A 19th-century château and a converted American embassy rank among the world’s finest new hotels, according to Michelin Guide judges. The announcement narrows a global field to just five finalists, three of which sit in Europe.
The “Opening of the Year” prize winner gets revealed on 18 September. Last year’s inaugural honor went to The Burman Hotel, a 17-room boutique property in Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Michelin began awarding hotel “keys,” its equivalent of stars for restaurants, in 2024.
Venice, Luxembourg City, and London host the European contenders.
Airelles Palladio Venice occupies four heritage structures on Giudecca Island, directly across from St. Mark’s Square. The complex includes The Palladio from 1561, Villa Froll dating to 1677, The Conventino, and the church of Santa Maria della Presentazione. Inspectors singled out the dining scene, where kitchens run under the direction of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Norbert Niederkofler.
Meanwhile, Villa Pétrusse in Luxembourg City began life in 1880 under architect Pierre Kemp. Interior architect Tristan Auer has restored the hotel to its original period character. Its restaurant, Le Lys, already holds one Michelin star.
London’s entry, The Chancery Rosewood, fills the former US Embassy at 24-31 Grosvenor Square. After embassy staff relocated to Nine Elms in 2018, British architect Sir David Chipperfield reimagined the Grade II-listed building as an all-suite property. The hotel claims Europe’s largest hotel art collection, with more than 700 pieces. Dining options include Carbone’s first European location, SERRA, TOBI MASA, and JACQUELINE.
Rounding out the five nominees: Capella Kyoto in Japan and One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, USA. The winner takes the title this week.
