6 of the Best Michelin Key Hotels You Can Book With Hilton, IHG, and Marriott Points

Many people are familiar with the Michelin Guide’s approach to restaurants, often considered the gold standard for top-tier dining experiences, but Michelin extends recognition to luxury hospitality experiences worldwide.

Select hotels that have received a Michelin Key can be booked with hotel points, offering a luxury hotel experience without breaking the bank. Here’s a look at some of the best Michelin Key hotels you can book using your Hilton, IHG, and Marriott points.

How Michelin Awards Hotel Keys

Michelin evaluates 5 important criteria during their hotel assessments:

• The hotel is an open door to the destination
• Excellence in architecture and interior design
• Quality and consistency of service, comfort, and maintenance
• Consistency between the experience and price
• Individuality, reflecting personality and authenticity

This process is similar to how Michelin evaluates restaurants. Hotel award designations follow a 3-tier structure, with notable properties receiving 1 to 3 Michelin Keys.

• 1 Key: A very special stay with standout character and thoughtful service
• 2 Keys: An exceptional stay with a unique design and a consistently memorable experience
• 3 Keys: An extraordinary stay and among the most remarkable hotels in the world

Benefits of Booking With Marriott, IHG, and Hilton Points

Booking an award stay at a Michelin Key hotel lets you enjoy a luxury stay while avoiding steep cash rates. Better yet, redeeming points through Marriott, IHG, or Hilton points allows you to use elite status benefits.

Depending on your status, you may receive added perks during your stay, such as:

• Complimentary room upgrades
• Free breakfast
• Early check-in and late checkout
• Bonus points
• Welcome amenities

Hot Tip:

See the top Michelin Key hotels bookable with Hyatt points, along with Chase’s The Edit and Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts.

Best Credit Cards for Earning Hilton, IHG, and Marriott Points

While there are several excellent Marriott, IHG, and Hilton card options, here is a quick overview of the best overall card for each brand.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card is the best card option for those who frequently stay at Marriott hotels.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

Up to 150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,050

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

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Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy^® Platinum Elite status, earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 50% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
• Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy^® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• Trip Cancelled or Interrupted? If you purchase a round-trip entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, we may be able to help. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

It has several premium benefits, including:

• Earning points: 6x points on Marriott stays, 3x points on flights and restaurants, and 2x points on all other purchases.
• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status: Complimentary room upgrades upon availability (including standard suites), 50% bonus points, welcome gift choice (including complimentary breakfast), and 4 p.m. late checkout (based on availability).
• Annual free night award: Redeemable at any Marriott property, costing up to 85,000 points per night.
• 25 annual elite night credits: Give yourself a boost toward higher levels of elite status each year.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG Premier card can help you earn more IHG points and enhance your stays.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

140,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$99

APR

19.24% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.

The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
• 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $99 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG^® Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
• Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Kimpton^®, EVEN^® Hotels, Hotel Indigo^® & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Highlights include:

• Earn points: 10x points on IHG stays, 5x points on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants, and 3x points on all other purchases.
• Automatic IHG Platinum Elite status: Includes perks like 60% bonus points, priority check-in and extended checkout (based on availability), complimentary room upgrades (based on availability), a welcome amenity, and more.
• Anniversary free night certificate: Redeemable at any IHG hotel in the portfolio, costing up to 40,000 points per night.
• Fourth night free on award stays: Redeem points for 3 consecutive nights and get the fourth night free.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

For those looking to maximize the value of their Hilton stays, there is no better card option than the Hilton Aspire card.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Welcome Offer

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 7/29/26.

175,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $875

Annual Fee

$550

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
• 7x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Cons

• High annual fee of $550 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 7/29/26.
• Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal.
• Card Members can earn 14X Points on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
• Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
• $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts on your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. That's up to $400 back annually.
• $200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of up to $200 back each year, on flight purchases made directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
• CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $209 per calendar year in statement credits, when you pay for a CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you can earn an additional Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend an additional $30,000 (for a total of $60,000) in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
• $100 Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for qualifying charges at Waldorf Astoria^® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad^® Hotels & Resorts properties when you book a 2 night minimum stay with your Card at HiltonHonorsAspireCard.com and select the Aspire Card Benefit rate option on the booking page, or call Hilton Honors at 855-292-5757 with the proper booking reference.
• Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
• Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Premium Global Assist^® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical, legal, and financial referrals. Emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost only if approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline. Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
• Points don’t expire while your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is active and in good standing.
• $550 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Benefits include:

• Earn points: 14x points on Hilton purchases, 7x points on flights, car rentals, and U.S. restaurants, and 3x points on all other purchases.
• Complimentary Hilton Diamond status: Includes 100% bonus points on stays, complimentary room upgrades (upon availability), complimentary breakfast, Executive Lounge access, and more.
• Anniversary fee night award: Redeemable at nearly any Hilton hotel worldwide, plus the ability to earn a second and third free night award with $30,000 in annual spend, and $60,000 in annual spend, respectively.
• $400 annual Hilton resort credit: Receive annual statement credits for eligible purchases made with participating Hilton Resorts (up to $200 in statement credits semiannually).

Other premium credit cards, like the Platinum Card^® from American Express, include elite status with brands such as Marriott and Hilton.

Hot Tip:

Cards that earn transferable rewards can be a good option for booking stays at these properties. You can transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Marriott and Hilton, Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott and IHG, and Bilt Rewards to all 3 programs, making select Amex, Chase, and Bilt cards worth considering.

Best Michelin Key Hotels With Hilton Points

Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts (Kyoto, Japan): 1 Key

If you want to experience a quieter side of Kyoto, Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers a luxury retreat unlike the city’s more centrally located hotels. Nestled in the foothills of northern Kyoto near the historic Takagamine district, the property feels more like a secluded resort than an urban hotel, surrounded by mountains, gardens, and the tranquil waters of the Tenjin River.

The property blends contemporary luxury with traditional Japanese aesthetics, featuring natural materials, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of surrounding mountains. Select accommodations offer private onsen-style baths, while the overall design centers around nature and Kyoto’s centuries-old cultural heritage.

Average cash price: $600 to $1,200

Award price: From 140,000 Hilton points per night

Flemings Mayfair (London, United Kingdom): 1 Key

Flemings Mayfair is a boutique hotel with historic charm in one of London’s best neighborhoods, offering an alternative to London’s larger luxury hotels. Located in the heart of Mayfair, the property features 13 Georgian townhouses dating back to the 18th century and has welcomed guests since 1851, making it one of London’s oldest hotels.

The location is one of the hotel’s greatest strengths. Green Park, Buckingham Palace, Bond Street shopping, and many of London’s top restaurants and galleries are all within walking distance, allowing guests to experience the best of the city while staying in a more residential setting.

Average cash price: $400 to $800

Award price: From 105,000 Hilton points per night

Best Michelin Key Hotels With IHG Points

InterContinental Phuket Resort (Phuket, Thailand): 2 Keys

If you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront retreat that combines tropical scenery, exceptional dining, and resort-style amenities, the InterContinental Phuket Resort is one of the best options on the island.

Situated on the white sands of Kamala Beach and framed by jungle-covered hills and the Andaman Sea, the resort offers a peaceful escape while staying within reach of Phuket’s attractions. If you’re willing to visit in the low season, you can score excellent deals with both cash and award nights.

Average cash price: $300 to $900

Award price: From 40,000 to 120,000 IHG points per night

InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 (Yokohama, Japan): 1 Key

The InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 combines the energy of a vibrant city with the relaxed vibe of a seaside resort. Located in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district and surrounded by the sea, the hotel offers a tranquil setting while remaining close to the city’s top attractions, including Yokohama Chinatown, the Cup Noodles Museum, and the iconic Cosmo Clock Ferris wheel.

The rooms are inspired by the harborfront, with soft maritime tones, natural materials, and expansive windows that frame views of Yokohama Bay, the city skyline, and passing cruise ships. The property’s waterfront terraces and Japanese gardens make it feel more like a destination resort than a city hotel, blending Japanese hospitality and contemporary design.

With award pricing as low as 39,000 points per night (though nights at this rate are scarce), this property could provide great value for a free night certificate from one of the IHG co-branded cards.

Average cash price: $300 to $700

Award price: From 39,000 to 100,000 IHG points per night

Best Michelin Key Hotels With Marriott Points

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Krabi, Thailand): 3 Keys

The Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is one of Thailand’s most exclusive resort experiences. Set along the Andaman Sea against a backdrop of limestone karsts and tropical gardens, the resort was the very first property in the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection and remains one of its most celebrated.

With its exceptional service, villa-style accommodations, and breathtaking views, Phulay Bay is particularly well-suited for honeymooners, milestone celebrations, and travelers seeking a more intimate alternative to Thailand’s larger beach resorts.

Average cash price: $800 to $2,500

Award price: From 106,000 to 158,000 Marriott points per night

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa (Kyoto, Japan): 3 Keys

The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa seamlessly blends Kyoto’s rich heritage with contemporary sophistication. Located directly across from the UNESCO World Heritage site Nijo Castle, the hotel occupies the former estate of the Mitsui family, and welcomes guests through a 300-year-old gate into its hidden sanctuary.

The hotel’s rooms and suites give a traditional Japanese tea house a modern twist, featuring natural materials, artisanal details, and deep soaking tubs inspired by Kyoto’s seasons. Many accommodations overlook the hotel’s courtyard gardens or Nijo Castle. Some suites elevate the experience with private outdoor onsen baths fed by natural thermal springs from more than 3,000 feet beneath the hotel.

Average cash price: $900 to $1,800

Award price: From 112,000 to 168,000 Marriott points per night

Final Thoughts

A Michelin Key hotel doesn’t have to come with a large price tag. By redeeming Hilton, IHG, and Marriott points, you can experience some of the world’s top hotels while saving thousands of dollars in the process.

If you have elite status from your credit card, you can also enjoy perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, on-site credits, late checkout, and more. It pays to use points for your stay, leaving your hard-earned dollars for other experiences during your travels.