Best Vancouver hotels: Michelin Guide awards 2024 Keys

As it does for restaurants, the Michelin Guide is doing for hotels, and the 2024 list of Canadian "Key" honours has been revealed.

On September 12, the Michelin Guide announced the 33 properties in Canada that earned one, two, or three Key distinctions.

The publication, known for its legacy of recognizing restaurants through its "star" system and other ratings, says it revamped its hotel honours and debuted the new Key awards.

Michelin first made hotel recommendations a century ago; in recent years, in an attempt to be able to offer global travellers "a complete travel experience to anyone who uses [its] Guide," they've adjusted their approach to including hotels. The publication calls its stay selections the "creme de la creme," adding: "All our hotels excel in design, architecture, service and personality — the Michelin Key denotes the absolute most outstanding experiences in our selection."

Currently, the Michelin Guide is awarding Keys in France, Italy, Spain, Japan, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Two Key and One Key awards for four Vancouver hotels

For 2024, the Michelin Guide hotel selection in Canada includes a total of two (2) Three Key hotels, eight (8) Two Key hotels, and 23 One Key hotels.

Of those, a full third are located in British Columbia, including four in Vancouver: Rosewood Hotel Georgia (Two Keys); and Wedgewood Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, and Loden Hotel (One Key).

Of the recently renovated Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the Guide points out its enduring popularity with celebrities and its elegant balance of modern and lavish, from the suites to the dark wood of the 1927 Lounge. The hotel boasts an indoor saltwater pool and multiple restaurants, including Hawksworth, Bel Café, Reflections, and the newer Prophecy Bar, located underground.

"In contrast to the city’s modern business hotels, this place is all European-style pomp and old-world elegance, beginning with the antique furnishings, Persian rugs, and carved stone desk of the reception," the Guide notes of the independently-owned boutique Wedgewood Hotel.

The Guide applauds the Shangri-La for its thoughtful design, decor with Asian flourishes, views, and amenities, while it praises the "understated fabulousness" of the rooms at Coal Harbour's Loden.

7 more B.C. hotels earned Michelin Keys

In addition to the Keys awarded to Vancouver stays, there are seven other hotels across British Columbia recognized by the Michelin Guide, one of which earned the highest accolade of Three Keys.

Vancouver Island's stunning Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge was one of two Canadian hotels to earn Three Keys. "The two best words to describe the Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge? 'Rustic' and 'luxurious,'" begins the Guide's notes for the property. "Although they may sound contradictory, there’s no better way to describe this secluded outpost set deep in the wilderness of British Columbia, reachable only by boat or seaplane."

Among the Two Key winners are a pair of popular luxury stays north of Vancouver in Whistler, the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Chateau.

“We are deeply honoured to receive two keys in the 2024 Michelin Guide," said Ken Hall, General Manager. Fairmont Chateau Whistler in a media release. "This significant recognition means a great deal to our passionate colleagues who strive to deliver warm and authentic service in the heart of Whistler, BC. Our mission is for guests to enjoy truly special moments and immersive experiences found nowhere else on Earth."

Over on the Island, Tofino's breathtaking waterfront Wickanninish Inn also earned a Two Key honour.

One Key B.C. hotels outside of Vancouver include Whistler's Nita Lake Lodge, and a pair of popular Victoria stays: The elegant and historic Fairmont Empress and the cozy downtown boutique Magnolia Hotel & Spa.

B.C. hotels earned the most Keys in Canada, with the province garnering 11 of the 33 honours.

The Michelin Guide will present its 2024 list of Vancouver restaurant honourees on October 3.