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New York’s hotel scene has collected some shiny new hardware.
The Michelin Guide has revealed its 2026 Michelin Key selection, the hotel counterpart to its famous restaurant stars. Six New York City properties either joined the list or climbed to a higher tier this year, including the newly reopened Waldorf Astoria New York, which debuted with an impressive Two Keys.
The Park Avenue grande dame returned last year following a seven-year restoration that reduced its room count from roughly 1,400 to 375 and revived beloved spaces including Peacock Alley. Michelin praised its elegant accommodations and coveted suites, singling out the Waldorf Astoria Suite and its grand piano.
Two more Manhattan hotels received their first Keys. Faena New York, the theatrical West Chelsea property filled with gold, red velvet and large-scale art, picked up One Key. Its marble hammam, South American-inspired spa treatments, nightly live music and suites overlooking the High Line all caught inspectors’ attention.
W New York–Union Square also earned One Key after an extensive renovation of its landmarked 1911 building. Michelin highlighted the hotel’s blend of Art Deco and midcentury-modern design, spacious suites and rooftop views over Manhattan.
Three familiar luxury hotels received promotions from One Key to Two: the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad was recognized for its 250 floral-accented rooms and José Andrés-led restaurants and bars. The Lowell, a quietly posh Upper East Side favorite, earned praise for wood-burning fireplaces, landscaped terraces, expertly made martinis and a famously connected concierge team. Nearby, The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel, also moved up a tier following its recent restoration, which introduced new interiors, a spa and Casa Tua restaurant to the nearly century-old property.
Michelin introduced Keys in 2024, awarding One Key for “a very special stay,” Two Keys for “an exceptional stay” and Three Keys for “an extraordinary stay.” Inspectors anonymously judge hotels on design, service, character, consistency and value.
The 2026 global list includes 2,832 hotels: 2,020 with One Key, 657 with Two and 155 with Three. New York’s highest-ranked hotels remain Aman New York, Casa Cipriani, Crosby Street Hotel and The Whitby Hotel, all of which retained Three Keys.