The Michelin Guide has revealed its shortlist for the second edition of its global hotel awards, and Europe dominates the selection. Of the five properties competing for the title of Opening of the Year, three are located on the continent: in Venice, Luxembourg City, and London. The winner will be announced on 18 September.
The awards, introduced in 2024, use a system of “keys” — the hotel equivalent of Michelin stars — to recognise outstanding hospitality. Last year’s inaugural winner was The Burman Hotel in Tallinn, a 17-room property in the Estonian capital’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. This year’s shortlist reflects a broader European trend: historic buildings are being reimagined as high-end destinations, often with a strong emphasis on gastronomy.
Venice: A Palladian escape on Giudecca
Airelles Palladio Venice sits on Giudecca Island, directly opposite St. Mark’s Square, offering a quieter alternative to the crowds of the historic centre. The hotel occupies four heritage buildings: the Palladio, dating from 1561; Villa Froll, a former aristocratic academy from 1677; the Conventino, once a refuge for noble widows; and the church of Santa Maria della Presentazione. Michelin’s inspectors singled out the dining options, which include restaurants and bars by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Norbert Niederkofler. This is not the only recent sign of Venice’s luxury revival — the Lido has also seen a wave of historic hotel restorations, as noted in our look at the Lido’s quiet luxury revival.
Luxembourg: A 19th-century villa reborn
In Luxembourg City, Villa Pétrusse was originally designed by architect Pierre Kemp in 1880. Interior architect Tristan Auer has restored the interiors to reflect the house’s original character, blending period details with contemporary comfort. The hotel’s restaurant, Le Lys, has already earned one Michelin star, a sign of the culinary ambition that accompanies the property.
London: From embassy to all-suite hotel
The Chancery Rosewood occupies 24-31 Grosvenor Square, a Grade II-listed building that served as the US Embassy until 2018, when the diplomatic mission moved to Nine Elms. British architect Sir David Chipperfield led the restoration, transforming the landmark into an all-suite hotel. The property houses more than 700 pieces of art, the largest collection in any European hotel. Dining is a major draw: guests can choose from the first European outpost of Carbone, the Southern Mediterranean cooking of SERRA, Masayoshi ‘Masa’ Takayama’s TOBI MASA, or tea and desserts by executive pastry chef Marius Dufay at JACQUELINE.
The Michelin Guide’s hotel awards have quickly become a benchmark for discerning travellers, much like its restaurant stars. The inclusion of three European properties underscores the continent’s continued strength in luxury hospitality, particularly in cities that blend historical depth with contemporary design. As the awards evolve, they also highlight a broader trend: the growing importance of gastronomy in the hotel experience, with several of the shortlisted properties featuring Michelin-starred or celebrity-chef restaurants.
For travellers planning a European itinerary, these hotels offer more than just a place to stay — they are destinations in themselves. Whether it’s the Palladian architecture of Venice, the Belle Époque charm of Luxembourg, or the diplomatic history of Grosvenor Square, each property tells a distinct story. The Michelin Guide’s shortlist is a reminder that Europe remains a laboratory for innovative hospitality, where the past and present are constantly being renegotiated.
As the announcement approaches, the competition is tight. But regardless of which property takes the top prize, the presence of three European hotels on the shortlist is a testament to the continent’s enduring appeal. For those seeking inspiration, the new luxury hotels across Türkiye offer another perspective on the region’s hospitality boom, while Ireland’s Ashford Castle continues to set the standard for historic grandeur.
