woodside
In a redwood forest high above Silicon Valley, Canyon Ranch Woodside is a serene escape to integrative wellness. All stays at this exclusive boutique resort are customized and designed for lasting personal transformation. Guests can create their own multi-day itinerary, choose from curated packages that are custom-tailored for specific wellness goals, or participate in immersive camps and themed retreats offered throughout the year. Between redwood hikes, spa treatments, yoga, and guided meditation, guests can unwind in serene treehouse-inspired accommodations that feature luxury furnishings and amenities, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private deck. Book online.
Two Key Hotel
Milliken Creek Inn
Overlooking the Napa River, Milliken Creek Inn offers luxury in the heart of Napa Valley wine country. The inn’s newly renovated guest rooms are elegantly appointed in a serene palette with fine contemporary furnishings and luxe amenities. Some guest rooms feature river views and a private outdoor sitting area and firepit. Most feature a cozy fireplace. All stays include made-to-order gourmet breakfast delivered to the guest room each morning; afternoon wine hour reception; evening turndown service with dimmed lighting, soft music, and a flickering fire; cookies baked fresh daily; and a s’mores kit and aperitif. Book online.
One Key Hotels
Downtown LA Proper Hotel
Located in a refurbished 1920s California Renaissance Revival tower, Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel is an inspired vision. Guest rooms at this Los Angeles hot spot are appointed with a tasteful mix of vintage and custom-designed furnishings. Standout accommodations include two one-of-a-kind suites. The Pool Suite features the original 35×12 foot indoor swimming pool from the building’s YMCA days, while the Basketball Suite is the reimagined use of the building’s vintage basketball court. The hotel’s rooftop terrace offers full-service dining, a heated pool and sundeck, and 360-degree skyline views. James Beard Award-winners Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne helm the hotel’s trio of restaurants. Book online.
Hotel Drisco
Perched atop San Francisco’s most prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood, Hotel Drisco is a cocoon of modern luxury wrapped in timeless elegance. The handsomely renovated 1903 Edwardian mansion features all the comforts of a large luxury hotel but with exceptional and uncommonly sincere hospitality. Certain to impress the most discerning of guests, the hotel’s elegant suites are thoughtfully furnished with a long list of amenities including pillow menus, adaptive sound machines, and filtered water with glass bottles to take home. Guests are also treated to an extensive complimentary breakfast buffet, expanded afternoon wine reception with hors d’oeuvres, weekday chauffeur service anywhere within the city, use of e-bikes, and more. Book online.
Hotel San Luis Obispo
Hotel San Luis Obispo is a vibrant, upscale addition to downtown San Luis Obispo’s historic district. Taking advantage of the Central Coast’s glorious weather, the modern boutique hotel features airy, light-filled spaces that bring the outdoors in and blur the line between the two. Infused with a boho-chic style, the interiors offers floor-to-ceiling windows, hand-woven rugs, natural wood furnishings, and playful pops of color. Relax by the hidden swimming pool or inside the lavish Sol Spa. Enjoy a round of bocce and craft cocktails on the rooftop terrace. The hotel also offers two incredible restaurants. Piadina serves wood-fired Californian cuisine with an Italian flare while Ox + Anchor puts a modern spin on the classic steakhouse. Book online.
San Luis Creek Lodge
The recently revamped San Luis Creek Lodge in downtown San Luis Obispo blends modern farmhouse design with an easy-going surf-inspired aesthetic. Led by Los Angeles-based interior designer Nina Freudenberger, the redesign for the 25-room lodge emphasizes natural materials, coastal-inspired color palettes, and a mix of vintage and modern elements. Guest rooms are stylishly appointed with rattan chairs and grasscloth wallpaper, bold artwork, sleek lighting, large flat-screen televisions with state-of-the-art movie systems, and luxury bed and bath amenities. Some guest rooms feature gas fireplaces. Fresh coffee and pastries are delivered daily to the room. Book online.