From MICHELIN Keys to The 50 Best Hotels, there are plenty of ways for hotels to earn global recognition. But who decides the winners, which markets do these awards matter most in, and how can hotels get on the list?
Here's a simple breakdown of five of the biggest names in hospitality.
01. MICHELIN Keys
Independent inspection | One, Two or Three Keys
What is it? Think MICHELIN Stars, but for hotels. Launched in 2024, MICHELIN Keys recognise exceptional hotels for their design, service, personality, value and connection to their destination.
Relevant regions: Particularly relevant across Europe, especially France, Italy, Germany and the UK, thanks to MICHELIN's heritage. Also well established in Japan and growing internationally.
How to get recognised: Hotels must first be selected for the MICHELIN Guide. Hotels can contact the selection team via Michelin-owned Tablet Hotels, but joining Tablet's booking platform isn't a requirement. Anonymous inspectors assess the hotel, with the best properties receiving One, Two or Three Keys.
02. Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star
Independent inspection | Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended
What is it? One of the most respected names in luxury hospitality, particularly when it comes to service. Hotels are anonymously inspected against up to 900 standards, with a strong focus on how guests are treated.
Relevant regions: Especially relevant to North America, particularly the USA, where Forbes Travel Guide began. Also internationally recognised by luxury operators and travel advisors, including in the Middle East and Asia.
How to get recognised: It's all about consistency. Inspectors stay anonymously and assess everything from reservations and housekeeping to personalisation, staff knowledge and the overall guest experience. Hotels cannot pay for a rating.
03. The 50 Best Hotels
Expert-voted | Global ranking
What is it? An annual ranking of the world's best hotels, decided by more than 800 international hospitality and travel experts across 13 regions. Unlike Forbes, there's no fixed checklist or inspection score.
Relevant regions: Global, with particularly strong visibility in the European, Asian and Middle Eastern luxury hospitality scenes.
How to get recognised: Hotels cannot apply. More than 800 voters, including hoteliers, travel journalists and seasoned luxury travellers, each vote for seven hotels, ranked in order of preference. They must have personally stayed at each hotel within the previous three years and are asked to provide proof of their visit. Votes are independently checked by Deloitte.
04. Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards
Reader-voted | Annual awards
What is it? One of travel media's best-known awards, where readers vote for their favourite hotels, resorts and travel experiences.
Relevant regions: Particularly relevant to the USA and UK, which have established Condé Nast travel editions. The Middle East also has its own Readers' Choice Awards, making it especially useful for hotels targeting GCC travellers.
How to get recognised: Readers vote through an annual survey. Hotels should focus on guest satisfaction, repeat visits and encouraging genuine guests to vote when the survey opens. The Middle East edition has no formal nominations or shortlist, so hotels can actively encourage their communities to participate.
05. Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards
Reader-voted | Global and regional rankings
What is it? An annual ranking where Travel + Leisure readers rate their favourite hotels, resorts and destinations. In 2026, more than 207,000 readers took part in the survey.
Relevant regions: Particularly relevant to the USA and North American leisure travel market, with rankings covering hotels and destinations worldwide.
How to get recognised: Readers rate hotels on rooms and facilities, location, service, food and value. Building loyal guests, delivering consistently great stays and encouraging genuine participation in the annual survey are key.
The STACK Takeaway
Not every hotel needs to chase every award.
For hotels targeting European travellers, MICHELIN Keys can offer valuable recognition. Forbes is particularly attractive for service-driven luxury hotels with North American ambitions. The 50 Best Hotels can put a property on the global hospitality map, while Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure are valuable for reaching travel-minded consumers.
The important thing? Understand who you're trying to reach, then work towards the awards that genuinely support your hotel.
Relevant regions reflect suggested market priorities, rather than independently measured award audiences.
