Updated, Sept. 20
The Faraway Hotel in Edgartown, the Nobnocket Boutique Inn in Vineyard Haven, and the Hob Knob Hotel in Edgartown have been awarded a “One Key” designation by the prestigious Michelin Guide. This distinction, which debuted in April 2024, is awarded by anonymous inspectors and is considered to be akin to a Michelin star distinction for restaurants.
Unlike traditional hotel rankings which adhere to certain requirements like having a spa, pool, or minimum staff-to-guest ratio, Michelin Guide issues awards to properties based on its memorability, as well as how well it reflects the local character.
The Michelin guide lists a large number of hotels but only a select few will ever receive the honor of a key. Currently only nine hotels in Massachusetts hold a Michelin key. One Key signifies a “special” stay, two make it “exceptional,” and three reflect hotels that are considered “extraordinary.”
All three of the hotels are a part of the MV Lodging Association.
“We are absolutely thrilled and honored that we have been awarded a MICHELIN Guide Key,” said Simon Hunton, owner at the Nobnocket Boutique Inn. “It is a wonderful validation of the contemporary design and unique experience that we have created at the inn. We are very proud to be in the same company as fellow MV Lodging Association members Faraway Hotel and Hob Knob Boutique Hotel in receiving this industry recognition.”
Jason Brown, the CEO of Blue Flag Capital who bought the Kelley House in 2020, redeveloped the building into the Faraway Hotel, and the doors were opened to the public in July of 2023. “We are unbelievably proud and honored to have earned a Michelin Key along with our other honorees,” Brown said. “I remember staring at this hotel as a kid and now that we are finally able to put some money and effort into bringing it back to life, we are super proud of the journey that we have been on and we are excited to remain stewards of this hotel into the foreseeable future.”
This post was updated with comments from Jason Brown.
