If your choice of a hotel is determined by the number of official stars it has, you’ll have plenty of places to choose from in Mallorca: the island now has some 65-and-counting 5-star hotels. If that sounds bewildering, you may wish to check out the Michelin Guide’s new distinction for outstanding hotels: the Michelin Key. It’s the hotel equivalent of the Michelin Star for restaurants and was launched on April 29, 2024.

What is the Michelin Key?

Michelin explains that the Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that are ‘not simply a room for the night, but offer an outstanding stay’. The Michelin Key hotels are the crème de la crème of the more than 5,000 hotels featured around the globe in their famous guides. The awarded hotels ‘excel in design, architecture, service and personality’. A hotel does not have to have a certain number of stars to be awarded a Michelin Key.

Hotels can be awarded one, two, or three Keys: one Key denotes a very special stay; two, an exceptional stay, and three keys, an extraordinary stay.

Michelin Keys in Mallorca

According to Michelin, a one Key hotel is ‘a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mould, 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.’

Here are Mallorca’s one Key hotels:

Es Racó d’Artà, Artà

Sa Creu Nova Petit Palais Art & Spa, Campos

Predi Son Jaumell, Capdepera

Castell Son Claret, Es Capdellà – also has the one Michelin Star restaurant, Sa Clastra

Cap Vermell Grand Hotel, Canyamel – also has the two Michelin stars restaurant, Voro

Finca Serena, Montuïri

Son Brull, Pollensa

Hotel L’Avenida, Sóller

Can Bordoy Grand House and Garden, Palma

Es Princep, Palma – also has the one Michelin-star restaurant, Zaranda

Sant Francesc, Palma

Castillo Hotel Son Vida, Palma

Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa, Palma

El Llorenç Parc de la Mar, Palma – also has the one MICHELIN Star restaurant, DINS by Santi Taura

Nobis Hotel, Palma

Michelin’s two Key hotels are described as ‘Somewhere truly unique and exceptional 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.’

Mallorca’s two Key hotels:

Cap Rocat, Cala Blava

La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel, Deià

Hotel Can Cera, Palma

Can Ferrereta, Santanyí

Jan Edwards©2024