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

Evan Moore, Service Journalism Reporter
The Charlotte Observer
October 9, 2025

Proximity Hotel receives 2025 Michelin Key

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.

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, and 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.

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)

Dreamer’s Welcome
Location: 118 S. 4th St., Wilmington, NC 28401
Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

The Ivey’s Hotel
Location: 127 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

Proximity Hotel
Location: 704 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC 27408
Michelin rating: One Key (very special stay)

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.

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for United States hotels in 2025 – Proximity Hotel

Proximity Hotel |  One MICHELIN Key | A very special stay

Stay in sustainable style at the employee-owned Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina. Discover custom-designed furnishings, commissioned art and innovative design in every corner of our AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel. Savor fresh European flavors at Print Works Bistro with creekside dining and an energetic bar with craft cocktails. Unwind in modern loft-like guestrooms and many gathering spaces. Find extraordinary events and bespoke weddings.

Additional Related Articles about Proximity’s Michelin Key

News & Record | October 13, 2025 | Greensboro Hotel Awarded National Honor

News & Record | October 10, 2025 | Which Greensboro Hotel Earned Prestigious Michelin key? It’s one of just 5 in NC

News & Record | October 10, 2025 | See Images of Greensboro’s Proximity Hotel, Recipient of a Prestigious Michelin Key

The Herald | October 9, 2025 | 5 NC hotels recognized with Michelin Keys as some of the country’s top stays

Charlotte Observer | September 18, 2024 | 5 NC Hotels awarded Michelin Keys as ‘most outstanding hotels’ in the US

Country1037fm.com | September 19, 2024 | 5 North Carolina Hotels Get Michelin Keys And 1 Very Close

Print works Bistro | Rated Top 100 in USA: Brunch,
Date Nights & Outdoor Dining!

Proximity Hotel

Greensboro, North Carolina

Nestled in the picturesque city of Greensboro, North Carolina, Proximity Hotel truly puts sustainability at the forefront of everything they do. As the first hotel in America to receive the LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, this property is focused on reducing the amount of energy and water use of its guests. The hotel, which is 100 percent employee owned, supports local farmers and food vendors while also buying supplies and equipment from companies that use credibly sustainable practices.

See the full list on guide.michelin.com. See Proximity’s listing here.

Proximity Hotel
Proximity Hotel and Print Works Bistro facade late summer 2025. Garden Trellis provides abundant shade and a cool place to have a cocktail with friends.

Print Works Bistro

adjacent to Proximity Hotel

Extraordinary Flavors, Vibrant Dining
Print Works Bistro, employee trust owned and located adjacent to Proximity Hotel, features classical and modern versions of French bistro dishes created with locally sourced food. There are more than 75 wines by the glass selections from our Wine Spectator Award of Excellence list and a craft cocktail list that changes with the seasons.

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