Michelin Key, for the second time

The Michelin Key, an accolade not yet as well-known as its sibling, the Michelin Star for restaurants, has been awarded once again. We at RUNO Hotel Porvoo were thrilled to hear that we have received this recognition for the second time.

- In 2025, we received the Michelin Key for the first time, which was a fantastic achievement as the first hotel in Finland. Now, a year later, having received the same recognition again, I couldn't be prouder of our team. Receiving the Michelin Key for the first time is a great achievement - and managing to retain it feels even more meaningful, says Erkka Hirvonen, General Manager & Founder of RUNO Hotel Porvoo.

There are five official criteria for the Michelin Key:

1. The hotel is a gateway to its destination
A hotel that receives a Key is more than just a place to sleep; it guides its guests into the soul of the city. RUNO is located on Rihkamakatu, right at the gateway to Old Porvoo. As you step out our door, you are on the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, close to the red riverside warehouses, the cathedral, and charming little boutiques. We want Porvoo to feel like home to our guests in an instant: we are happy to share our favorite cafes and walking routes. By showing their key card, our guests can hear the stories behind the small boutiques in the Old Town, straight from the owners themselves.

2. Excellent architecture and interior design
Our home is a 1912 Art Nouveau building, the historic Valtimo House, which we have renovated with love and respect for its original character. We call our style rustic-modern luxury: it is elegant and aesthetic, yet warm and inviting. Natural materials, Nordic aesthetics, and carefully considered details that engage the senses are what make RUNO, RUNO.

3. Quality and consistency of service, comfort, and maintenance
The third criterion explains why retaining the Michelin Key feels so meaningful to us. Michelin inspectors visit anonymously, so the recognition reflects our everyday operations rather than a one-off success. It speaks to every breakfast, every room, and every encounter at the front desk, day after day.

4. Uniqueness: personality and authenticity
The name RUNO is a tribute to the Finnish language, the Kalevala, and Porvoo's cultural heritage, inspired by the national poet J. L. Runeberg himself. We draw inspiration from world-class hotels, but our soul is Finnish—warm, bold, sensual, and aesthetic. We are unapologetically ourselves, honoring Finnish traditions and culture.

5. Balance between experience and price
One Michelin Key signifies, in Michelin's own words, "a very special stay": the service always goes the extra mile, and the hotel offers significantly more than others in the same price range.

We can't wait for the new Michelin Key plaque to arrive so we can hang it on our door right next to the previous one.
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