Michelin Keys awarded in NorCal.

Michelin has announced its inaugural selection of Michelin Keys in the USA across Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York and Washington DC. These new awards recognise the world's most exceptional hotels that raise hospitality to an art form and provide truly memorable experiences for travellers. A staggering six percent of the hotels selected in the US are to be found in California’s Monterey County and Sonoma County alone, and one in each region has been awarded the coveted three keys. This is a recognition earned by just 11 US hotels in total.

Three Keys:

• Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur

• SingleThread Farms, Healdsburg

Two Keys:

• Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley

• The Madrona, Healdsburg

• The Stavrand, Guerneville

• Ventana Big Sur

One Key:

• Sea Ranch Lodge, Sonoma Coast

Michelin Keys highlight the creme de la creme of the MIchelin Guide in the same way a Michelin Star honours restaurants. Hotels were selected following an anonymous visit and are rated on five core elements: a prime location that offers guests "an open door to the destination"; excellence in interior design and architecture; quality and consistency in service; consistency between level of experience and the price paid; and a sense of individuality and authenticity.

Image credit: Kodiak Greenwood, Post Ranch Inn