Officials at two Massachusetts hotels — one in Boston and one in the Berkshires — are “honored” after their properties were named among the newest Michelin key hotels in the U.S.
The Michelin key, the hotel equivalent of the Michelin star for restaurants, recognizes the most outstanding properties on the planet. XV Beacon, a luxury hotel in Boston’s Beacon Hill, and Prospect Berkshires, with lakeside cabins in Egremont, were recently named among the 65 new U.S. additions and upgrades to the 2026 Michelin Guide.
The Michelin Guide includes more than 9,000 hotels worldwide, with 2,832 properties this year earning the prestigious Michelin keys. Of those, 359 Michelin key hotels are located in the U.S.
Michelin inspectors consider five criteria when evaluating hotels for keys: 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 neighborhood or setting.
Hotels can earn one, two, or three keys. A three-key hotel is an “extraordinary” stay, a two-key hotel is an “exceptional” stay, and a one-key hotel is a “very special” stay. Both XV Beacon and Prospect Berkshires earned one key.
XV Beacon is “an ultra-discrete pre-Revolutionary mansion,” wrote Michelin, which noted that the hotel is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
“Elegant guest rooms at this One-Key hotel come with Italian marble, cashmere throws and heated towel racks; downstairs, find a modern steakhouse and wine cellar. An around-the-clock concierge secures everything from reservations to Red Sox tickets,” wrote Michelin.
Hotel officials celebrated on social media, writing: “We’re honored to announce that XV Beacon has earned One MICHELIN Key for 2026, recognizing the hotel as a truly special stay. This distinction celebrates the intimate atmosphere, thoughtful service and timeless Beacon Hill character that define every XV Beacon experience. Our sincere thanks to our dedicated team and wonderful guests who make this recognition possible.”
About Prospect Berkshires Michelin wrote, “At this One-Key on Prospect Lake, 49 hand-built, Scandinavian-style cabins promise privacy and fresh air; paddle on the lake in summer, ice skate in winter, submerge in a heated saltwater pool surrounded by Finnish saunas all year long. Expect to dine on the Cliff House’s suspended porch with views of the mountains.”
Officials at Prospect Berkshires also celebrated on social media, writing, “Prospect Berkshires is honored to have received our first MICHELIN Key. Thank you @michelinguide, and to everyone who has made Prospect what it is.”
Of the 359 U.S. Michelin key properties in the U.S., 266 are one-key hotels, 78 are two-key hotels and 15 are three-key hotels. Most of the three-key properties are located in California and New York and none are in New England.
There are now seven two-key hotels in New England, including five in Massachusetts, one in Rhode Island, and one in Vermont.
Ahead, check out the two-key hotels in New England:
In Massachusetts: Raffles BostonThe Langham BostonThe Newbury BostonCanyon Ranch LenoxTourists in North Adams
In Rhode Island:The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport
In Vermont:Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont
There are 28 one-key hotels in New England, including 12 in Massachusetts, two in Connecticut, nine in Maine, one in New Hampshire, two in Rhode Island, and two in Vermont.
Ahead, check out the one-key hotels in New England:
In Massachusetts:The Whitney Hotel BostonXV Beacon in BostonFour Seasons Hotel BostonFour Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, BostonFaraway Martha’s Vineyard in EdgartownHob Knob in Edgartown on Martha’s VineyardProspect Berkshires in EgremontGranville House in Great BarringtonThe Inn at Hastings Park in LexingtonThe Brant on NantucketThe Wauwinet on NantucketNobnocket Boutique Inn in Vineyard Haven on Martha’s Vineyard
In Connecticut:Belden House & Mews in Litchfield, Conn.Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection in Washington, Conn.
In Maine:The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford, MaineCamden Harbour Inn in Camden, MaineThe Norumbega Inn in CamdenCliff House Maine in Cape NeddickAWOL KennebunkportKennebunkport Captains CollectionWhite Barn Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection in Kennebunkport, MaineBlind Tiger Portland — Carleton Street in Portland, MaineBlind Tiger Portland — Danforth Street in Portland, Maine
In New Hampshire:The Inn at Thorn Hill in Jackson Village, N.H.
In Rhode Island:The Cliffside Inn in NewportThe Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection in Newport
In Vermont:Blind Tiger BurlingtonThe Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont
Check out all 65 new Michelin key properties in the U.S.