The globally respected Michelin Guide has finally expanded to southern Africa, with the Michelin Key shining a spotlight on unforgettable hotels and lodges across the region, while setting an independent benchmark for exceptional hospitality experiences.
We are thrilled to share that Ellerman House has been awarded Two Michelin Keys, a ranking reserved for world-class hotels deemed to offer “an exceptional stay”.
“It’s truly fantastic to have the Michelin Guide in South Africa's hospitality space, and we are honoured to have received a Two Keys rating from the inspectors,” comments Carol Kohne, CEO of Ellerman House. “We have long benchmarked ourselves against the best hospitality products in the world, not only in South Africa, and this latest accolade shows that we are getting it right.”
“125 years after its creation as a guide for discerning travellers, The Michelin Guide is once again redefining excellence – this time in the world of hospitality,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The Michelin Guide. “Just as Michelin Stars celebrate the world’s most exceptional restaurants, Michelin Keys now honour hotels that offer truly remarkable stays, where design, service, and location come together to create unforgettable moments. “
The Michelin Keys concept launched in 2024, with just a handful of destinations worldwide. The 2025 edition of the Michelin Keys has seen a dramatic expansion, with the guide’s (famously anonymous) inspectors reviewing more than 7000 hotels across over 100 countries.
Of those, just 2457 hotels were awarded Michelin Keys, with only 572 worldwide receiving – like Ellerman House – a coveted Two Keys rating. Globally, only 143 hotels earned the highest rating of Three Keys, and just 27 hotels and safari lodges in South Africa earned a Michelin Key ranking.
Crucially, the judging for the awarding of Michelin Keys evaluates the entire hospitality experience, with anonymous inspectors assessing five criteria: architectural and interior character; quality and consistency of service; overall personality; contribution to the destination; and value relative to category. That scoring determines if the destination is worthy of one of the three-tiered ‘Key’ ratings. One Key for “A Very Special” Stay, Two Keys for “An Exceptional Stay”, or Three Keys for “An Extraordinary Stay”.
“What we really value about the Michelin Key is its independence and breadth,” adds Kohne. “It judges the entire guest experience, not only a single department, which really raises the bar for consistency. That aligns with how we operate: every touchpoint matters, from the warm welcome on arrival to our South African-inspired culinary experiences to the perfectly framed ocean view that gives guests a true sense of place. Now, our commitment is to meet that exacting Two Key standard every day, and for every guest.”
The Michelin Guide Two Keys rating is also just the latest in a strong string of awards for Ellerman House.
As well as being featured as one of just 16 ‘editor-approved hotels’ in Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Places to Go in 2025 list, Ellerman House was again listed in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller (US) Reader’s Choice Awards. Cape Town’s global appeal is also showing, with our nomination for best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Travel + Leisure India's Best Awards 2025. Ellerman House was also named in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, being voted #2 City Hotel in Africa and the top City Hotel in Cape Town!
And in a happy coincidence, Ellerman House concierge Yassir Embrahim recently won his own set of ‘golden keys’ when he earned membership of the exclusive Les Clefs d’Or, a global fraternity of the world’s best concierges. With a history stretching back nearly a century, to the founding of Union Internationale des Concierges d’Hôtel, today the ‘Golden Keys’ are hailed as the Michelin stars of the concierge world.
As Cape Town gears up for its busy summer season, luxury travellers with an eye for setting, service, authenticity and hospitality now have a global benchmark to consider when choosing where to stay. At Ellerman House, we look forward to helping local and international guests unlock the beauty of South Africa’s ‘Mother City’.
180 Kloof Road,
Bantry Bay, 8005
Cape Town, South Africa
