Fort Worth's Finest: Two Hotels Shine in the Michelin Guide!

In a stunning achievement for the hospitality scene in Fort Worth, two hotels have recently earned a prestigious spot in the Michelin Guide, a recognition that is revered worldwide. The Bowie House, an upscale establishment that has been operating for less than a year, and the charming Hotel Drover, opened in March 2021, both exemplify luxury and exceptional service.

Bowie House: A New Star in Luxury Hospitality

Having opened its doors in December 2023, Bowie House quickly captured attention, attaining a notable two-key designation from the Michelin Guide, a mark of excellence in the service industry. This luxury hotel, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, features 106 beautifully appointed rooms, with rates starting at approximately $700 per night.

Hotel Drover: A Boutique Experience in the Heart of the Stockyards

Hotel Drover, with its unique Western-chic design, has also made waves in the hospitality sector. Located in the vibrant Stockyards and offering 200 rooms starting around $500 per night, this boutique hotel reflects the rich culture of the area. Kayla Wilkie, the director of design and development at Hotel Drover’s parent company, Majestic Realty Co., expressed her gratitude, stating, “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence.”

Community Connection: The Heart of the Hotels

Gaylord Lamy, General Manager of Bowie House, attributes the success of the hotel to its dedicated staff and the strong bond formed with the local community. “It’s about making a clear connection and being welcomed with open arms by Fort Worth,” he noted.

Recognition Across Texas

These two hotels are among a select group, with a total of 18 other establishments across Texas receiving similar accolades. The Michelin Guide recently expanded its recommendations, adding 412 hotels across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Bringing Michelin to Texas: A Collaborative Effort

Fort Worth is one of five cities that worked with the state’s tourism office to bring the Michelin Guide to Texas. Each city committed to investing $90,000 over three years, with the state contributing $450,000 annually, totaling $2.7 million. This investment aims to showcase the rich culture and culinary offerings of Texas, which saw tourism spending exceeding $760 million last year.

The Debate: Is the Michelin Guide Losing Its Prestige?

While many celebrate the inclusion of Texas hotels in the Michelin Guide, some critics argue that this practice may dilute the brand’s prestige. Critics suggest that financial contributions from cities could foster a more homogeneous service industry, a claim that Michelin representatives firmly dispute. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, stated, “Our selection process is completely independent.”

The excitement around these recognitions has Fort Worth restaurateurs eagerly awaiting news about which local restaurants may also make the cut in future announcements.

What do you think?

• Do you believe the Michelin Guide still holds its prestigious status in the hospitality industry?
• Are financial contributions from cities a legitimate way to promote tourism, or do they undermine the authenticity of such awards?
• What do you think sets a hotel apart in earning Michelin recognition?
• Should hotels focus more on luxury or community engagement to achieve accolades like the Michelin designation?
• Could this trend of cities investing in Michelin recognition lead to a homogenization of the hotel and restaurant industry?