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5 NC hotels recognized with Michelin Keys as some of the country’s top stays

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A serene, light-filled bedroom suite with pale, textured walls and hardwood floors. The room features a low-profile bed covered in neutral, taupe linens, centered on a light beige area rug. The bed faces an arched alcove with large windows that overlook greenery. To the left, there is a small wooden desk, and a large, beaded chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

The Romantic suite at DREAMERS by DW in downtown Wilmington.


Courtesy of DREAMERS by DW

North Carolina’s hotel scene is officially on the map — and Michelin has taken notice.

The prestigious travel guide has awarded several hotels across the state with its sought-after Michelin Keys, a distinction that celebrates the best places to stay around the world.

Much like the famous Michelin Stars that honor top-tier restaurants, the Michelin Key program recognizes hotels that go above and beyond for travelers. This year marks only the third time Michelin has handed out these awards, and five North Carolina properties made the cut.

Earning One, Two, or Three Keys signals just how special each spot is, from “a very special stay” to “an extraordinary stay” worthy of the highest praise.

These five hotels also appeared on last year’s list of Michelin Key properties, CharlotteFive previously reported.

ARRIVE Wilmington

Location: 101 S. 2nd St., Wilmington, NC 28401

Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

Blind Tiger Asheville

Location: 173 E. Chestnut St., Asheville, NC 28801

Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

An exterior photo taken at twilight of the Blind Tiger Asheville guesthouse, a large, dark shingle-style house with many illuminated windows, a steep pitched roof, and a prominent brick chimney. The foreground features a lush, manicured garden with a wooden bench, lit by numerous small ground lights and flanked by large trees.
Blind Tiger Asheville is located at 173 E Chestnut St. Matthew Lovette Courtesy of Blind Tiger Asheville website

A cozy, eclectic hotel bedroom with teal blue walls and a matching ceiling. The room features a large bed with white bedding centered on a dark area rug. To the left, a large black fireplace mantel frames a roaring fire and a piece of abstract art. Two sets of stacked, light wood side tables sit near the fireplace. Large windows with patterned sheer curtains flank the room.
Blind Tiger Asheville is a 14-room property. Courtesy of Blind Tiger Asheville website

Dreamer’s Welcome

Location: 118 S. 4th St., Wilmington, NC 28401

Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

A serene, light-filled bedroom suite with pale, textured walls and hardwood floors. The room features a low-profile bed covered in neutral, taupe linens, centered on a light beige area rug. The bed faces an arched alcove with large windows that overlook greenery. To the left, there is a small wooden desk, and a large, beaded chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
The Romantic suite at DREAMERS by DW in downtown Wilmington. Courtesy of DREAMERS by DW

A bright, modern bohemian living room with white walls and wood floors. The center features a wicker hanging chair between two large windows dressed with beige curtains. In the foreground, there is a round black terrazzo coffee table on a light-colored hide rug. The room is decorated with a large dried palm arrangement, abstract wall art, a potted plant, and a light pink upholstered armchair.
The Dreamer suite at DREAMERS by DW in downtown Wilmington. Courtesy of DREAMERS by DW

The Ivey’s Hotel

Location: 127 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

An eye-level exterior photo of the Ivey’s Hotel & Residences entrance. The building facade is made of brown stone, with a large, ornamental, art-deco style lamp hanging over the revolving glass doors. The Ivey’s logo is prominently featured in a white script above the entrance, with a black awning underneath stating “Hotel & Residences.” The entrance is flanked by large white columns and a tree with green leaves on the left.
The Ivey’s Hotel is located in Uptown Charlotte at 127 N Tryon St. Peyton Lea

A luxurious hotel bedroom featuring a large bed with white linens, framed by deep purple damask wallpaper and cream-colored paneling. A purple velvet bench sits at the foot of the bed, and sheer gray curtains hang over the window. Ornate wall sconces flank the upholstered headboard.
There are 47 different rooms for guests to stay in at The Ivey’s Hotel. Peyton Lea

A luxurious, dimly-lit library or lounge with red walls completely covered in an eclectic gallery of framed vintage art and clocks. The room features a dark brown leather Chesterfield sofa, a matching club chair, and a round wooden coffee table. Multiple ornate glass chandeliers hang above the center of the room. The floor is covered by a patterned Oriental-style rug.
The Library Lounge in The Ivey’s Hotel is available for guests to read a book, work or grab a drink. Peyton Lea

Proximity Hotel

Location: 704 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC 27408

Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

2025 Michelin Guide top hotels

Michelin’s inspectors evaluate hotels via anonymous stays or visits, according to the company’s website.

They assess properties on five core criteria:

  • Excellence in architecture and interior design 
  • Quality and consistency of service
  • Overall personality and character
  • Value relative to price
  • Meaningful contribution to the hotel’s setting or local experience

A hotel must perform well across all these areas to earn a Michelin Key, the company says.

Including the five North Carolina hotels recognized among the most outstanding across the country, the 2025 MICHELIN Guide U.S. hotel selection is made up of 16 Three Key hotels, 69 Two Key hotel, and 232 One Key hotels. You can find that full list online at guide.michelin.com.

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Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.

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