Needless to say, I am honestly surprised. Not because I do not trust the Italian Hotellerie. Simply speaking, to win this kind of competition led by Michelin Guide looks like to win a rugby match in Paris.
Anyway, let’s have a toast (with our Italian Spumante!) and let’s honour the fair play of the ‘only guide that counts’, as Paul Bocuse, one of the Father’s of the Nouvelle Cuisine, declared in the 1960.
So lets sum up the final result. Italy first with 224 hotels quoted, France second with 220. Bronze medal to Great Britain at 131 keys and fourth Germany at 130 keys.
If we consider ‘worlwide players’ USA leads the ranking. With a little doubt though. Their massive (official) covering of publishing costs faced by Michelin (as quoted by Wikipedia).
Among the new countries evaluated, we find Armenia, Benin, Botswana, Kazahstan, Liechtenstein, Mongolia, Myanmar, Ruanda, Slovakia and Zimbabwe.
Going back to Italy, 158 hotels received 1 key (34 new entries), 49 two keys (six new entries) and 17 three keys. Among them, 4 hotels reached the Peak, either as a new entry or getting promoted, The real zenith of the excellence. Firenze, Amalfi, Portofino e Venezia the 4 hosting locations. The only curiosity... 3 out of four of the Gems are owned and ran by foreign Groups. Only Borgo Santandrea is the expression of Italian Hotellerie. Not to mention, Firenze, Venice and Portofino are residences whose histories extend well beyond hundred years. To sum up, Italy 'still' offers in the 3-keys-category reminiscence, luxury and history, culture and vibe from the Ancient Times, which is a 'not so easy to find style' in the most of other countries.
Rates in b/b basis? Do not expect below 1600 Eur per night, in the so defined 'calm season'.
— Ettore Bellucci