Roundup: My Favorite Michelin Key Hotels in France

Michelin, that French tire company and global master of culinary taste, announced its eponymous Key, the Michelin Star of hotels, in April 2024. Like the Michelin Star, the Michelin Key began in France, and has since been applied to properties in the US, Spain and Italy.

There are 189 Michelin Key hotels in France: an elite 24 with three Keys, 38 with two Keys and 127 with one Key. Of these, Fora gets perks at over three quarters (although I can still book your stay at most Key hotels, even if they’re not part of a specific perks program). 

Many of Fora’s favorite and top-booked properties made the cut, and I certainly have my eye on a few swoon-worthy newcomers. That’s the beauty of Michelin: they cover it all. Tiny, under-the-radar gems and regal grande-dames alike are eligible. The company does its due diligence.

Below, a few of my favorite Michelin Key hotels in France, separated by number of Keys.

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London, England, United Kingdom, Guides, Stays, Eats Rachel Baila London, England, United Kingdom, Guides, Stays, Eats Rachel Baila

An Insider's Guide to Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Central & West London

London never gets old. The city’s charming neighborhoods, cobblestone streets, world-class museums, multicultural dynamism and electric culinary scene are just a few reasons to visit England’s capital.

You’ll likely be spending most of your time in Central and West London, where you’ll find the city’s most popular attractions, like Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus and Big Ben. These areas are especially great if you're a London first-timer, or if you want to check off the city's greatest hits from your bucket list. But Central and West London are also home to posh neighborhoods, each with their own distinctive feel. Unsurprisingly, you’ll also find many of the city’s best hotels here, where glamor (or rather, glamour) and luxury reign.

Witness the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, don your chicest ensemble for afternoon tea, rent a paddle boat on Hyde Park's Serpentine Lake, visit the city's world-class museums — immersive activities abound. But you should also budget ample time for wandering and serendipity, as London is full of hidden gems.

There's a lot to this worldly city. Luckily, I've done all the research so you can maximize your London vacation. Below is just a taste of what London has to offer, but when you connect with me, I'll craft an itinerary tailored specifically to your travel style and preferences — and budget of course. London can be pricey, but with the right planning and expertise, the city opens up.

Ready to head across the pond? Connect with me, and I'll design your dream London vacation.

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London, England, United Kingdom, Hotel Spotlight Rachel Baila London, England, United Kingdom, Hotel Spotlight Rachel Baila

Hotel Spotlight: Flemings Mayfair Hotel

Officially founded in 1851, Flemings Mayfair is one of London's oldest and most iconic hotels — it was even the setting for an Agatha Christie novel. Its chic, 1930s-inspired interiors speak to that history, showcasing bespoke contemporary furniture with luxe textures and bold colors. The impressive dining options include the Michelin-Starred restaurant Ormer, the renowned cocktail bar Manetta's and a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience.

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England, London, United Kingdom, Hotel Spotlight Rachel Baila England, London, United Kingdom, Hotel Spotlight Rachel Baila

Hotel Spotlight: The Prince Akatoki London

This sophisticated hotel is steps away from London's top attractions, but it still serves as an urban escape. Its Japanese-inspired hospitality and clean, soothing decor (minimalist rooms, intentional organization, soft colors, a refreshing absence of clutter) make it especially inviting.

See the perks of booking with The Prince Akatoki London with us.

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Hotel Spotlight: Rosewood London

It’s no wonder Rosewood London is one of Fora's top-booked hotels in the British capital. The sophisticated, regal building is an Edwardian Belle Époque stunner. It’s also the former seat of the Pearl Assurance Company, a historic insurance provider.

From the moment you check in, you’ll feel well taken care of. This is British hospitality at its finest. The hotel is luxurious, with white-glove service. But it never feels forced and stuffy. Instead, it’s warm and inviting.

Read on to learn what makes the hotel so special. Then, reach out to plan and book your stay there (while also unlocking VIP Rosewood Elite perks).

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Stays, Europe, Croatia, Roundup Rachel Baila Stays, Europe, Croatia, Roundup Rachel Baila

Roundup: 5 Stunning Croatia Hotels

Croatia’s reputation precedes it. With historic city centers, stunning cliff sides and rolling olive groves and vineyards — not to mention the cerulean waters of the Adriatic Sea — it’s clear why Croatia is one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. 

There’s no shortage of exquisite places to stay across the country’s dynamic landscape, where guests can take in Croatia’s captivating natural beauty. Luxury hotels in Dubrovnik mix historic charm with modern amenities, putting guests steps from the Old Town’s sixth-century marvels like the Dubrovnik Palace. The bustling city of Zagreb boasts modern accommodations a short walk from the city’s main attractions, while the island of Hvar has hotels combining the feel of a beach resort with the elegance of a luxury hotel. Whether booking a stay at a historic café-turned-hotel in Split or canoodling with your partner in a private cove at the Villa Dubrovnik — these are the five best hotels to stay in when traveling to Croatia.

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Central America, Stays, Costa Rica, Roundup Rachel Baila Central America, Stays, Costa Rica, Roundup Rachel Baila

Roundup: 10 of the Best Hotels in Costa Rica

It’s no surprise that a vacation to Costa Rica, a paradise in Central America straddled by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, promises one of the dreamiest tropical getaways imaginable. A dedication to a slower, more intentional and joy-filled way of life is ever-present. Pura vida, after all, is the country’s national motto. And Costa Rica's world-class resorts make any vacation to this lush paradise even more special.

Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite Costa Rican hotels and resorts, all of which exert a deep respect and appreciation for their natural locales. These magical properties help immerse you even more deeply into Costa Rica’s unique way of life, where the pace slows, and pressing obligations fade away.

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Europe Rachel Baila Europe Rachel Baila

Roundup: 9 Chic Hotels in Paris

Think of Paris, and your imagination starts to run wild. Whether you envision picnics by the Eiffel Tower, hours exploring the Louvre Museum or trendy meals in Le Marais, Paris delivers, as do its hotels.

If you know where to check-in, Paris hotels do a très bien job of capturing the essence of the French capital within their very walls. Sumptuous fabrics and elegant decor will make guests feel like a royal in Versailles, while Michelin-Starred dining reflects the unparalleled magic of French gastronomy. From boutique hotels tucked inside the Latin Quarter (or Quartier Latin) to 5-star luxury hotels within walking distance from the Arc de Triomphe and Île de la Cité (home to Notre Dame), where you stay will set the tone for your Paris vacation.

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Roundup: 12 Incredible Wellness Retreats to Visit

Let's face it: we could all use a little self care. And while the concept of "wellness" means something different to everyone — be it a fitness bootcamp or a beachside massage (we don’t judge) — a wellness retreat for your next vacation is never a bad idea.

But where to choose? From Malibu to Mexico, there are a number of extra-special resorts that serve up wellness programs on a silver platter. We're talking glorious surroundings, luxurious accommodations and five-star service, coupled with world-class fitness programs, expert-led classes and once-in-a-lifetime spa treatments.

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Roundup: 11 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels

I love my pets; my fur babies are such an intrinsic part of our lives that, chances are, you fall asleep with a snuggle bug tucked by your feet, and wake up with them stealing your pillow. For many, the idea of traveling without their pets is too gut-wrenching to bare. Thankfully, there are a slew of pet-friendly hotels that welcome dogs, cats and even feathery friends.

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Roundup: 8 Best Hotel Swimming Pools

Whether you’re checking into a boutique hotel in Santorini or indulging in a luxury stay in New York City, sometimes the best part of a hotel is its swimming pool. Today’s hotel pools run the gamut from indoor pools to outdoor pools, infinity pools to private plunge pools. Some hotel pools mirror their surroundings, designed as an extension of the natural landscape. Other hotel pools are all about those panoramic vistas and sunset views. Some hotels offer guest rooms with whirlpools, outdoor swimming pools or hot tubs, while other hotel pools are so over-the-top, they bring everything you could want (a swim-up bar, cabanas, daybeds, cocktails and television screens) to you poolside. Be it an adult-only pool in Las Vegas or a romantic pool carved into a cliffside in Greece, these are the best hotel pools in the world.

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Roundup: 10 Best Hotels in Argentina

Maybe you’re an adventurer bound for Patagonia, or are simply *passing through* Ushuaia on your way to Antarctica. Perhaps you’re a wine-lover staying in the famed Mendoza region or soaking in the culture in the capital city of Buenos Aires. Whatever the case, Argentina has something for everyone. As an added bonus, Argentina is home to some of the most beautiful hotels in South America (and the world, for that matter).

There are boutique hotels in Buenos Aires that will find you roaming the high-end neighborhood of Recoleta or sipping Malbec in trendy Palermo. There are 5-star wine resorts where you can both drink vino and enjoy wine-inspired spa treatments with views of the Mendoza vineyards. There are cozy mountain lodges overlooking glacial lakes, where you can partake in a myriad of activities in the midst of Patagonia. There are jungle lodges with private plunge pools that bring you close to the famous waterfalls of Iguazu National Park. Just like the endless options in Argentina, this country has a hotel for everyone. Here are my picks for the best hotels in Argentina.

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