Whether it’s the red-washed walls, arched doorways, vibrant textiles or cactus accents, Mexico’s architecture has got a bold style all its own — just one of the reasons that many of Mexico’s hotels are ranked among the best of the best from a guide that is itself considered the best of the best: the Michelin Guide, which this month awarded its newest Key hotel rating to eight more luxury properties across Mexico.
In 2024, the prestigious publication long known for rating the world’s chefs with coveted stars also began rating accommodations — on a scale of one to three keys — for standout architecture and interior design, service quality, overall character, value for price and sense of place.
The designation in October of eight new Michelin Key hotels in Mexico brings the country’s total to nearly 100 recognized establishments, redefining what hospitality can be. From cenote-studded retreats in Tulum to art gallery hotels in Mexico City, these new additions prove that Mexico’s luxury hotel scene is a force to be reckoned with.
Mexico’s tourism powerhouse moment
These latest Michelin Key hotel designations are just another example of how the hospitality industry in Mexico is having quite the moment. In 2024, the country welcomed 45.04 million international tourists, generating a record US $32.96 billion in tourism revenue — a figure that represents a 7.4% increase from the previous year, according to INEGI.
Why? Because Mexico literally has it all: beautiful beaches, rich history, cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, unrivaled cuisine, joyful festivals, endless museums, incredible hiking … the list goes on and on.
In 2024, Mexico’s capital was named the Best Cultural City in the World by Time Out magazine, while 18 Mexico City restaurants earned Michelin stars, and Quintonil ranked 7th in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
So when a weighty international recognition like Michelin Keys arrives, it validates what many of us already know: Mexico offers a wide variety of world-class experiences with commitment to excellence that rival global destinations from New York to Japan.
With nearly 100 hotels now holding Michelin Keys, Mexico has established itself as a serious hospitality destination for luxury travelers.
Mexico’s 8 new game-changing Michelin Key hotels
And the winners are … all over the country, it turns out. Starting with the pulsing capital and weaving our way up and down the coast, here are the eight newest Michelin Key designations for hotels in Mexico, released this month.
Mexico City: Where urban sophistication meets Mexican soul
The Alexander Hotel represents the pinnacle of Mexico City luxury, occupying two floors of the city’s distinctive Torre Virreyes skyscraper. A trapezoid-shaped architectural masterpiece that seems to float over Bosque de Chapultepec, it provides a bird’s-eye view of Mexico City’s iconic sprawling green park. Alexander has 26 modern suites, the city’s only caviar bar and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a glimpse of how massive the capital truly is. — One Michelin Key.
UMA Casa is an intimate but ultra-stylish nine-room family-owned boutique hotel nestled in the exclusive Lomas de Chapultepec neighborhood. Each curated corner in UMA Casa tells a story celebrating Mexican identity: Room names represent native fruits and herbs, colors reflect regional spices and the breakfast menu features native ingredients. Aware that it’s located in the heart of a megalopolis, UMA Casa fills its spaces with wood, natural fibers and vegetation, giving its guests a peaceful refuge from Mexico City’s noisy chaos. Want to relax even more? They also provide massage services and a fully equipped yoga space. — One Michelin Key.
Maison Celeste takes the art-hotel concept to new heights: Inside the historic Roma Norte mansion is a unique blend of art gallery and boutique property. Owners forewent a traditional lobby to instead showcase creative exhibitions and rotating pop-up shops, where you can buy art, stylish clothing and home decor items created by Mexican designers. The five bedrooms upstairs are each defined by a single color and feature varying styles, from midcentury modern to antique. — One Michelin Key.
Casona Roma Norte rounds out the capital’s 2025 additions with its impossible-to-miss salmon-pink Belle Époque facade. The hotel’s charm lies in the thoughtful accents — Santiago Arau photography, Mexican crafts and welcome glasses of wine or Champagne. Dining here is an art, and guests can opt between classic Mexican breakfasts, Sinaloan-Japanese fusion, a Matcha Tea Room and an intimate agave tasting room in the stylish basement. — One Michelin Key.
Coastal escapes: Where nature meets luxury
Wakax Hacienda is ignoring Tulum’s backlash from the tourism industry and proudly accepting its upgrade from one to two Michelin Keys. Completely removed from the beachside town’s famous party scene, the property boasts its own private freshwater cenotes and small lake. Guests can paddleboard, bike through the jungle or take night swims in illuminated cenotes — basically, you can experience what Tulum used to be before the crowds arrived. — Two Michelin Keys.
Hotel Humano brings Grupo Habita’s minimalist luxury to Puerto Escondido’s surf culture. Tucked along a pedestrian-only lane in La Punta Zicatela, the hotel’s graceful design uses natural elements to evoke a sense of calm. Auburn-tinged concrete, polished tropical wood and handmade tiles adorn 39 rooms with either garden patios or ocean views. Start your day with yoga at sunrise, then work out the kinks with a relaxing massage, then relax with a locally sourced coffee in their minimalist café. The rooftop bar is the real draw, though, because who doesn’t want to sip on a sunset cocktail above the roaring Pacific? — One Michelin Key.
Desierto Azul in Baja California Sur caters to the wellness crowd that’s flocking with intensity to Todos Santos. Four open-layout cottages perch around an Instagram-worthy saltwater infinity pool — heated by solar power! Everything from the lampshades to the linens are crafted from natural materials, and Desierto Azul has an on-site plant-based cooking studio and a gluten-free bakery, loved by its health-conscious guests. — One Michelin Key.
Todos Santos Boutique Hotel sits in the heart of Baja California Sur’s first Pueblo Mágico and remakes the abode of a Spanish countess. Lodging comprises 10 villas and suites — each featuring balconies, plunge pools or both — and at least one hand-painted mural depicting a scene in Mexican history. But it’s in the La Copa cocktail bar and 1890 restaurant where you can really disconnect, as a moody atmosphere and leather armchairs transport you back in time. — One Michelin Key.
A new standard in Mexican hospitality
This upsurge of Michelin key hotels in Mexico, ranging from jungle retreats to urban sanctuaries, positions Mexico as a luxury destination where travelers can find world-class experiences in virtually any setting they prefer.
These eight newest designations for 2025 prove that the Mexican hospitality industry’s commitment to innovate, surprise and set new standards for travel is just getting started.
Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog or follow her on Instagram.
