Top Hotels in New York: Michelin Guide’s Best Picks for Excellence and Sustainability

A Finger Lakes hotel, praised for being “contemporary classic and quiet,” has recently earned recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide. The **Inns of Aurora**, located in Aurora, New York, was awarded a One Key designation, signifying it as “a very special stay.” This honor was shared with seven other hotels in upstate New York and one on Long Island.

The Michelin Guide, originally created by the tire company to encourage road trips (and thus tire sales), began as a travel guidebook highlighting restaurants and other stops along the way. It started awarding stars to restaurants in Europe in 1926. Today, it also recognizes exceptional hotels.

“We are humbled and deeply grateful to both our treasured guests and Michelin for this recognition,” said Alex Schloop, Director of Marketing and Creative Director at the Inns of Aurora. “It is an honor to bring national attention to Aurora and the Finger Lakes — our passionate, hard-working team could not be more proud.”

### Why the Inns of Aurora Was Chosen

The **Inns of Aurora** is located at 391 Main St., Aurora, and offers 55 rooms spread across five historic inns along the shores of Cayuga Lake. These inns — Aurora Inn, E.B. Morgan House, Rowland House, Zabriskie House, and Wallcourt Hall — were built between 1833 and 1909 and restored between 2003 and 2019. Each inn has its own unique style, and the property offers several dining options, including the Village Market, Fargo Bar & Grill, 1833 Kitchen & Bar, and the Aurora Cook! demonstration kitchen.

According to the Michelin Guide, “The comforts throughout are high-end, but not flashy about it — as plush as it is, there’s nothing gaudy or opulent about these inns.”

Sustainability is also a key focus at the Inns of Aurora. The property uses renewable energy, energy-efficient heating, cooling, and lighting. Local farms supply produce, and the staff, hired locally with fair wages and benefits, are trained in sustainability best practices. The inns also work to restore and protect local ecosystems and wildlife.

### What Are Michelin Keys?

The Michelin Key is a distinction for the best hotels worldwide, similar to the Michelin Star for restaurants. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, explained that the Michelin Key “is a clear, reliable indication for travelers” that a hotel offers an exceptional experience.

### Michelin Key Tiers

There are three levels of recognition in the Michelin Key program:

– **One Key**: A “very special stay” that stands out for its character and personality, offering a superior experience compared to similarly priced accommodations.
– **Two Keys**: An “exceptional stay” known for memorable experiences, with a focus on character, charm, and pride in its operations.
– **Three Keys**: An “extraordinary stay” representing the highest standards of comfort, service, and luxury. These hotels are considered destinations in themselves, ensuring a stay that will be remembered fondly by travelers.

### How Does a Hotel Earn a Michelin Key?

To receive a Michelin Key, hotels must meet five key criteria:

1. Serve as a destination that enhances the local experience.
2. Exhibit excellence in architecture and interior design.
3. Provide consistent quality in service, comfort, and maintenance.
4. Reflect a unique personality and character.
5. Offer an experience that matches the price paid.

### Other New York Hotels Recognized by the Michelin Guide

In addition to the Inns of Aurora, eight other New York hotels recently received One Key awards from the Michelin Guide.

*Emily Barnes covers consumer-related topics for the USA TODAY Network’s NY-Connect Team, focusing on scams and recalls. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at [@byemilybarnes](https://twitter.com/ByEmilyBarnes). You can reach her at [ebarnes@gannett.com](mailto:ebarnes@gannett.com).*

Source: lohud.com

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