Michelin has unveiled its first list of top hotels in Thailand, awarding eight establishments its highest honour, the three-key ranking.
The keys, which are the accommodation equivalent of the Michelin stars given to restaurants, were distributed to establishments throughout Thailand, from Bangkok to Surat Thani, including Samujana Villas, which is set to appear in Season Three of White Lotus.
Overall, Michelin recognized 58 hotels nationwide with varying degrees of excellence: eight hotels received three keys for an extraordinary stay, 19 earned two keys indicating an exceptional stay, and 31 were awarded one key for a very special stay.
Elisabeth Boucher, communications director for the Michelin Guide, highlighted the varied range of accommodations in Thailand, from stylish urban hotels to serene forest retreats, which greatly impressed the guide’s inspectors.
Boucher mentioned that the inspectors, who operate anonymously, evaluate hotels based on five key criteria: architectural and interior design quality, service consistency and quality, distinctive personality and character, value for money, and impact on the local area or setting.
In the highest category, Bangkok and Phuket each boast two three-key winners, with others located in Surat Thani, Krabi, Trat, and Chiang Mai.
Notably, one of the top winners, Samujana Villas, featured prominently in the latest season of the popular series White Lotus, thanks to its spectacular design by renowned architect Gary Fell.
The series also included other Thai locations such as Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao Villas Phuket.
“The important scene, one short scene, but the most important one,” said Arteera Shahrulanas, sales manager at Samujana Villas, about the White Lotus filming. “For now, I cannot be more specific than that until the show is out.”
Thai hotels have had a remarkable month. Recently, when the World’s 50 Best released its hotel rankings, four Bangkok properties made the list.
Among them, the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok stood out, securing the 12th spot and receiving three keys from Michelin. Earlier in the month, it was also named the best hotel in the world by the Telegraph in the United Kingdom during its Hotel Awards.
Located by the Chao Phraya River, the Mandarin Oriental is famous for its exceptional service and has hosted notable figures including Queen Elizabeth II and Michelle Yeoh.
General Manager Anthony Tyler expressed pride in the hotel’s long-standing tradition of excellence, gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026, and attributed their success to the dedicated staff.
However, Capella Bangkok, which topped the World’s 50 Best list, received only two keys from Michelin.
Tourism continues to be a crucial economic driver for Thailand, with Michelin’s rankings expected to enhance the hotel and hospitality sector. Bangkok’s vibrant dining scene also contributes to the city’s appeal.
Dick Simarro, vice president of hotel operations at SALA Hospitality Group, whose SALA Samui Choengmon Beach earned two Michelin keys, commented on the potential positive impact Michelin could have on hotels similar to its influence on restaurants.
Thailand remains on course to meet its annual tourism target, expecting to welcome 36.7 million visitors this year, a significant increase from last year, with hopes to generate substantial revenue.
Michelin’s Boucher emphasized the guide’s goal to draw discerning tourists to premier destinations like Thailand, ensuring they visit places worth their time and money, independent of any partnership with the Thai government.
According to the Thai Hotels Association, hotel occupancy was at 62% in August, though it is anticipated to decrease to 50% in September, a typically slower month for tourism.
Here are the eight hotels in Thailand that achieved Michelin’s highest honor of three keys:
– Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
– The Siam, Bangkok
– Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai
– Soneva Kiri, Trat
– Samujana Villas, Koh Samui
– Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi
– Amanpuri, Phuket
– Keemala, Phuket
