The first of them opened in Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland. ICEHOTEL started as an art exhibition made of ice and snow in 1989, before welcoming its first overnight guests a year later. Since then, the hotel has been rebuilt every winter with ice harvested from the nearby Torne River. When the season ends, the ice melts back into the river, an eternal cycle that makes every edition unique.

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This year, ICEHOTEL 37 opens on 11 December and will welcome guests until April 2027. Among the new art suites, The Cold Descent (by Edmund Chan and Tan Taitien) features an ice-cold pool as part of the artwork, while The Emperors Suite (by Dennis Taylor and Michelle Taylor) is filled with hand-sculpted emperor penguins. Meanwhile, the permanent wing, ICEHOTEL 365, celebrates its tenth anniversary and lets visitors enjoy ice and snow art all year round. Its newest addition is a podcast studio built entirely of ice and snow, which the hotel hopes will be the first of its kind in the world.

“There is something truly beautiful in the contrast between what is fleeting and what lives on. We have been recreating ICEHOTEL every winter for almost four decades, and every visit leaves behind new stories. The podcast studio gives us the opportunity to gather some of these stories and let more voices become part of ICEHOTEL’s ongoing history,” said Marie Herrey, CEO of ICEHOTEL.

Finland and Norway also offer a wide range of icy experiences. In fact, Norway is home to the world’s northernmost igloo hotel, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel near Alta. Every winter, 250 tonnes of ice and 7,000 cubic metres of snow are used to rebuild it around a new theme. Past themes have included Sami culture and the Vikings. From 20 December to 31 March, guests sleep on ice beds, then head out on snowmobile, husky or snowshoe excursions, chase the northern lights or discover Sami culture. For the romantics, Sorrisniva also has an Ice Chapel that hosts weddings and baptisms.

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In Rovaniemi, the gateway to Finnish Lapland, the Arctic SnowHotel has been rebuilt every winter since 2008. From 15 December to 31 March, around 20 snow rooms welcome up to 70 guests, alongside an Ice Restaurant with tables and benches carved from ice, an Ice Bar and an Ice Chapel. The hotel is also home to what it says is the world’s only snow sauna, where steam rises between walls of snow. If you prefer a warmer stay, you can book one of the 39 heated glass igloos, where an Aurora Alarm buzzes when the northern lights appear above your bed.

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Not ready to sleep at -5°C? Good news: all three hotels can also be visited during the day. An entrance ticket costs 395 NOK (≈ €38) at Sorrisniva, 325 SEK (≈ €29) at ICEHOTEL, and 35€ at the Arctic SnowHotel.

L’article Sleep on ice in three of Europe’s coolest hotels this winter est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

For travellers who have long associated a New York stay with tea beneath the Palm Court’s stained-glass ceiling or an arrival beside Central Park, a familiar ritual is about to disappear for several years. The Plaza Hotel is scheduled to close in January 2027 for at least four years as specialists restore the exterior of the landmark building.

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which operates the property, says the scale and complexity of the façade project make a shutdown necessary. Precise details — including the cost and the full programme of work — have not yet been released. Planning must account for preservation rules, long-term care of the structure and coordination with the building’s various stakeholders.

The temporary loss will be felt far beyond the guest rooms. The Palm Court, restaurants and celebrated event spaces are expected to go dark, disrupting weddings and other bookings already in the calendar. Questions also remain for owners of the Plaza’s 181 condominium residences, with no public clarity yet on whether residents will need to leave during construction. The property also contains 282 hotel rooms.

For the workforce, the closure brings a different kind of uncertainty. The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council says 378 union members will be entitled to return to their roles at the same rate of pay when the hotel reopens. That commitment offers a measure of continuity, though it does not erase the impact of a four-year interruption at one of Manhattan’s best-known hospitality employers.

The Plaza Hotel in NYC is closing for four years to restore its historic facade. Turns out even the most iconic hotels need a facelift – some facades just don’t age as gracefully as the celebrities who’ve checked in over the years! #PlazaHotel #NewYork #WorldNews https://t.co/sVJgMPu3RA

— Aishik Dutta (@aishikdutta8) October 17, 2026

Opened almost 120 years ago, on 1 October 1907, the 18-storey Plaza occupies a cinematic corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. Architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh conceived the building in an exuberant French Renaissance-inspired style, giving New York a chateau-like landmark on the scale of a small skyscraper. Over the decades it has hosted prominent visitors from F. Scot Fitxgerald to guest and one-time owner, Donald Trump. It has changed hands repeatedly, while renovations and a partial conversion to condominiums have reshaped its use.

The hotel’s cultural profile is inseparable from its sense of theatre: afternoon tea, grand ballrooms and ornate interiors have made it both an accommodation choice and a destination in its own right. Its closure will therefore remove more than luxury inventory from the city. It will temporarily shutter a destination woven into New York’s visitor mythology, from glamorous arrivals to its memorable appearances on TV and in the movies.

Visitors planning trips from 2027 onward should: confirm reservations and event arrangements early, and look elsewhere for the classic Plaza experience during the works. For New York, the long pause is an unusually visible reminder that architectural icons demand patient, expensive stewardship. If the project succeeds, the reward will be a renewed façade ready to frame the hotel’s next chapter—even if travellers must wait several seasons to see it.

L’article New York Plaza hotel to close for four year landmark restoration est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

At 2,620 metres above sea level, Hôtellerie des Laquets does not so much sit in the French Pyrenees as hover over them. Reopened after nearly three decades of silence, the 16-room retreat occupies a restored 1930s building below the Pic du Midi observatory, with ridgelines, lakes, and shifting cloud banks filling the windows. Its altitude makes it France’s highest hotel, but the greater distinction is the sense of quiet exclusivity: once the daytime crowds depart, the mountain settles into stillness.

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Arrival holds the promise of drama. Guests ride the public cable car from La Mongie to the Pic du Midi summit at 2,877 metres, then transfer to a small private cable car for the descent to the hotel. The journey reinforces the feeling that this is not a conventional resort, but a high-altitude refuge reimagined for comfort. Access remains dependent on mountain conditions and cable-car operations, so flexibility is an essential item on the packing list.

The original inn was built between 1930 and 1933 to accommodate scientists and visitors, with tourism helping to support astronomical work at the summit. Its fortunes faded after transport links changed, and it closed in the 1990s. The revival preserves the historic shell and its distinctive vaulted interiors while introducing a contemporary extension. Inside, stone, pale timber, wool and locally sourced details create a restrained alpine mood; a fire-lit lounge, piano, and panoramic dining room encourage guests to linger rather than chase a packed itinerary.

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The bedrooms are designed around the landscape. Those in the newer wing have broad windows that turn the Pyrenean chain into living scenery, while careful soundproofing heightens the cocooned atmosphere. One accessible room also expands overnight access to the Pic du Midi for travellers with limited mobility. This is a small hotel rather than a sprawling complex, and its low room count suits the intimate, contemplative experience.

After dark, the location becomes the headline. The property lies within the Pic du Midi International Dark Sky Reserve, where reduced light pollution can reveal an exceptionally clear celestial display. Hotel stays include access to the summit’s museum and planetarium programming, linking the pleasure of stargazing with the science behind it. Clouds may occasionally obscure the heavens, but even then, the weather provides its own theatre, sweeping across the terraces and briefly erasing the peaks.

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Food will add to the evenings’ sense of occasion. The dinner offering has been developed with Michelin-starred Toulouse chef Stéphane Tournié and is prepared by the Pic du Midi team, bringing sophisticated regional cooking to an improbably remote dining room. A sauna and steam room are due to add another layer of indulgence from December 2026, particularly welcome after time outdoors in thin, chilly air.

Laquets will not appeal to travellers seeking spontaneity, nightlife, or easy road access. Its pleasures are quieter: sunrise spreading colour across the mountains, dinner interrupted by a sudden clearing of cloud, and the rare luxury of looking up at the stars without an urban glow polluting the view. By restoring a landmark that once served both science and tourism, the hotel offers more than altitude-led bragging rights. It creates a memorable threshold between the public spectacle of the Pic du Midi and the private hush of the Pyrenees after hours.

L’article France’s highest hotel reopens in the Pyrenees after major renovation est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Vassilikos, representing the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), will continue leading HOTREC for another two years. Morten Thorvaldsen, from the Norwegian Hospitality Association (NHO Reiseliv), was also re-elected Vice-President, while Adrian Cummins, representing the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), will remain Treasurer.

The newly elected Executive Committee includes eight representatives from national hospitality associations across Europe: Hans Kant from the Netherlands, Ludo Geurden from Belgium, Ramon Estalella from Spain, Markus Luthe from Germany, Roberto Calugi from Italy, Elisabeth Haglund from Sweden, Simona Constantinescu from Romania and François Gauthier from France.

“It is a great honour to have the confidence of HOTREC members for a third consecutive mandate as President,” Vassilikos said, highlighting the contribution of millions of hospitality entrepreneurs and employees to European economies and local communities.

“At a time of great geopolitical turbulence and rapid economic, technological and regulatory change, our responsibility is to ensure that our joint voice is heard clearly and strongly at European level,” he added.

Alongside the Executive Committee, HOTREC members elected representatives to its Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee and Financial Committee for 2027-2028.

Sami Nisametdin, representing the Finnish Hospitality Association (MaRa), was re-elected Chair of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee. He will work alongside representatives from Italy, Romania, Sweden and Denmark. Meanwhile, Bernard Zenzerović from Croatia and Jóhannes Þór Skúlason from Iceland will serve on the Financial Committee.

HOTREC members are scheduled to meet again for the organisation’s 94th General Assembly in Santorini, Greece, from 21 to 23 April 2027.

The elections come as Europe’s hospitality industry continues to navigate challenges related to competitiveness, digitalisation, sustainability, labour shortages and an evolving EU regulatory environment. 

During the meeting in Vilnius, HOTREC members discussed key developments shaping European tourism, including energy efficiency, digital payments, distribution and the European digital identity wallet. The agenda also covered recent EU policy developments, the future of restaurants and gastronomy, and ways to strengthen the hospitality sector’s resilience.

Marie Audren, Director General of HOTREC, emphasised the importance of translating industry concerns into European policy action.

“Our priority remains clear: turning the realities faced by hospitality businesses into practical European policy solutions. Together, we will continue defending competitiveness, supporting a sustainable and innovative sector, and ensuring that tourism remains firmly on the European agenda,” she said.

Against this backdrop, the association is calling for firm EU action to ensure fair and transparent digital markets and create a level playing field for hospitality businesses across Europe. A recent HOTREC study highlighted growing concerns over market concentration, revealing that Booking Holdings and Expedia Group together account for more than 85% of Europe’s online travel agency (OTA) bookings.

L’article HOTREC announces European hospitality leadership for 2027-2028 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Visitor figures suggest a growing number of people are returning, although they should not all be understood as foreign holidaymakers. Government data put tourist arrivals at 3.52 million in the first half of 2026, more than double the figure recorded a year earlier. Of that total, 2.13 million were Syrian expatriates, meaning Syrians living outside the country. Around 660,000 visitors came from Arab countries, while approximately 720,000 came from other countries. Syrians abroad therefore accounted for about three-fifths of the reported total, underlining their importance to the recovery.

Syria welcomed 3.52 million visitors in the first half of 2026, up 111% year-on-year, Tourism Minister Mazen Al-Salhani said. Syria is now focusing on tourism investment, hotels, jobs and digital payments under its Syria 2030 vision. https://t.co/qzUnNCjyb9

— Tamir Hussein | Reporting Syria (@timtams83) September 28, 2026

Some of the proposed developments extend far beyond individual hotels. UAE developer Eagle Hills signed a framework agreement with Syria on 5 October for a 10 million square metre development in Damascus and a 4.3 million square metre project in coastal Latakia. Such an agreement establishes a basis for cooperation, rather than marking the completion of a project. Financial details were not disclosed. Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar said Emaar, which is working on a separate Damascus development, could also participate in the two projects. Another UAE developer, Arada, has announced plans for a $7 billion project in the country.

Hotel operators are considering both new buildings and conversions of existing properties. Accor is in advanced negotiations for two projects, according to Duncan O’Rourke, its chief executive for the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. Wyndham is examining opportunities in Damascus and coastal destinations. “Very soon, I’m confident that we’re going to announce our first signing in Syria,” said Dimitris Manikis, Wyndham’s president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Minor Hotels is also considering opportunities, including converting historic Damascus buildings into boutique hotels, generally smaller properties with an individual character. Traditional homes in the capital have already operated as locally run boutique hotels for decades.

Air connections are another part of the recovery, with Qatar Airways and flydubai serving Syria through their Gulf hubs. On 7 October, Etihad Airways announced plans to increase its Damascus service from four flights a week to a daily operation. These connections could help visitors reach the country through established international networks. However, Travel Tomorrow’s September report on continuing Middle East flight disruption despite reopened airspace explained that airlines were restoring services at different speeds. An open airport or reopened airspace does not automatically mean every airline has resumed its routes.

Security remains a significant challenge alongside the investment announcements. Syria continues to experience outbreaks of violence, and the US State Department still advises American citizens against travelling there. President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sought closer relations with Western countries and investment from abroad to support reconstruction. Yet interest from developers does not remove the risks facing visitors or the difficulties involved in delivering major projects. Some communities in the suburbs of Damascus have also protested against large developments announced by the government.

Practical barriers include paying for services and bringing existing accommodation up to standard. Visa and Mastercard announced plans to launch operations in Syria in September, but electronic payments remain limited to certain foreign bank cards at specific locations. The World Bank estimated Syria’s reconstruction costs at $216 billion in 2025, including $75 billion for residential buildings and $59 billion for non-residential structures. Those figures cover the country’s wider rebuilding needs, rather than tourism alone. “The challenge with the market, it’s been basically off the grid for many years. So the (hotel) inventory that’s existing is very tired,” said Amir Golbarg, Minor Hotels’ chief operating officer for the Middle East and Africa.

L’article Global hotel groups eye Syria expansion as tourism sector rebuilds est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Dukes London, the historic Edwardian-era luxury boutique hotel tucked away in a quiet cobbled courtyard in the heart of St James’s, opened its doors in 1908 and has over the years hosted statesmen and celebrities in its 85 rooms and suites. 

Its proximity to St James’s Palace has given rise to one of the hotel’s more colourful royal anecdotes, when Princess Eugenie’s husband, Jack Brooksbank, once revealed that a secret tunnel reportedly runs from the palace directly to Dukes Bar, although he admitted he never “yet” used it himself.

Ian Fleming, one of the hotel’s famous regulars, wrote there and kept a favourite table in the bar. It was at Dukes that he is said to have come up with the now iconic Vesper Martini for James Bond, made with gin, vodka and only a small amount of vermouth.

Dukes is said to have hosted Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan after they found out they had landed the role of 007, who reportedly celebrated with the famous martinis.

The bar takes its role seriously. Martinis have become something of a ceremony, prepared from its tableside trolley by a white-tuxedoed mixologist. The renovations need not worry patrons of the famous bar, as it has remained open throughout and will continue to do so until completion of the works.

The transformation is being led by Russell Sage Studio, which is revamping the hotel’s rooms and suites, including 13 executive suites and five signature suites inspired by notable characters and the rich heritage of St James’s.

When it reopens, Dukes will also boast a new restaurant in partnership with the Wolseley Hospitality Group, featuring well-known London restaurants including the Wolseley and the Delaunay.

Another addition will be The Delany Drawing Room, currently operating as a lounge and bar, and serving no less than 160 whiskies, alongside champagne and cocktails.

Once the hotel fully reopens next year, its conservatory and secluded garden will also provide a setting for afternoon tea, private parties and receptions.

“Bringing Minor Reserve Collection to the UK through Dukes London is a defining moment for the brand,” said William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. “Few hotels capture the character and heritage of London quite like Dukes.”

The agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between Minor Hotels and Seven Tides, which owns hospitality assets in Dubai and London. Dukes will be the two companies’ first hotel project together in Europe.

Ghanim Bin Sulayem, Group CEO and Managing Director of Seven Tides, also paid tribute to the hotel’s staff, saying their contribution had been instrumental in preserving “the character and service excellence that define this iconic property”.

Until the hotel reopens, however, Dukes Bar remains very much in business. Its legendary martini can still be had, but be prepared to pay handsomely for the privilege of a frozen “shaken, not stirred” legendary drink.

L’article Dukes London hotel to reopen in 2027 after major revamp est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Dedicated islands for wellness and recreation will sit alongside the resort hotel, plus a limited number of fully-serviced, five-bedroom, private island residences. Each has been designed to make the most of the changing Maldivian light, and features “expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, a 25-metre swimming pool, dedicated staff accommodation and a personal berth,” according to the Aman website.

Aside from their own Indian Ocean retreat, occupants of the 16 residences will benefit from “seamless access to Amanolu’s dining, wellness and recreational experiences and amenities, including the dedicated wellness and activity island, supported by Aman’s intuitive service and personalised attention.”

Luxury Travel Advisor notes that Vaavu is one of the least developed atolls in the country—a fact that will have attracted Aman as a specialist in hard-to-reach, intimate settings.

Against that natural backdrop, KHA promises pared-down architecture to sit lightly in the seascape and blend outdoor and indoor living, responding to the “unique geography of the Maldives with characteristic restraint and elegant simplicity,” Aman says.

Announcing the development back in 2024, Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman Group, said: “The introduction of Aman Maldives is a significant milestone for our brand as we bring Aman’s ethos of timeless elegance, unparalleled service and ultimate privacy to the destination for the first time.” Doronin said the Maldivian proposition was a response to Aman guest demand but had also “long been part of our growth strategy and reinforces the brand’s dedication to providing unique and transformative experiences in the world’s most exceptional locations.”

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Considered by most measures the most expensive hotel brand in the world by average nightly rate, entry prices at Aman resort properties can start between €1,100 and €2,300 per night for a standard room. The average nightly rate across their global portfolio sits at roughly €1,650 to €1,850. Rates can, however, vary wildly, offering “bargains” across lower and shoulder seasons, though these can be short-lived due to the remote location of many Aman destinations.

 The Maldives high season is January to April, when visitors will enjoy the most reliable sunshine, calm seas, and clear water, making perfect conditions for scuba diving, snorkeling, or just sunbathing. Low season from May to October typically sees the arrival of the southwest monsoon, bringing higher humidity, tropical rain showers, and occasional winds to please surfers, as well as 30%-40% cheaper room rates.

L’article Aman to open first Maldives resort in 2028 with 52 suites and private island residences est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Earlier in 2026, Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios revealed their plans for Minecraft World. The theme park – set to open somewhere in 2027 – will be the world’s first to be dedicated to the bestselling game and will be located at Chessington World of Adventures in south-west London. The park will include an Escape the Nether rollercoaster, a block-building area for younger children, themed dining options, and Minecraft shops. 

“Bringing Minecraft into an entirely new medium has been a fascinating creative challenge. We have thought about everything from the scale of the blocks to how mobs and biomes come to life in the real world. Our goal is to create an experience that feels authentically Minecraft and gives guests the chance to experience the game in an entirely new way,” said Filip Keatley Thoms, Creative Lead for Minecraft Parks and Experiences at Mojang Studios. 

The world’s first official Minecraft hotel is opening in the UK in 2027

It’s part of a new $66 million Minecraft World that will also feature a Minecraft rollercoaster and an underwater-themed restaurant pic.twitter.com/gvB8leoy0H

— Dexerto (@Dexerto) September 27, 2026

However, Minecraft World will go even further. On 26 September 2026, Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios unveiled plans for an accompanying Minecraft-themed hotel. Based at the theme park, it will offer visitors the possibility to extend their Minecraft experience for a night, a weekend, or even longer.

“We promised something truly special when we announced Minecraft World earlier this year, and with Minecraft World Hotel we are offering even more. Not only will fans be able to experience the game imagined for real life, but they’ll also be able to sleep inside it, ensuring fans respawn exactly where they want to be! Every room, corridor and detail has been crafted with immense love for this game, the stories made within it and its community,” stated Daisy Mercedes, Creative Producer at Merlin Entertainments.

The hotel will count 20 premium and 49 standard Minecraft-themed bedrooms across four floors. Its interiors will be based on the game’s iconic biomes, characters, mobs, colours, and textures. At the immersive restaurant and woodland mansion-inspired potion bar, guests will be able to experience real-life Minecraft environments. 

Get ready for an IRL adventure! The world’s first Minecraft rollercoaster, Escape the Nether, is coming to Minecraft World along with the very first Minecraft hotel!

Experience it for yourself in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures Resort! pic.twitter.com/hESSL3U5FL

— Minecraft (@Minecraft) September 26, 2026

“From the moment guests arrive, the hotel will transport them into Minecraft’s most recognisable environments. Blocky trees and animals will bring the Overworld to life at check-in, while Nether Portal-inspired lifts and mine tunnel corridors will make every part of an overnight stay feel like another step into the world’s most popular game”, Merlin Entertainments explains.

At the moment of writing, an exact opening date for Minecraft World and the Minecraft hotel has not yet been revealed. Both should, however, be opening their doors to the public over the course of 2027. A waitlist is available for those who want to be kept up to date about the process. 

Chessington World of Adventures is located a 35-minute direct train ride from London Waterloo station. Those who are planning on visiting the park are advised to book online to skip the queues and to get a discount of up to 50%. 

L’article London to welcome world’s first Minecraft hotel in 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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The suite is designed to make getting ready for a concert part of the trip. It has a dressing area, illuminated mirrors, artwork inspired by Dion’s shows and a wall of microphones where guests can sing. Metallic finishes and lighting add to the backstage feel. Fans can spend time preparing for their night out together, then return to a room that carries on the concert atmosphere. Marriott says the suite can be booked for stays between 12 September 2026 and 31 May 2027. The room may therefore appeal to visitors travelling for later Paris dates as well as those attending this autumn’s shows.

Visitors can also take part in “The Paris Playlist” without staying at the hotel. Its activities include a space where music is paired with fragrances, a creative workshop and places to take photographs. Paris Select Book reports that the two-hour experience costs €49 with a hot drink or fruit juice, or €59 with a glass of champagne. The programme gives local fans and visitors another way to take part without paying for the themed suite. Marriott describes its related “Le Goûter” experience as a mix of French food, creative activities and interactive photographs. Places are limited and available on selected dates, so visitors need to register in advance and check what is offered on their chosen day.

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The hotel’s “Paris Encore: A Fan Singalong” takes the programme into the streets. This two-hour guided walk links places associated with a visit to Paris through stories about Dion and opportunities for fans to sing together. According to Paris Select Book, the route starts at the hotel and passes the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. It also includes a champagne stop at the Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel. The walk is free to book for Marriott Bonvoy members, and joining the hotel group’s loyalty programme is free. Marriott says places are limited, advance registration is required and concert tickets are not included.

Dion’s 16 Paris concert dates prompted a rise in searches and bookings after they were announced in March. At the time, apartment hotel brand Adagio reported a 400% increase in bookings, while Booking.com recorded a 49% rise in searches for Paris. Those figures describe interest reported after the announcement; they do not show how much visitors will eventually spend. Estimates of the tour’s wider economic effect also vary considerably. They help explain why hotels are creating experiences for concert visitors, but remain forecasts rather than confirmed tourism revenue.

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Trips built around live music are sometimes called “gig trips”. For some fans, the concert is the reason to travel, while the hotel, meals and time spent exploring the city become part of the occasion. Le Méridien’s suite, hotel activities and guided walk are all designed for different parts of that visit. Marriott Bonvoy is also offering members access to concert packages through its Moments programme, where they can use loyalty points for selected experiences. The hotel’s activities run on selected dates this autumn, while the suite’s published stay dates extend into 2027. Fans interested in either should check availability and what is included before booking, particularly if they still need a concert ticket.

L’article Paris hotel unveils Céline Dion suite and singalong walking tour est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Although the Michelin Guide is most well-known for its stars, a distinction reserved for the best restaurants in the world, the organisation introduced a similar mark of quality for hotels in 2024. The so-called Michelin Keys are awarded following the level of experience a hotel might offer. One Michelin Key indicates a ‘very special stay’, two an ‘exceptional stay’, and three an ‘extraordinary stay’.

Initially, the selection of hotels spread across 15 destinations in North America, Europe, and Asia but it has grown a lot over the past two years and Michelin Keys can now be found in 79 destinations.

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“This second global selection of the MICHELIN Keys reflects the extraordinary momentum driving the hospitality sector once again this year. With 470 newly distinguished establishments, we are witnessing a continuous upscaling of the offering, driven by even more creative and ambitious projects. All around the world, hoteliers are reinventing the stay experience through more immersive, personalised, and experiential concepts,” stated Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide.

As far as the 2026 selection is concerned, the Michelin Guide added 194 Michelin Key distinctions and promotions within Europe. The continent’s total number of Michelin Keys has thus reached 1,338 hotels.

There was significant growth in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, and Italy and France remain the most-awarded countries with 224 and 220 Keys respectively. Meanwhile, Liechtenstein and Slovakia were able to take home their first Michelin Keys.

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Europe saw eight new Three-Key properties being added inn 2026. Seven of those were promoted, while one was a newcomer within the selection. That honour goes to Venice’s Airelles Palladio, the first Airelles property outside France and a new arrival overlooking the Giudecca Canal which also took home the Michelin Guide Opening of the Year Award.

“This capacity for innovation is expressed both in must-visit destinations and in emerging tourist markets. Often driven by visionary independent hotelkeepers, this evolution in concepts is now inspiring the industry as a whole. It is also supported by investments from major international groups, which are helping to accelerate this transformation. The 2026 selection thus celebrates the diversity, vitality, and excellence of an ever-evolving sector, one that continues to push the boundaries of the hospitality experience and invite travelers to discover new destinations,” said Gwendal Poullennec.

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The other new Three-Key hotels in Europe are:

• Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection (Florence, Italy)
• Borgo Santandrea (Amalfi, Italy)
• Splendido, A Belmond Hotel (Portofino, Italy)
• Château de la Chèvre d’Or (Èze, France)
• Le Couvent des Minimes (Mane, France)
• Beau-Rivage Palace (Lausanne, Switzerland)
• Kulm Hotel St. Moritz (St. Moritz, Switzerland)

Overall, the Michelin Guide Inspectors noticed a hospitality landscape shaped by changing travel habits and increasingly diverse guest expectations. Slow and immersive travel, wellness, and water-based luxury were some of the main trends within the hotel industry according to the Michelin Guide.

L’article Europe gains 194 Michelin Key distinctions and promotions in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.