The MICHELIN Key Hotels Are Here — and Arkansas Has Officially Joined the Map
For decades, the MICHELIN Guide has been a gold standard in fine dining—its stars coveted by chefs and foodies alike. Now, in a landmark expansion, MICHELIN has officially unveiled its first-ever Key Hotels list, spotlighting the most extraordinary stays across the United States. This moment marks a significant shift in how we evaluate travel accommodations, and it places design, atmosphere, and storytelling on the same pedestal as service and luxury.
So what are the MICHELIN Keys? Think of them as the hotel world’s answer to the Guide’s famous stars. One Key denotes a “very special stay,” Two Keys celebrate “an exceptional stay,” and Three Keys are reserved for “an extraordinary stay”—places that don’t just offer comfort, but move you, inspire you, and become the highlight of your trip.
What’s New and What Was Added
This first round of honorees includes over 100 properties across the U.S., and what stands out isn’t just their beauty or price tags—but their individuality. MICHELIN didn’t just hand out Keys to the biggest brands or flashiest resorts. Instead, they honored a wide mix of experiences: modernist hideaways in the desert, historic urban escapes, farm stays, art-forward boutique hotels, and even a few unexpected gems tucked into neighborhoods you might not have thought to search.
It’s refreshing to see properties in places like New Mexico, Maine, and Washington D.C. stand proudly alongside legends in New York and California. This list is a celebration of hospitality with heart—hotels that offer a sense of place and personality. Many of the honored hotels have fewer than 50 rooms, often owner-operated, and frequently incorporate thoughtful design, local craftsmanship, and unique service touches that set them apart.
For travelers, this new system offers something powerful: a trusted filter. You no longer have to scroll endless online reviews or be swayed by overly polished websites. MICHELIN’s reputation for integrity means these Keys carry real weight. If a hotel has earned one, it’s worth your time.
The MICHELIN Keys aren’t just about big cities—they’re about impact. And that has huge implications for places like Little Rock, where hidden gems and rich architectural heritage have long defined our sense of place. If this trend continues, the next wave of Key Hotels might just include restored mansions, soulful inns, and boutique properties in markets that were previously overlooked.
That brings us to one local property that embodies the spirit of a MICHELIN Key…
The Empress of Little Rock: Arkansas’ Only MICHELIN Key Hotel
Among the properties honored was The Empress of Little Rock, which received a prestigious 2 MICHELIN Key designation—marking it as one of the most exceptional stays in the country.
This distinction is more than a local win. The Empress is now the only MICHELIN Key hotel in the entire state of Arkansas, joining an elite and exclusive list of premier stays across the United States.
Built in 1888 and lovingly restored, this Queen Anne Victorian mansion has long been a cornerstone of Southern hospitality. With its soaring turret, intricate woodwork, stained glass, and romantic suites, it offers an immersive, story-rich experience that speaks to history, charm, and care. For years, it has operated as a bed and breakfast and event venue beloved by travelers from around the world—and now, MICHELIN has placed it on the national stage.
In a moment when boutique and experiential travel are leading the industry, this is more than real estate. It’s a piece of history—and now, officially, a part of travel’s future.
A Rare Opportunity — The Empress is Now For Sale
As if the national spotlight weren’t enough, what makes this moment truly extraordinary is that The Empress is currently on the market.
Fully operational, commercially zoned, and rich with history and potential, The Empress offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the most celebrated hospitality properties in the country. Whether reimagined as a boutique inn, destination wedding venue, or luxurious private estate, the foundation is already world-class—and now comes with international recognition.
This is more than a listing. It’s a legacy. And for the right buyer, it’s a chance to carry a nationally acclaimed destination into its next chapter.
Learn more about this property and it's active for sale listing here
With the expansion of the MICHELIN Guide’s hotel program, travelers now have a trusted compass pointing them toward properties that deliver not just quality—but connection, creativity, and wonder.
For Little Rock, the recognition of The Empress is more than symbolic. It’s proof that the most unforgettable experiences don’t always require a plane ticket to Paris or New York. Sometimes, they live right here—in the heart of Arkansas, in a home that’s stood for over a century, welcoming guests from around the world.
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