Michelin is putting several Maine hotels on the map.The company recently awarded keys to eight hotels in the state.Also read: Prime viewing time for aurora borealis in northern U.S. Monday nightHotels are awarded keys based on things like design,

Much like the rest of Newport, these four hotels each have distinct ties to the Gilded Age and the most prominent members of America’s high society.

The Michelin Guide, compiled by the tire manufacturing company, was conceived as a travel guidebook that pointed out stops along roads, such as restaurants; the idea was encouraging people to take more road trips would increase the demand for tires.

Crossroads Hotel was the only local lodging to earn a Michelin Guide Key, a prestigious accomplishment similar to Michelin Stars for restaurants. Michelin Guide announced its first North American Michelin Key selection last week,