Two New Forest hotels have been recognised in a new awards scheme from the Michelin Guide.

The Michelin Keys have been created to recognise outstanding hotels around the UK which is the "culmination of countless hours of evaluation" from inspectors.

A hotel can be awarded One, Two or Three Keys, which is the equivalent of Michelin stars for a restaurant.

Discussing the Keys, the Michelin Guide explained: "These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveller, each vetted by our hotel experts and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design; quality and consistency of service; overall personality and character; value for the price; and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting."

The full list of the UK winners of Michelin Keys for 2024 can be found on the website here.

Which New Forest hotels won Michelin Keys?

The two New Forest hotels recognised in the awards scheme were:

  • Lime Wood Hotel, Lyndhurst (Two Keys)
  • Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Milton (Two Keys)

Lime Wood Hotel

Lime Wood Hotel is said to have a "casual, almost effortless luxury" alongside "a layer of crisp, contemporary interior design".

The profile adds: "There’s a very fine yet totally unpretentious restaurant, with a resolutely fresh-and-local menu by chefs Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, and a spa that’s just luxe enough.

"Lime Wood’s price point means it’s not exactly a budget offering, which makes the lack of pomp and circumstance even a bit more daring — a less confident hotel would be tempted to cram in as much gilt as possible, so as to really earn every last pound. Lime Wood gets the balance just right — which is something worth paying for."

Alongside that, the hotel has earned a score of 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor from 1,917 reviews.

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa has earned a 4.5/5 score on Tripadvisor from 3,128 reviews and is said to be in a "spectacular" location.

The profile adds: "As scenic as the surroundings may be, many guests may never get to see them — the hotel is luxurious enough that to tear oneself from the grounds requires a supreme effort.

"The exterior may be simply that of a very big house in the country, but within the walls is a completely modernized luxury hotel."

Recommended reading:

One of its biggest selling points is its spa, which the Michelin Guide describe as "one of the best in England".

There's a huge array of treatments on offer there, but if you don't fancy that, then there is also plenty to do in terms of outdoor activities.

The profile explains: "On the grounds one may indulge in golf, tennis and croquet, while shooting and riding can be arranged nearby. If you are feeling adventurous, the hotel staff is happy to arrange fishing expeditions, 4x4 excursions into the New Forest, and even sailing the Solent."