Five Bulgarian hotels have earned the prestigious MICHELIN Key, according to official Michelin data for the 2026 rankings. These distinguished properties are:
- Junó Hotel Sofia;
- InterContinental Sofia;
- Kashmir Wellness & Spa Hotel in Velingrad;
- AYA Estate Relais & Châteaux near Melnik;
- Blu Bay Hotel Sozopol.
A total of 12 hotels have been included in the overall MICHELIN Guide Bulgaria selection. In addition to the five Key holders, the others are Sense Hotel Sofia, Oborishte 63 (The Art Boutique Hotel), Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko, Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, Sea Sense in Sozopol, Ensana Aquahouse in Varna, and Wine and SPA Hotel Chukara.
Blu Bay Hotel Sozopol is the newest addition to this year's list. Founded in 2017, the hotel already boasts a solid international reputation – in 2024, the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association named it the "Best Five-Star Seaside Boutique Hotel," and in 2025, it won three awards from the World Luxury Hotel Awards.
Michelin defines earning a Key as providing a "very special stay." It is a symbol of a hotel that possesses its own individuality and character, offering service that goes beyond the standards of its category. Unlike the traditional star system, this distinction places the emphasis on the overall guest experience.
The nine properties recognized in the 2025 rankings were awarded certificates by the Ministry of Tourism for impeccable quality, high professionalism, and a significant contribution to establishing the authority of Bulgaria as a destination. Prior to this, the media had already highlighted the Bulgarian hotels in the MICHELIN Guide selection, emphasizing their consistent quality, connection to the destination, and high level of service.
At the end of last year, the capital officially underwent a culinary audit. This step represents the key first phase in the process for potentially including Sofia in the MICHELIN selection.