Three of Bahrain’s leading hospitality destinations have received much-sought-after Michelin Keys this year.
The Michelin Guide hotel selection features nine hotels in Bahrain, of which three have been awarded Michelin Keys – the hotel equivalent of a Michelin star.
In addition to the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Raffles Al Areen Palace also received two Michelin Keys each.
The other Bahrain-based hotels now featured in the Michelin Guide include The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain and Hawar Resort By Mantis.
“This second global selection of the Michelin Keys reflects the extraordinary momentum driving the hospitality sector once again this year,” explained Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullenec. “With 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.”
The Merchant House in Manama also received a Michelin Key.
The Michelin Guide’s global hotel selection now spans more than 9,400 hotels, including 2,832 which received a Key.
Around the world, there are 155 three-Key, 657 two-Key and 2,020 one-Key hotels. Across Asia and the Middle East, there are only 600 Michelin Key hotels.
“In Bahrain, the 2026 hotel selection features nine hotels in total, including three Michelin Key hotels, with the selection centred on Manama, underlining the capital’s position as one of the region’s emerging hospitality destinations,” a spokesperson from the company said in a statement.
The Michelin Guide’s hotel selection is based on the work of its inspectors, who travel anonymously and independently to identify hotels offering outstanding experiences.
The selection spans a wide range of properties, from historic landmarks and grand hotels to independent boutiques, remote retreats and innovative new openings.
Introduced in 2024 across 15 destinations in North America, Europe and Asia, the Michelin Key has since expanded into a global distinction.
Hotels are awarded Keys based on the level of experience they offer – one for a very special stay, two for an exceptional stay and three for an extraordinary stay.
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