Perched dramatically above the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur’s legendary Post Ranch Inn has once again captured one of the hospitality industry’s highest honors, earning a Three Key designation in the MICHELIN Guide’s MICHELIN Key list, for the second consecutive year. As the only Three Key hotel in California’s Monterey County and one of just 16 nationwide, Post Ranch Inn stands at the apex of hospitality excellence, signifying the pinnacle of comfort, service, style, and elegance.
This recognition arrives on the heels of another extraordinary achievement as Post Ranch Inn was selected as a nominee for the MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural Local Gateway Award. As one of just five properties worldwide, and the sole U.S. hotel honored with a nomination, this award recognized hotels for creating a profound sense of place and authentically connecting guests to its local surroundings.
Recognized by MICHELIN for its breathtaking beauty and serene setting, Post Ranch Inn rises 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean atop Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs - a testament of sustainable luxury and artistic inspiration. The property's breathtaking beauty lies in its biophilic design, where its architecture blends seamlessly into the landscape, offering absolute privacy, intentional disconnection, and a deep, authentic connection to the wild spirit of Big Sur.
"Our team is truly honored to be recognized as a Three Key property by the MICHELIN Guide for the second year in a row,” said Tim Lee, General Manager of Post Ranch Inn. “Given MICHELIN’s global reputation for travel excellence, this accolade is especially meaningful. We look forward to continuing to welcome guests from around the world to experience the magic of Big Sur and everything that makes Post Ranch Inn unique. This is truly a testament to our incredible team members, whose dedication and care help make Post Ranch Inn a place worth returning to time and again.”
Now in its second year, the MICHELIN Key is a global distinction introduced to recognize the most exceptional hotels in the world. While the MICHELIN Guide has recommended hotels since the 1920s, its recent transformation into a modern, comprehensive travel resource has elevated the standard. Today, the Guide features over 7,000 hotels worldwide, each selected for excellence in design, architecture, service, and character. The MICHELIN Key highlights the very best of these establishments, celebrating those that deliver truly outstanding and memorable experiences through immersive concepts, distinctive character, warm welcomes, and intuitive service.
Post Ranch Inn’s Three Key designation complements an ever-growing impressive list of accolades throughout 2025, including:
2025 has been an exciting year for Post Ranch Inn, highlighted by several new, transformative guest experiences including a Celestron telescope for immersive on-site stargazing under Big Sur’s pristine evening skies, ongoing wellness offerings including Shaman sessions with the esteemed Rob Sommers, an ever-evolving seasonal menu at the MICHELIN Guide-recognized Sierra Mar restaurant, an exclusive sleep optimization program, and much more.
Post Ranch Inn is operated by Bay Area-based, Passport Resorts, which also proudly operates the striking and historic Cavallo Point in Sausalito – a 2025 recipient of Two MICHELIN Keys.
Reservations can be booked through Post Ranch Inn’s dedicated reservations team at reservations@postranchinn.com or by calling +1 (800) 527-2200.
