TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Michelin Guide on Thursday announced the inaugural list of Michelin Key recipients, with four hotels in Taiwan among those honored for outstanding hospitality and design, underscoring the country’s growing international profile in luxury accommodations.
The Michelin Key, introduced to recognize excellence in the global hotel industry, was awarded to 2,457 properties worldwide from more than 7,000 evaluated. Taiwan’s honorees include Capella Taipei, Kimpton Da An Taipei, Mandarin Oriental Taipei, and Hoshinoya Guguan.
Hotels are evaluated on five universal criteria emphasizing the overall guest experience rather than individual amenities. The distinctions are divided into three tiers: one key for a delightful and distinctive stay, two keys for an exceptional experience worth a detour, and three keys for an extraordinary stay worth a special journey.
Capella Taipei, in Songshan District, occupies the upper floors of a high-rise and offers panoramic city and mountain views. Its 86 rooms include six terrace suites with private decks, lap pools, and skyline-facing jacuzzis, according to the Michelin Guide.
The hotel curates experiences such as local food tastings and guided neighborhood walks. Five on-site restaurants range from Cantonese fine dining to omakase-style Japanese cuisine.
Kimpton Da An Taipei, situated in a lively downtown neighborhood, retains the warmth of its original apartment-complex design. Guests can enjoy Kimpton’s signature evening social hour and relax on a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of the city.
The hotel offers a pet-friendly environment with no additional charge for furry companions. For wellness, the hotel provides 24-hour fitness access, in-room yoga equipment and video channels, and bicycles for exploring the city’s hidden corners.
Mandarin Oriental Taipei combines classic elegance with modern luxury. Inspired by the grand hotels of the 1930s, it features over 300 of the city’s largest rooms and suites, complemented by an extensive spa, wellness center, and event spaces, according to the Michelin Guide.
Dining options include Cantonese, Italian, and French restaurants, as well as a tea lounge, cocktail bar, and cake shop.
Hoshinoya Guguan, the first overseas expansion of the Japanese Hoshinoya group, is set in a mountain valley in Taichung. Surrounded by hot springs and lush scenery, the resort offers tranquil rooms and suites that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design, according to the Michelin Guide.
Its kaiseki-style meals include meticulously arranged courses, reflecting the artistry and refinement of Japanese hospitality.
