After debuting in the Michelin Keys Selection last year with four hotels, Malaysia has successfully garnered another five recognitions this year.
The global Michelin Keys for 2026 was announced by Michelin Guide recently, with hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang and Langkawi (Kedah) among the properties receiving their first Michelin distinctions.
All five of the Malaysian hotels were awarded with One Key.
Of these hotels, two are located in Penang’s George Town, marking the first properties in the state to receive the Keys.
The first is Cheong Fatt Tze – The Qing Suites, the sister hotel to the famed Blue Mansion. The hotel, opened last December, features 13 suites and a spa focused on traditional Chinese medicine.
The second hotel is Soori Penang, which just opened in January. The luxury boutique heritage hotel is located next to the historic Khoo Kongsi clan house and museum.
Johor also now boasts a Michelin Keys property, as Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast has also earned the distinction. The beachfront luxury resort also officially opened its doors earlier this year in January, after taking over the previous brand, The One&Only Desaru Coast.
Another luxury beach resort also makes the selection, at the same time earning Langkawi its second Michelin Keys property. The Datai Langkawi, which celebrates its 33rd anniversary this year, makes the fourth Malaysian hotel to earn the Keys this year.
Last but not least is Park Hyatt KL, which opened in August 2025. The luxury hotel serves provides guests with panoramic views of KL from the upper floors of the world’s second-tallest building, Merdeka 118.
This marks the fourth hotel in the capital city to earn a One Key distinction.
Last year, three hotels earned the accolade, namely Else KL, which is set in the 1930s Art Deco Lee Rubber Building; The Ruma Hotel & Residences, offering guests stunning views of the nearby PETRONAS Twin Towers; and Four Seasons Hotel KL, located right next to the iconic towers, allowing easy access to tourists.
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, which was included in the selection last year, is the only property in Malaysia to earn a Two Keys distinction to date.
Among the nine countries in South-East Asia with Michelin Keys hotels, Malaysia is tied at sixth place with the Philippines, with both countries now having nine Michelin Keys properties each.
Thailand takes the top spot with 71 Key hotels, followed by Indonesia (47), Vietnam (21), Cambodia (12) and Singapore (11). Laos currently has two Key hotels, while Myanmar has one.
Michelin Keys is the hotel equivalent of the Michelin Stars for restaurants. Now in its third year, it has awarded over 9,000 hotels across the globe with One to Three Keys.
The Keys are awarded based on ratings done by Michelin Guide Inspectors, who would stay anonymously at the hotels and evaluate each location firsthand.
