Michelin Rates 3 Illinois Hotels as ‘Most Exceptional’ in the U.S.

If you've watched the TV series "The Bear" about an up-and-coming restaurant in Chicago, then you know how important getting a Michelin star is for an eating establishment.

Having that Michelin star says your restaurant is not just a place to get food but an entire culinary experience. And you can expect to wait a long time to get reservations and likely pay a premium for the "experience" after a star is awarded to a restaurant.

RELATED: Illinois Can Brag That We Now Have Two Michelin 3-Star Restaurants

Michelin's restaurant ranking system consists of one, two, and three stars with the three-star being the most prestigious.

What Are The Differences Between a One-Star and a Three-Star Restaurant

According to Michelin, a restaurant that receives one star has "high-quality cooking" and is "worth the stop." Two-star restaurants are spots where you can get "excellent cooking" and the eatery is "worth a detour."

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The rare three-star restaurant offers "exceptional cuisine" and is "worth a special journey," according to Michelin.

Michelin Rates The Best Hotels Around The World With 'Keys'

According to a story from the Chicago Tribune, Michelin is now giving out "keys" to reward the best Hotels around the U.S. just like they have used the 3-star system for restaurants.

There are more than 1,000 luxury hotels in the U.S. and only 11 were awarded with the prestigious three-keys, none located in Illinois or Wisconsin.

Of the hotels in America that received a Michelin two-keys award, three of them are in Illinois and all in Chicago:

Pendry Chicago

The Langham

The Peninsula Chicago

5 Illinois hotels received a Michelin one-key award:

• Chicago Athletic Association
• Nobu Hotel Chicago
• The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
• Viceroy Chicago
• Waldorf Astoria Chicago

124 U.S. hotels were awarded with Michelin "Keys." CLICK HERE to see the entire list.