Five Scottish hotels gain Michelin Keys for 2026 - including ‘elegant’ restaurant with rooms
Hundreds of hotels across the world have been granted Michelin Keys, a relatively new accolade for the brand, including four in Scotland.
The Michelin Guide has unveiled its 2026 hotel selection, now available across the Guide’s platforms, with four hotels in Scotland gaining keys for the first time, or adding to ones already awarded.
After months of anonymous visits, the Michelin Guide inspectors have selected 470 new hotels across 79 destinations. The 2026 selection introduces Michelin Keys in 10 destinations for the first time, while more than 80 hotels have been promoted within the selection.
For Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, the growth of the hotel selection comes at a particularly interesting moment for the industry. As the Guide expands its presence across the world of hospitality and lifestyle, he points to the role of independent and boutique hotels in keeping the sector moving forward.
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He said: “This second global selection of the Michelin Keys reflects the extraordinary momentum driving the hospitality sector once again this year.
“With nearly 470 newly distinguished establishments, we are witnessing a continuous upscaling of the offering, driven by even more creative and ambitious projects. All around the world, hoteliers are reinventing the stay experience through more immersive, personalised, and experiential concepts.
“This capacity for innovation is expressed both in must-visit destinations and in emerging tourist markets. Often driven by visionary independent hotelkeepers, this evolution in concepts is now inspiring the industry as a whole.
“It is also supported by investments from major international groups, which are helping to accelerate this transformation. The 2026 selection thus celebrates the diversity, vitality, and excellence of an ever-evolving sector, one that continues to push the boundaries of the hospitality experience and invite travellers to discover new destinations.”
The Michelin Guide’s global hotel selection now spans over 9,400 hotels, including 2,832 hotels awarded a MICHELIN Key. More than 2,200 hotels have been added to the global selection since last year’s Michelin Key announcement in October 2025.
New Michelin Keys for Scotland include: The Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh and Cromlix in Dunblane which now have Two Keys, up from One; Lyla restaurant with rooms, The Old Course Hotel and Spa in St Andrews and The Torridon which now have One Key.
One Michelin Key is awarded for a very special stay. This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mould, offer something different, or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments.
Two Michelin Keys are awarded for an exceptional stay. Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s operated with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.
Three Michelin Keys are awarded for an extraordinary stay. It’s all about astonishment and indulgence here – this is the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts of travellers.
See the full list of new Michelin Keys on the Michelin Guide website
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