In its first hotel list for Thailand, Michelin awarded eight hotels with the top three key ratings.

The “keys,” the guide’s accommodation equivalent of stars for restaurants, have been awarded to locations across the country, from Bangkok to Surat Thani, where Samujana Villas will reportedly appear in the third season of “White Lotus.”

In total, Michelin recognized 58 hotels across the country. In addition to the eight 3 keys (“an exceptional stay”), 19 hotels received two keys (“an exceptional stay”) and 31 received one key (“a very special stay”).

“What is striking about Thailand is the variety of accommodation – from the fanciest hotel to urban oases to more inconspicuous accommodation in the forest. These really impressed our Michelin guide examiners,” said Elisabeth Boucher, communications director for the Michelin guide.

Boucher noted that Michelin key inspectors are anonymous. Inspectors evaluate hotels based on five universal criteria: outstanding architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, general personality and character, good value for money and a significant contribution to the neighborhood or surrounding area.

Of the top three winners, two are in Bangkok and two are in Phuket; the rest are in Surat Thani, Krabi, Trat and Chiang Mai.

One of the top three winning hotels will also reportedly feature in the third season of hit series The White Lotus, filmed in Thailand: Samujana Villas, the stunning private villas designed by famed architect Gary Fell. (Other Thai hotels appearing on the show include Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao Villas Phuket.)

“The important scene, a short scene, but the most important,” said Arteera Shahrulanas, sales manager of Samujana Villas, about the filming of White Lotus. “Right now I can’t be more specific until (the show) is out.”

It was a good month for Thai hotels. When the World’s 50 Best announced its list of hotels last week, four of them were in Bangkok, including the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, which was ranked 12th on the list and received three keys from Michelin. It was also named the best hotel in the world by British Hotel earlier this month telegraph in its Hotel Awards.

Located on the Chao Phraya River, the hotel is known for its outstanding hospitality and distinguished guest list, including the late Queen Elizabeth II and actress Michelle Yeoh.

An aerial view of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. (Archive photo: Patipat Janthong)

“We spent 148 years perfecting this. In 2026 we will celebrate our 150th anniversary,” said Anthony Tyler, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. “That’s why we’ve put together a team of dedicated colleagues who come to work every day to delight our guests and give their best. And I think that will be rewarded with these awards.”

But Hotel Capella Bangkok, ranked No. 1 on the World’s 50 Best list, missed out on Michelin’s top ranking. Instead it was given two keys.

Tourism remains a key driver of the Thai economy and the Michelin rating could help bring significant benefits to the hotel and hospitality sector. Bangkok’s gourmet restaurant scene has now also become a draw for visitors.

Dick Simarro, Vice President of Hotel Operations at SALA Hospitality Group, whose SALA Samui Choengmon Beach secured two Michelin Keys, commented on Michelin’s impact on the restaurant industry: “Hopefully it will have the same or similar impact on the hotel industry as a whole .” “

Currently, Thailand is on track to meet its goal of hosting 36.7 million tourists this year and generating 2 trillion baht in revenue. Arrivals so far this year have reached nearly 25 million, up 31% from last year.

“Our mission is to attract tourists to destinations that we think are truly worthwhile. “Thailand is one of them, and we want to attract discerning travelers who spend money in the country who are guided to exceptional places,” said Michelin’s Boucher. She said the key rankings were not a joint initiative with the Thai government.

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) reported occupancy at 62% in August, although this is expected to fall to 50% in September, a typically slower time for tourism.

Below are Michelin’s top three winners in Thailand:

• 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

Previous report: Michelin Hotels announces first keys