7 D.C. hotels win Michelin "key" awards

The Michelin Guide just released its first-ever hotel rankings for the U.S., bestowing "key" awards for outstanding properties in seven locales including the District.

Why it matters: Michelin's hotel keys are like restaurant star rankings — a big international distinction that's been years in the making for the U.S.

The big picture: Over 5,000 hotels are Michelin-ranked globally. For this new American list, California, Colorado, Florida, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and D.C. were all eligible for keys.

• Seven D.C. properties made the cut.

How it works: Reviewers judged hotels on five criteria: architecture and interior design, service, "overall personality and character," value for the price, and "a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting."

• Keys rank from one to three, with three being the best.

Zoom in: No three keys for D.C.

Two keys

• Rosewood Washington, D.C. (Georgetown)
• The Jefferson (Downtown)

One key

• Eaton D.C. (Downtown)
• Pendry Washington DC (The Wharf)
• Riggs Washington DC (Penn Quarter)
• The Dupont Circle Hotel (Dupont Circle)
• The Hay-Adams Hotel (Downtown)