Michelin Guide Unveils the First Hotels with Keys in Greece

March 26, 2025
Dimitris Stathopoulos
The internationally renowned Michelin Guide presented, on Tuesday, March 18, the first Greek hotels that are part of the Michelin Keys, highlighting Greece as a leading destination for luxury hospitality.
  • MICHELIN GUIDE UNVEILS THE FIRST HOTELS WITH KEYS IN GREECE | Articles & Know-how
During an event held at Plexi Space in Athens on Tuesday, March 18, Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, unveiled the 68 hotels that were honoured with the globally recognised quality symbol.
 
"We are particularly excited to present our first selection of Michelin Keys for Greece to travelers around the world. With 68 exceptional hotels, this selection serves as an invitation to explore Greece, visit areas with rich history, relax on the most beautiful shores of the Mediterranean, Ionian, and Aegean Seas, and enjoy unparalleled hospitality," said Mr. Poullennec.

The New Standard of Excellence

Similar to the Michelin Stars for restaurants, the Michelin Keys represent the top hotels that have been evaluated after a thorough assessment by Michelin Inspectors. The Greek selection showcases an impressive range of accommodations throughout the mainland and the islands, with ratings ranging from One to Three Keys. The awarded properties range from boutique and historic grand hotels to luxury resorts and secluded accommodations on islands.

It is worth noting that among the 68 recognised properties, one received Three Michelin Keys, seven received Two Michelin Keys, and sixty received One Michelin Key. These hotels were selected from over 200 Greek accommodations included in the broader selection of the Michelin Guide.

The Evaluation Criteria of the Michelin Guide

During the presentation, Mr. Poullennec analysed the five key criteria that the Michelin inspectors use to evaluate hotels:

  1. An open door to the destination - Hotels that are an integral part and gateway to the local culture and environment.
  2. Excellence in architecture and interior design - The aesthetics, innovation, and attention to detail in the design.
  3. Quality and consistency in service, comfort, and maintenance - A non-negotiable commitment to excellent service and guest experience.
  4. Value relationship between experience and price - The offered experience should fully justify the cost of the stay.
  5. Individuality that reflects the personality and authenticity of the hotel - The unique character of each property that makes it stand out.

Mr. Poullennec emphasised that the Michelin Guide inspectors conducted numerous anonymous stays and visits to evaluate the hotels, applying the same strict and impartial criteria that are utilised globally.

What the Michelin Keys Mean

Just as the famous Michelin Stars indicate the best gastronomic experiences, the Michelin Keys highlight accommodations that offer exceptional lodging experiences:

One Michelin Key: Signifies a very special stay in a property with unique character and personality. Service always exceeds guests` expectations.

Two Michelin Keys: Denotes an outstanding stay in a truly unique place, characterised by charm and personality, where an unforgettable experience is always guaranteed.

Three Michelin Keys: Represents an impressive stay in one of the most remarkable and exceptional hotels in the world, a destination in its own right for an unforgettable journey.

The Distinction of Three Keys

Only one property achieved the coveted distinction of Three Keys: the iconic Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens. This historic seaside resort, with a history dating back to 1958, is a luxurious accommodation featuring over 300 rooms, including 21 suites, that blends 1960s architecture with modern elegance.

Situated atop a pine forest in the heart of a private peninsula, it offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and is just 30 minutes from the city center. The resort boasts several restaurants, including Pelagos, which has been awarded a Michelin Star and three FNL stars this year, a lovely bar, a spa, and impeccable private beaches.

Seven Hotels Earn Two Keys

The Two Michelin Keys selection includes seven distinguished properties:

Hotel Grande Bretagne (Athens): A former Victorian mansion in Syntagma Square that has been completely renovated, featuring terraces and a rooftop restaurant offering impressive views of the Acropolis.

The Dolli at Acropolis (Athens): A luxurious boutique hotel in a historic building with a rooftop pool that provides panoramic views of the city`s iconic monuments.

Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa (Kefalonia): An idyllic setting with private villas designed by the owner, featuring a restaurant, bar, pool, and spa overlooking the Ionian Sea.

Amanzoe (Kranidi): A tranquil paradise on a hillside with elegant Greek accommodations, breathtaking views of the Aegean, and exceptional service.

Kinsterna Hotel (Monemvasia): A renovated 13th-century manor that combines medieval heritage with modern aesthetics, set amid beautiful gardens.

Tainaron Blue Retreat (Vathia): A 19th-century stone tower near Cape Tainaro, emphasising ecological sustainability and offering panoramic views of the wild coastline of Mani.

Aristi Mountain Resort (Zagori): A serene escape in the heart of nature, built in the mountains surrounding Zagori, perfect for hiking and adventurous activities.


Dominance of the islands

More than two-thirds of the recognised hotels are located on the Greek islands, underscoring the enduring allure of the islands of Greece. More than half of the 60 hotel destinations awarded One Michelin Key are situated in Mykonos (14), Santorini (11), and Athens (6).

The Michelin Guide praised these island havens for both embracing and reinventing expectations. While some represent the epitome of the Greek island experience, others introduce innovative designs and architectural concepts that transform centuries-old structures into modern luxury accommodations.

Notable Accommodations in Mainland Greece and Innovative Stays

The Greek mainland has also received significant recognition. Particularly noteworthy is the Dexamenes Seaside Hotel, an unusual industrial-style hotel created from former wine storage tanks on the pristine western coast of the Peloponnese.

Among the most distinctive examples is the Kapsaliana Village Hotel in Crete, which revitalises a village once known for its olive cultivation but largely abandoned in the 1950s, preserving its traditional stone architecture.

Many of the hotels with One Michelin Key offer exceptionally personalised experiences due to their limited number of rooms. For instance, Monument in Athens features just 9 rooms in a 19th-century building, Noma Milos has only 7 rooms, while Limestone Santorini has 5 and Kivotos Santorini offers just 10 suites.

The Digital Dimension

As Mr. Poullennec pointed out, "from boutique hotels to those designed with an emphasis on aesthetics, innovation, and the uniqueness of the space: each hotel awarded One, Two, or Three Michelin Keys is a `gem` created by talented professionals. Using the Michelin Guide`s digital platforms, travelers can now filter their search and book hotels for stays that we hope will be unforgettable."

All accommodation suggestions are available for free on the Michelin Guide`s website and app, allowing travelers to book directly at the best market price. Additionally, the Michelin Guide offers concierge services from tourism experts working for the Guide.

Complete List of Michelin Key Hotels in Greece 2025

Hotels with Three Keys

● Four Seasons Astir Palace (Athens)

Hotels with Two Keys

● Hotel Grande Bretagne (Athens)

● The Dolli at Acropolis (Athens)

● Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa (Kefalonia)

● Amanzoe (Kranidi)

● Kinsterna Hotel (Monemvasia)

● Tainaron Blue Retreat (Vathia)

● Aristi Mountain Resort (Zagori)

Athens

●  Anthology of Athens

●  Ergon House Athens

●  Monument

●  Not Hotel

●  One&Only Aesthesis

●  Xenodocheio Milos

Mykonos

● Amazon Suites Mykonos

● Boheme Mykonos Town

● Ethereum Mykonos

● Myconian Panoptis Escape

● Myconian Utopia Resort

● Mykonos Blanc Hotel

● Mykonos Bliss

● Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort

● NOMAD Mykonos

● NUMO Mykonos Boutique Resort

● Palladium Hotel Mykonos

● The Town House Hotel Mykonos

● Kalesma Mykonos (Ornos)

● Amyth of Mykonos (Agios Stefanos)

Santorini

● Andronis Arcadia

● Bellonias Villas

● Canaves Sunday

● Grace Hotel Santorini, Auberge Resorts Collection

● Istoria Hotel

● Katikies Garden Santorini

● Katikies Kirini Suites & Spa

● Katikies Santorini

● Kivotos Santorini

● Perivolas Lifestyle Houses

● Limestone Santorini (Fira)

Crete

● Minos Palace Resort (Agios Nikolaos)

● Acro Suites (Heraklion)

● Manili Boutique Suites & Villas (Heraklion)

● Pnoé Breathing Life, Heraklion (Heraklion)

● Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete (Chania)

● Kapsaliana Village Hotel (Rethymno)

Kos

● Albergo Gelsomino

● Oku Kos

● Lango Design Hotel & Spa

Zakynthos

● Contessina Suites & Spa

● Leeda`s Village

● Lesante Cape Resort & Villas

● Olea All Suite Hotel (Tsilivi)

● Porto Zante Villas & Spa

Other Islands

● Domes White Coast Milos, Adults Only (Mytakas, Milos)

● Noma Milos (Provatas, Milos)

● Cove Paros (Naousa, Paros)

● Andronis Minois (Paros)

● Kókkini Porta Rossa (Rhodes)

● Argini Syros (Ermoupoli, Syros)

● Aristide Hotel (Ermoupoli, Syros)

● Ammades All Suites Beach Hotel & Spa - Adults Only (Faliraki)

Mainland Greece

● Dexamenes Seaside Hotel (Amaliada)

● KAMARES Historic Boutique Hotel & Spa (Ioannina)

● Stoes Boutique Hotel (Ioannina)

● Euphoria Retreat - A Holistic Wellbeing Destination Spa (Mystra)

● The Bold Type Hotel (Patras)

● MarBella Elix, Parga (Perdika)

● ON Residence (Thessaloniki)



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