Michelin Key list expands as PH hotels earn more honors

Insider Spotlight

• The Philippines has nine MICHELIN Key hotels in the 2026 selection, up from five in 2025
• El Nido Resorts Lagen Island debuted with Two MICHELIN Keys, while Raffles Makati was promoted to the same distinction
• Four other properties entered the One MICHELIN Key list, widening the selection across Manila, Cebu, Palawan and Negros Occidental
  
  
  

The Philippines expanded its presence in the MICHELIN Guide's global hotel selection, with nine hotels and resorts earning MICHELIN Keys for 2026 as the country's hospitality industry draws greater international recognition.

The latest Philippine roster comprises two Two MICHELIN Key properties and seven One MICHELIN Key hotels. Five are new entrants, while three One MICHELIN Key properties retained their distinctions from 2025.

Recognition for service quality, value for money

MICHELIN Keys are the hotel counterpart to MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, recognizing properties based on architecture and design, service quality, individuality, value for money and connection to their destination.

El Nido Resorts Lagen Island entered the selection with Two MICHELIN Keys. The Palawan resort, set in a forested cove overlooking Bacuit Bay, was recognized for combining Filipino-inspired accommodations and outdoor experiences with environmental stewardship.

Raffles Makati, meanwhile, moved from One to Two MICHELIN Keys. The property offers all-suite accommodations, personal butler service and other luxury amenities in Manila's central business district.

Newly minted

NUSTAR Hotel Cebu, El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island, Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts and Manami Resort in Sipalay City were newly awarded One MICHELIN Key.

They join Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao, Fairmont Makati and Amanpulo, which retained their One MICHELIN Key distinction from the previous selection.

Added 470 distinguished properties

Globally, MICHELIN's 2026 hotel selection covers 2,832 Key properties in 79 countries after months of anonymous inspections. It includes 155 Three MICHELIN Key hotels, 657 Two MICHELIN Key properties and 2,020 One MICHELIN Key hotels.

The worldwide list added nearly 470 newly distinguished properties and recorded more than 80 promotions.

“This second global selection of the MICHELIN Keys reflects the extraordinary momentum driving the hospitality sector once again this year,” The MICHELIN Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec said in a press statement. “With nearly 470 newly distinguished establishments, we are witnessing a continuous upscaling of the offering, driven by even more creative and ambitious projects. All around the world, hoteliers are reinventing the stay experience through more immersive, personalized, and experiential concepts,” Poullennec said. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma