Three hotels in western WA were among the 293 hotels in the U.S. awarded a MICHELIN Key
Three hotels in western Washington made the 2024 U.S. MICHELIN Keys list that was released on Sept. 12.
The MICHELIN Guide, which is best known for the MICHELIN Star that recognizes the best restaurants in the world, introduced a new distinction, the MICHELIN Key.
Similar to the MICHELIN Star, the MICHELIN Key recognizes the most exceptional hotels around the world.
The MICHELIN Guide first began recommending hotels in the 1920’s and since then has created a recommendation list of over 5,000 hotels from all over the world, according to the MICHELIN Guide website.
Every hotel that has ever been mentioned in the MICHELIN Guide hotel is eligible to for a MICHELIN Key, but only the best will earn it, according to the MICHELIN Guide.
Over the past four years, the MICHELIN Guide’s selection team has worked to determine which hotels should be awarded by looking at five criteria: “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,” according to the MICHELIN Guide.
Hotels can be awarded with a One Key which is described as a very special stay, a Two Key which is an exceptional stay or a Three Key which is the highest award that describes the hotel as an extraordinary stay.
The MICHELIN Guide created a MICHELIN Key list for seven countries including France, Spain, Mexico and The United States.
The U.S. MICHELIN Key list is made up of 293 hotels, three of which are located in or near Seattle
So which Washington hotels made the list and how many Keys were they awarded?
Three western Washington hotels receive MICHELIN Keys
The following hotels were recognized as One Key hotels, described as a very special stay. They are the only hotels in the state of Washington that were mentioned in the U.S. MICHELIN Keys hotels list.
▪ The Lodge at St. Edward State Park- 14477 Juanita Drive Northeast, Kenmore
The Lodge at St. Edward State Park is located about an hour away from Tacoma and about 30 minutes away from Seattle. It is a restored landmark building that is located within St. Edward State Park. This lodge is made up of 84 guest rooms and suites, a spa and an in-house art gallery, according to the Lodge’s website. The lodge also offers activities such hiking and biking on the many trails that surround it.
Adi Stoyanova, a front desk receptionist, said in an interview that everyone at The Lodge is honored to have received a MICHELIN Key, but also felt that it was deserved because everyone there is hard working. Stoyanova also said that she believed The Lodge at St. Edward State Park was deserving of this recognition because its location allows guests to get away from the noise and traffic of the city, while enjoying their time in a fully renovated landmark surrounded by trails.
Stoyanova added that The Lodge at St. Edward State Park is pet-friendly and offers pet amenities. Guests who would like to bring their pups along to the lodge can do so by paying a $150 fully refundable deposit when they book their stay.
The starting rate for a room at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park before taxes is $259 per night.
▪ Hotel 1000 LXR Hotel & Resort- 1000 First Avenue, Seattle
Hotel 1000 is located in downtown Seattle and has 120 luxury guest rooms as well as 36 suites, according to the hotel’s website. This dog-friendly hotel features a Topgolf Swing Suite and a luxury spa as well as three options for dining and drinks.
The starting rate for a room at Hotel 1000 before taxes is $190 per night. If you’re interested in bringing your furry friend along with you, the hotel charges a one-time $100 pet registration fee per pet.
▪ Lotte Hotel Seattle- 809 5th Avenue, Seattle
The Lotte Hotel Seattle is located in Seattle’s Central Business District in a building that was formerly a Methodist church. According to the MICHELIN Guide, the Lotte Hotels is a Korean brand and is fairly new to the U.S. This hotel features 189 guest rooms as well as a spa, a fitness center and restaurant and lounge that offers a menu filled with local ingredients.
Ian Ring, the director of sales and marketing at the Lotte Hotel, said in an email that being recognized by MICHELIN is an incredible honor.
“We believe Lotte Hotel Seattle truly embodies the key selection criteria and our commitment to personalizing and enhancing each of our guest’s experience during their stay is what sets Lotte apart,” Ring said.
The starting rate for a room at the Lotte Hotel before taxes is $400 per night.
