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Hoteliers had better sleep with one eye open.

The restless restaurant gurus at Michelin have decided to cast their famously critical eyes on the world’s most luxurious hotels, establishing a key rating system for the very first time — and just 124 snooze shops around the world managed to snag a slot on the tire maker’s debut list for the United States, released on Wednesday.

Out of that already elite group, 11 pampering palaces — sticking to the mix of American destinations where Michelin currently publishes a restaurant guide — were considered worthy of the coveted “3 Keys” award, with 4 of the properties found right here in the Big Apple.

Aman Hotels’ exclusive urban retreat at Fifth Ave and W. 57th St. in the Big Apple appeared on the elite list. Aman New York

“With this new distinction, the Michelin Guide has opened up a brand-new chapter in the service it provides for travelers, which has been its lifeblood for the past 124 years,” Gwendal Poullennec, International Director, said in a statement released Wednesday.

“Steadfast in our field-based approach, the Michelin Guide inspectors drew up this unprecedented list to share their best hotel experiences in the US. Every establishment awarded One, Two or Three Michelin Keys is a gem sculpted by talented professionals,” he said.

Michelin has been recommending hotels for years, however the key system is new for 2024.

“Over the last four years, our selection team of passionate, independent experts vetted, scrutinized, and ultimately determined more than 5,000 remarkable hotels for inclusion in our collection,” an earlier statement read.

“Each has been selected for its remarkable quality. Out of these thousands of hotels, those offering the most outstanding stays will be awarded the special Michelin Key distinction.”

The first key awards — for France, naturellement — were announced on April 8. The United States awards were announced at a ceremony in Manhattan on Wednesday.

What do the Michelin keys mean?

Auberge du Soleil, birthplace of the fast-growing Auberge brand, also received top marks for its Napa Valley hospitality. Auberge du Soleil, Napa

“Just like the famous Stars that indicate the best culinary experiences in the Michelin Guide restaurant selection, the Michelin Keys reveal accommodations in the Guide’s hotel selection that offer the most outstanding stays. They are a new benchmark for travelers, qualifying each hotel experience in broader terms than simple amenities,” the publisher stated.

For the inaugural American listing, the eleven 3 Key winners are joined by 33 Two Key properties and 80 One Key establishments.

What is a One Michelin Key hotel?

Guests at Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn enjoy endless Pacific Ocean views. Kodiak Greenwood

Described as 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,” the experts said.

What is a Two Key Michelin hotel?

LA’s classic Hotel Bel-Air had no trouble finding its way to the top of the new Michelin list. Hotel Bel-Air

Described as “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,” the pros explained.

What is a Three Key Michelin hotel?

The new ranking represents Michelin’s desire to become an authority on luxury hotels, such as Napa’s Auberge du Soleil. Auberge du Soleil, Napa

Described as “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 in itself 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.”

Here are the eleven Three Michelin Key hotels for 2024 in the United States:

Aman, New York

Escape NYC at the heart of Midtown with a visit to the exclusive Aman.

Guests at Auberge have beautiful views of the Napa Valley from their rooms and suites. Auberge du Soleil, Napa

The Los Angeles icon has been sensitively modernized in recent years. Hotel Bel-Air

Beverly Hills’ noted “pink palace” has also had a makeover or two. Beverly Hills Hotel

The famed spa brand reaches new heights at this small property among the redwoods, up above Silicon Valley.

Casa Cipriani New York is a luxury boutique hotel nested in a 1906 former ferry terminal. Courtesy of Casa Cipriani

London’s can’t-fail Firmdale Hotels knocked it out of the park with their first stateside effort, delivering one of the Big Apple’s finest stays on one of its most charming streets.

Meadowood, Napa Valley, Calif.

This classic resort, tucked away in its own canyon, has overcome numerous obstacles to remain one of the most relevant addresses in a region where hotel style sometimes trumps substance.

Post Ranch Inn offers 39 rooms and houses located between the sea and the clouds in one of the most scenic areas on the California coastline. Kodiak Greenwood

A restaurant with rooms for the upper crust in Sonoma County — three Michelin star dining, plus five breathtaking suites to retreat to when finished.

Proving the Crosby Street was no one-hit wonder, Firmdale Hotels swept into Midtown to remind the giant palace hotels that scale and luxury are two different things entirely.

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