Still no stars, but plenty of keys.
The eight Arizona hotels in the Michelin Guide continue to maintain their places among outstanding hotels and resorts for 2026.
One of those eight hotels received a higher Michelin Key designation.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Marana, first recognized with a One Key honor in 2025, was elevated to a Two Key property for 2026. One Key hotels offer "a very special stay," while Two Key hotels offer "an exceptional stay," according to the Michelin Guide.
This is the third year the Michelin Guide, famous for its Michelin Star awards for restaurants, awarded Michelin Keys to hotels and resorts. It's one of the highest international honors in luxury travel, with the higher placement for the Dove Mountain resort expanding
on Michelin's love for Arizona's luxury resorts.
Canyon Ranch Tucson remains Arizona's only Three Key hotel and one of the best wellness resorts in the Americas. Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel in Sedona, which has Two Key designation, was nominated for a special award for the hotel with the best architecture and design.
Why Michelin likes The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is located in Marana, about 25 miles from the Tucson city center, in the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains. The resort feels distant from city life; saguaro cactuses and mountains dot the surrounding landscape.
This Western-inspired desert setting makes the Ritz-Carlton "a luxury retreat that’ll have you channeling your inner Wyatt Earp," according to Michelin's summary of the Dove Mountain resort.
Michelin liked how guest rooms and suites are "generously proportioned" with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It also highlighted the plentiful restaurants and bars on site and the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
The Dove Mountain resort is no stranger to high accolades. Forbes Travel Guide named it a five-star hotel, a distinction it's held since 2015.
Sedona hotel nominated for special award
A hotel designed within Sedona's red rock landscape, where every room has a view, was nominated for one of Michelin's special awards.
Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel was among the hotels selected by the Michelin Guide as a nominee for its Michelin Architecture and Design Award.
Ambiente did not win. The award went to Desert Rock Resort in Umluj, Saudi Arabia.
But the landscape hotel's co-owner, Jennifer May, said she was "amazed and thrilled" to be nominated and mentioned alongside world class properties.
Michelin Guide Three Key hotels in Arizona
- Canyon Ranch, Tucson.
Michelin Guide Two Key hotels in Arizona
- The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Marana.
- Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel, Sedona.
Michelin Guide One Key hotels in Arizona
- Mountain Shadows Resort, Paradise Valley.
- Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix.
- The Global Ambassador, Phoenix.
- Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Scottsdale.
- El Portal, Sedona.
What is the Michelin Guide?
The Michelin Guide, compiled by the tire manufacturing company, was conceived as a travel guidebook that pointed out stops along roads, such as restaurants. The idea behind the guide was that encouraging people to take more road trips would increase the demand for tires.
The guide is famous for its Michelin Star restaurant ratings, which began in Europe in 1926.
Michelin Key awards for hotels debuted in 2024.
What are Michelin Keys?
The Michelin Key recognizes the best hotels in the world, just as the Michelin Star does for restaurants.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, stated that the Michelin Key "is a clear, reliable indication for travelers" that a hotel is exceptional.
What are the 3 Michelin star keys?
There are three tiers of recognition in the program. One Key, Two Keys and Three Keys.
A One Key hotel is "a very special stay" that the Michelin Guide considers "a true gem with its own character and personality" and offers a more outstanding experience than similarly priced accommodations.
A Two Key hotel is "an exceptional stay" that consistently delivers memorable experiences. These hotels are renowned for "character, personality and charm" and "operated with obvious pride and considerable care."
A Three Key hotel is "an extraordinary stay" and represents the highest standard of comfort, service and luxury. Further, Michelin deems them destinations within a destination, where "all the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts of travelers."
How does a hotel get a Michelin key?
All hotels must meet these five criteria to receive a Michelin Key:
- Function as a destination that contributes to the local experience.
- Excellence in architecture and interior design.
- Consistent quality of service, comfort and maintenance.
- Singularity reflecting the personality of the establishment and its unique character.
- Consistency between the quality of the experience and the price paid.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona wellness resort gets higher nod from Michelin Guide
