The Philippines has expanded its MICHELIN Key hotel selection to nine properties in 2026, up from five hotels recognised in the inaugural 2025 selection.
The latest selection, announced on 18 September, includes two hotels with Two MICHELIN Keys and seven with One MICHELIN Key. Raffles Makati was promoted from One Key to Two Keys, while El Nido Resorts Lagen Island made its debut with Two MICHELIN Keys.
Four properties also joined the One MICHELIN Key list for the first time: NUSTAR Hotel Cebu, El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island, Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts and Manami Resort in Sipalay City.
They join three hotels that retained their One MICHELIN Key distinctions from 2025: Nay Palad Hideaway in Siargao, Fairmont Makati and Amanpulo on Pamalican Island.
Two Hotels Receive Two MICHELIN Keys
Raffles Makati’s promotion gives the Makati property its second MICHELIN Key after receiving One Key in the 2025 selection. The hotel is known for its all-suite accommodation, personal butler service and access to amenities shared with neighbouring Fairmont Makati.
El Nido Resorts Lagen Island becomes the Philippines’ other Two-Key property. Located in a forested cove overlooking Bacuit Bay in Palawan, the resort combines accommodation and outdoor experiences with a focus on its natural surroundings and environmental stewardship.
The other new One-Key properties extend the selection beyond the destinations represented in the country’s first MICHELIN Key list.
NUSTAR Hotel Cebu is joined by El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island in Palawan, Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts and Manami Resort in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
The MICHELIN Key is the hotel equivalent of the MICHELIN Star for restaurants. Hotels are assessed according to five criteria: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, personality and character, value for money, and the hotel’s contribution to its setting or destination.
One Key represents a very special stay, while Two Keys recognise an exceptional stay. Three Keys are the highest distinction in the hotel selection.
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MICHELIN Key Selection Expands Globally
The 2026 Philippine announcement forms part of a wider expansion of the MICHELIN Key selection. Globally, the 2026 list contains 2,832 hotels across 79 countries, including 155 Three-Key properties, 657 Two-Key properties and 2,020 One-Key hotels. Almost 470 properties were newly distinguished this year.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, said the latest selection reflects continued development across the global hospitality sector.
“This second global selection of the MICHELIN Keys reflects the extraordinary momentum driving the hospitality sector once again this year.”
He also said hoteliers were developing more immersive, personalised and experiential approaches to the guest experience.
The Philippines’ expansion from five MICHELIN Key hotels in 2025 to nine in 2026 brings additional destinations into the international hotel selection, spanning Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Siargao and Negros Occidental.
