The Royal Hotel in Picton, Ontario was recognized with multiple distinctions for its culinary and guest excellence. The property was awarded a prestigious Michelin Key, a distinction reserved for hotels that exemplify exceptional hospitality and design. The Royal Hotel is the only property in Ontario, outside of a major city centre, to be recognized with this honour in 2025.
Adding to this achievement, The Royal has also recently been recognized by the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and VineRoutes’ inaugural Restaurant Awards, underscoring its reputation as a premier destination for food, wine, and refined travel experiences in Prince Edward County.
“To receive a Michelin Key for the second year in a row is nothing short of surreal,” said Sol Korngold, general manager at The Royal Hotel. “We’re a small team with a big heart, and this recognition celebrates every thoughtful detail and every warm welcome. It’s an honour we don’t take lightly—and one that inspires us to keep raising the bar.”
Recent distinctions include:
- 2025 MICHELIN Key: Awarded to hotels that deliver extraordinary hospitality experiences, exceptional design, and outstanding service – representing the MICHELIN Guide’s highest honour for accommodations.
- Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards – Top 20 Hotels in Eastern Canada: One of the world’s most respected travel honours, voted on by readers to spotlight hotels that consistently exceed guest expectations in service, atmosphere, and experience.
- VineRoutes 2025 Restaurant Awards: The first-ever edition celebrating Ontario’s most inspiring food and wine destinations, recognizing excellence in culinary creativity, beverage programs, and regional storytelling.
“To be given a Vine Routes Award of Distinction, named a Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice for three straight years – and now a two-time Michelin Key recipient – feels like a dream we never dared to dream. I see these honours as love letters from our guests; affirmations that soul, service, and sincerity still stand out,” said Korngold.
