Michelin Guide Keys 2024: Ripon's Grantley Hall ‘truly honoured’ as Yorkshire's only hotel entry

The Michelin Guide has launched the Key selection for Great Britain and Ireland for the first time.

Now the UK and Ireland has 14 three-key hotels, 37 two-key establishments, and 72 one-key recipients in its current roll call.

Grantley Hall, in Ripon, a standout member of both Relais & Châteaux and Pride of Britain Hotels, has been acknowledged for its exceptional architecture, consistent quality of service, unique character, and its enriching contribution to its locality.

The hotel received two Michelin Keys in the awards, making it the only Yorkshire hotel to be recognised.

Michelin Keys are awarded by the Michelin Guide to hotels, recognising excellence in service, architecture, interior design, and guest experience.

These accolades, similar to Michelin Stars for restaurants, categorise hotels into tiers based on their level of luxury and quality.

The property's accolades continue with a recent third-place finish in the 'Rest of the UK' category of the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards—a testament to its ascending popularity and recognition by guests, marking a significant rise from its 26th place in 2022 and seventh in 2023.

General Manager Nuno César de Sá expressed his gratitude and future aspirations by saying, “To be awarded two Michelin Keys is a huge honour and testament to the tremendous journey Grantley Hall has enjoyed during the five years since its opening.

“This award not only cements Grantley Hall as the leading luxury hotel in the North, but also as a key player in the UK’s wider luxury hospitality arena, which is a highly competitive and fast-evolving landscape.

“My team and I are excited to continue to explore new ways to innovate and inspire our guests moving forward.”

Since its opening in 2019 following an extensive four-year renovation, Grantley Hall has not only featured 47 rooms and five restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, but also three stylish bars and an award-winning spa.

Richard Sykes, Managing Director at Grantley Hall, echoed this pride, emphasising the guest-focused ethos that has driven their success: “I am immensely proud of our recent achievement in securing two Michelin Keys. This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to excellence and we are truly honoured.

“Everything we do is centred around our guests, ensuring that each visit is filled with unforgettable experiences.

“This accolade is a testament to our team's dedication and passion and it strengthens our resolve to continue delivering the very best.”

According to Michelin, two Keys means “an exceptional stay”.

The award stated a hotel that gets two Keys is “somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed.

“A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s operated with obvious pride and considerable care.

“Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.”