Five Queensland hotels have been awarded Keys at the MICHELIN Global Key Award Ceremony
Fortitude Valley’s own ultra-luxe accommodation destination, The Calile Hotel, was recognised by The MICHELIN Guide Hotels at its inaugural global Key award ceremony in Paris overnight. The hotel received One Key – the hotel equivalent of a MICHELIN Star – instantly catapulting the James Street gem into rarefied air. It wasn’t the only Queensland hotel to score a mention – read on to find out more …
Since its inception, The MICHELIN Guide has been a go-to resource for globe-trotting gourmands looking to sample the finest cuisine the world has to offer. From fine-dining restaurants to hidden gems, the ranking system is renowned for its discerning selection criteria and wide-reaching scope, with the guide visiting more than 30,000 establishments in 30 territories across three continents.
In 2024, MICHELIN launched its hotels guide, a similarly selective resource collating the world’s most outstanding places to stay. Last year, MICHELIN Hotels was limited to just 15 countries across North America, Europe and Asia, but in 2025 the awards were expanded to include Australia – and five Queensland hotels have made the cut.
Lizard Island Resort, an all-inclusive resort located near the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of North Queensland, was Australia’s only Three Key awardee (the equivalent of three MICHELIN stars), which means it is regarded by MICHELIN as an extraordinary world-class stay.
Spicers Peak Lodge in Maryvale was awarded Two Keys, earning praise for its ability to translate the beauty of the surrounding wilderness indoors. Likewise, Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest was recognised with Two Keys for its leafy tranquility. Hamilton Island resort Qualia was awarded One Key, as was Brisbane’s own The Calile Hotel, which was heralded for its meshing of urban amenities and beachfront resort aesthetics. Just over the border, Byron Bay’s Basq House was also awarded One Key.
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According to MICHELIN, a One Key recipient is described as “a true gem with personality. Service always goes the extra mile, and the hotel provides much more than others in its price range.”
An award-winning hotel can win up to three Keys in total, with MICHELIN Inspectors utilising five universal criteria when selecting a worthy hotel. Hotels are judged on excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighbourhood or setting.
“To have been awarded a MICHELIN Key in this inaugural ceremony marks a significant affirmation of The Calile’s place on the global hotel industry stage and reflects the dedication of our team, our collaborators, and our loyal guests,” says The Calile Hotel’s co-owner Catherine Malouf, who was in attendance at the award ceremony.
“To be awarded this accolade by such a prestigious global organisation marks a significant milestone for The Calile and reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and exceptional service and drive to continually exceed our guests’ expectations.”
The Calile’s recognition is another in a list of recent achievements, with the hotel also ranking 25th in The World’s 50 Best Hotels list – the highest placement of any Australian candidate.