You will have heard of the Michelin Star, the system used to highlight outstanding restaurants around the world. But, have you heard of the Michelin Key? This system celebrates the best hotels around the world, according to the Michelin Guide. Although the Michelin team have been recommending hotels since the 1920s, hotels with a key are simply the best of the best, providing excellent experiences through their design, architecture, service and personality. The hotels are given either one, two or three keys, signifying a very special, an exceptional or an extraordinary stay. These are judged anonymously by Michelin Guide Inspectors. And to our delight, there’s a few hotels around Melbourne and Victoria that have a Michelin Key. So if you’re in need of a staycation, these spots are a great place to start.
Michelin Key Hotels in Melbourne and Victoria for 2026
Australia has a grand total of 54 Key hotels in the Michelin Guide, with Victoria claiming nine of them. While we didn’t have any places with three keys, we do have one venue with two. That honour goes to Jackalope Hotel in Mornington Peninsula. This luxurious space was described as “equal parts surreal and indulgent”, with a layered design featuring glowing corridors and a floor-to-ceiling glass wine cellar. The suites offer vineyard views and heated floors for cosy mornings, along with Japanese soaking tubs.
New to the list this year was Lon Retreat & Spa in Point Lonsdale. Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, this tranquil venue is set on over 250 acres, and was praised for the quiet and peace that comes with it. With stylish suites, an in-room dining menu and wellness-oriented experiences, Lon Retreat & Spa was awarded one Michelin Key.
Michelin Key Hotels in Melbourne
- The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne – One Key – this hotel was praised for its panoramic views, its elegant rooms and its spa and wellness facilities. Its restaurant, Atria, and cocktail bar, Cameo, also received a special mention.
- Lanson Place Parliament Gardens – One Key – set in a heritage building, this hotel was praised for its original brick façade and arched windows, paired with contemporary rooms, and amenities like a gym, pool and restaurant.
- The Langham Melbourne – One Key – located in Southbank, The Langham offers a stunning first impression, with flower displays and chandeliers in the lobby. The rooms keep the elegance going, with deep tubs in marble bathrooms. There’s plenty to eat as well, with Melba restaurant for a buffet, Aria Bar for cocktails, and the Club Lounge for afternoon tea.
- 1 Hotel Melbourne – One Key – this hotel was praised for its sustainability-driven hospitality and eco-friendly design. There’s four cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as a spa and wellness area.
Michelin Key Hotels in Victoria
- Drift House, Port Fairy – One Key – this little hotel was described as an “architectural marvel”, with six suites set inside a classic Victorian house. Each suite offers something different, but equally comfortable. As for food, you’ll find modern Australian dining with a Spanish influence.
- InterContinental Sorrento, Sorrento – One Key – this seaside hotel offers a mix of history and modern luxury, with a limestone structure in the Heritage wing, paired with throwback European influence in the design. When you’re not in your room, there’s several restaurants and bars to pass the time, as well as the Aurora Spa & Bathhouse.
- Jackalope Hotel, Merricks North – Two Keys
- Lon Retreat & Spa, Point Lonsdale – One Key
- The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Fingal – One Key – you can visit Alba in the day and relax in the hot springs, then stay overnight in one of five freestanding villas in The Sanctuary. These villas were praised for their balance in contemporary luxury, as well as their connection to place and respect for country.
To see the full list of hotels in Australia, click here.
