The Michelin Guide announced, on 18 September, the new Michelin Keys awarded to Portuguese hotels, bringing the total number of recognised properties in Portugal to 69, 16 more than in 2025. Among the recognised properties are two hotels from The Lince Hotels Group: The Lince Braga, which receives its first Michelin Key, and The Lince Santa Clara, in Vila do Conde, which retains the two Keys awarded in previous years.
The Lince Braga: a first Michelin Key
Opened in June 2026 in Serra da Falperra, The Lince Braga is the latest hotel from the group to join the Michelin Guide, less than a year after opening. With 77 rooms and suites, contemporary architecture designed in dialogue with the surrounding natural landscape, and Altus Wellness Spa as its wellness anchor, the hotel has been recognised as a very special stay, reflecting Braga’s emergence as one of Northern Portugal’s most dynamic destinations.
The Lince Santa Clara: two Michelin Keys revalidated
Meanwhile, The Lince Santa Clara, in Vila do Conde, consolidates its track record of recognition by retaining the two Michelin Keys awarded in previous years. Housed in a former 16th-century convent, the hotel combines historic heritage, contemporary architecture and a culinary offering anchored by Oculto restaurant, which has also been awarded a Michelin Star — a combination that has strengthened the hotel’s reputation among those seeking a stay in Portugal complemented by outstanding gastronomy.
Two Michelin Keys supporting the group’s strategy
The two distinctions come at a time of consolidation for The Lince Hotels Group’s strategy, which has been expanding its presence across Portugal through projects with a strong architectural identity and a close connection to their surroundings — from the Azores (The Lince Azores, The Lince Nordeste) to Évora (The Lince EcorkHotel), Vila do Conde (The Lince Santa Clara) and, more recently, Braga (The Lince Braga), with Hotel Turismo da Guarda already announced as the group’s next project.
“Having two hotels from the group recognised by the Michelin Guide, one of them in its very first year of operation, confirms that we are on the right path: building a Portuguese hotel brand recognised for its quality, authenticity and the way each property connects with its region,” says Domingos Correia, Board Member of Grupo Arliz.
“These Michelin Keys are not a final destination, but an incentive for us to continue raising our standards with every new The Lince Hotels project, whether in Braga, Vila do Conde or in the next destinations where the group will establish a presence,” adds Domingos Correia.
With these two distinctions, The Lince Hotels Group reinforces its ambition to position The Lince Hotels among the leading names in Portugal’s boutique hotel sector, combining contemporary architecture, local identity and high service standards in each new property.
How the Michelin Keys are awarded
Introduced in 2024, Michelin Keys recognise hotels that Michelin Guide inspectors consider to offer a truly special stay — a distinction for hotels equivalent to what Michelin Stars represent in the restaurant industry, but assessed according to their own criteria, focusing on architecture, interior design, quality of service and the personality of each property. The distinction is awarded at three levels: One Key marks “a very special stay”; Two Keys recognise “an exceptional stay”; and Three Keys, the highest level, distinguish “an extraordinary stay” — awarded in Portugal to just two hotels in the country. It is important to note that Michelin Keys are independent of Michelin Stars, which are awarded to restaurants: this is the case with Oculto, the restaurant at The Lince Santa Clara, which has already been awarded a Michelin Star for its culinary offering — a distinction that is separate from the one now awarded to the hotel as an accommodation experience.
INFO: thelincehotels.com