Afternoon tea is a symbol of hospitality, tradition, comfort, and sustenance, dating back to ancient tea ceremonies around the world, but first popularized in England by Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. Tired of waiting for dinner, she started serving tea and light bites mid-afternoon and became a trendsetter among women of means. This new meal soon became popular as a social gathering and a moment to pause and reflect. As women’s suffrage grew, tea became a staple of socializing, even during Prohibition in the United States. Today, the 25 hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America offer visitors the chance to experience the romance and history of afternoon tea in beautifully restored and preserved settings. Immerse yourself in this Victorian tradition by enjoying afternoon tea in one of these hotels.
The Omni Homestead Resort (1766) Hot Springs, Virginia
Indulge in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea at The Omni Homestead Resort, a charter member of Historic Hotels of America and a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Nestled in the scenic Allegheny Mountains, the 2,300-acre resort has been welcoming guests to Hot Springs, Virginia for over 250 years. Enjoy a selection of classic, spicy, and fruity teas from Harney & Sons, paired with a three-tier service of savories, scones, and sweets in the Main Dining Room. Upgrade your experience with a glass of sparkling wine with strawberries. Afternoon tea is served Friday and Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended and a dress code is encouraged. Revive the elegant elegance of the 1920s with a visit to The Omni Homestead Resort for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.
Featured Recipe: The Omni Homestead Resort’s Blueberry Scones
The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. (1818) Washington, D.C.
The Willard InterContinental in Washington DC is a historic hotel that has been a hub of social and political activity for over 200 years, since its establishment in 1818. Located just blocks from the White House and other key federal buildings, the hotel serves as a meeting place for the city’s high society and political leaders, who gather over cocktails at the Round Robin Bar or partake in formal tea in one of the hotel’s lounges. As a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2010 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel has been offering afternoon tea since the 1920s. This tradition is deeply cherished by the hotel and is available year-round, with two special tea services offered: one during cherry blossom season in the spring and a festive holiday tea in December. Previously served in the upstairs Tea Room, now known as The Nest event space, the hotel’s afternoon tea is now served in the grand Peacock Alley, accompanied by the tranquil sounds of a harp. Guests can enjoy a range of premium loose-leaf teas by Jenwey Tea Company, finger sandwiches, pastries, and freshly baked scones, and can even upgrade their experience with a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne or a specialty sparkling wine.
Antrim 1844 (1844) Taneytown, Maryland
Antrim 1844, a boutique luxury hotel located in the U.S., has a rich history dating back to its days as a family farm for over a hundred years before its transformation. This historic property, which was inducted into the Historic Hotels of America in 2007 and listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, began its tradition of serving afternoon tea in 1991. Initially delivered to guestrooms in the mansion, the tea service has since moved to the South Drawing Room and is now served daily at the Veranda between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Guests can enjoy a serene background of classical piano music while sipping from the hotel’s unique white porcelain tea set, which features a “Antrim” monogram in gold letters and is personalized on-site using an on-site kiln. The menu features a variety of house-made savory toasts, bite-size quiches and sweets from a local bakery. The Veranda offers a stunning view of the rose garden, which was named one of the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America’s Most Magnificent Gardens in 2022. During winter, guests can warm up by the fireplaces while sipping tea.
Antrim 1844’s Veranda is just steps away from the twin drawing rooms, gift shop, and Pickwick Pub, and in the warmer months, guests can enjoy tea before taking a stroll through the beautiful brick courtyards and blooming rose garden.
The Sayre Mansion (1858) Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Nestled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, The Sayre Mansion, a Gothic Revival-style mansion, is surrounded by the lush greenery of the Lehigh Valley and the rustling branches of century-old trees. Built-in 1858 as the first house in the upscale Fountain Hill area, it has been meticulously restored to preserve its historic details. Afternoon tea has been a fashionable tradition at the mansion since its first owner, Robert Sayre, moved in. According to the hotel’s General Manager, Sarah Trimmer, the Victorian atmosphere of the mansion adds to the unique experience of enjoying tea. Every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the hotel hosts an intimate, traditional English tea in the formal dining room or elegant parlor. Guests are served a variety of tea scones with Devonshire cream and preserves, finger sandwiches, scones, and delectable desserts. Each guest is also treated to a glass of sparkling wine in addition to freshly brewed tea or unsweetened iced tea. The tea experience takes on holiday themes for special events such as St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas in December, known as the “Christmas City.” The hotel also collaborates with non-profit organizations, hosting benefit teas such as the “Equali-Tea” in June for the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center and the Breast Cancer Awareness Tea in October. Reservations are a must for any tea time.
Mohonk Mountain House (1869) New Paltz, New York
Inspired by the stunning cliffs rising above a serene glacial lake in the Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Mountain House was established by Albert Smiley in 1869 as a resort where guests could rejuvenate their bodies, minds, and spirits in a breathtaking natural setting. This historic landmark has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1986 and became a member of Historic Hotels of America in 1991. It continues to offer unique experiences to travelers in the 21st century. The tearoom was once part of the Winter Lounge, where Victorian guests could enjoy tea, cakes, and cookies in various seating areas inside and on the porch. Special guests were even invited to tea with Mrs. Smiley in the private Smiley Family Parlor. Today, Mohonk Mountain House serves afternoon tea in the Lake Lounge, which was built using wood from the original 1899 bellmen’s bench. Here, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Mohonk Lake and the cliffside while indulging in dainty bites, such as three different house-made tea cookies, and a selection of tea blends. The hotel has its own blend of black tea, a combination of Orange Pekoe and Black Tea, which was commissioned in the 1970s and is available for purchase from the resort gift shop. Throughout the year, special events such as Scottish Weekend, Garden Holiday, and festive December holidays bring new flavors and offerings to the tea service, including live music.
Palace Hotel (1875) San Francisco, California
The Palace Hotel, a San Francisco landmark, boasts timeless artistry in its elegant venues like The Garden Court. With its glass ceiling, Austrian crystal chandeliers, and a stunning mural by Maxfield Parrish, the hotel has been a destination for visitors to bask in its architectural beauty and enjoy afternoon tea for over a century. Every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., guests can enjoy tea served in The Garden Court, with an increased number of service days and hours during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
The contemporary furnishings blend with the hotel’s historic architecture, making it the perfect setting for a modern, elegant tea service. The tea is served with silver and fine china, and a harpist provides live music. The Palace offers several blends of TEALEAVES tea, including black, green, herbal, and their own custom Legacy Blend. The Signature Tea service includes delightful tea sandwiches, mini pastries, scones, clotted cream, lemon curd, and jam, and upgrades like the Champagne Tea and Caviar Tea service are also available.
For the young guests, the Palace Hotel offers the Prince & Princess tea service complete with specialty sweets and savories, a jeweled crown, and a candy scepter. The hotel also sells tins of their custom Legacy Tea blend. The Palace Hotel serves holiday-themed teas in The Garden Court for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and throughout December.
Featured Recipe: The Palace Hotel’s Buttermilk Scones
Grand Hotel (1886) Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan, with a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan, is one of the few remaining grand hotels from the Gilded Age. It received recognition as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1989 and was inducted into the Historic Hotels of America in 2001. The Grand Hotel has been serving elegant afternoon tea since its establishment in 1887. In the past, guests would spend months at the hotel and attend afternoon tea as a social activity before dinner. Nowadays, the tradition continues with daily tea services from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in The Parlor, designed by Dorothy Draper Co. Guests are served classic tea accompaniments like assorted tea sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, jams, and hot tea, along with an option of sherry or Champagne. From The Parlor, visitors can admire the beautiful view of the Straits of Mackinac through the windows and look out onto the world’s longest porch, stretching 660 feet. Special themed afternoon teas are also offered during certain package weekends, such as Mother’s Day, and the Spooktacular Afternoon Tea during Halloween, where the room is decorated with cobwebs and pumpkins, serving finger sandwiches shaped like fingers, spider and ghost-like pastries, and live spooky music by a harpist.
The Pfister Hotel (1893) Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Pfister Hotel, established in 1893 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was once referred to as “The Grand Hotel of the West.” Designed with innovative features such as individual thermostats in each room and an in-house electrical power plant by architect Charles Koch, the Romanesque Revival-style hotel was ahead of its time. The tradition of serving afternoon tea was revived in 1983 by General Manager Rosemary Steinfest with the introduction of the Afternoon Victorian Tea. The tea service was originally held in the Lobby Lounge but was later moved to Blu, the hotel’s 23rd-floor lounge, offering guests breathtaking views of Downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan. The tea is served by a Pfister Tea Butler, who is knowledgeable about the different varieties of tea, their origins, benefits, and pairing suggestions, and uses silver tea service, including a replica of an 18th-century self-tipping teapot. The afternoon tea menu features fresh scones, sandwiches, and pastries, and guests can also upgrade their experience with sparkling wines. After their tea time, guests can purchase teas and house-made scones in the hotel gift shop. The Pfister Hotel also offers private teatimes for special occasions such as baby showers, wedding showers, children’s birthdays, manners classes, and more.
Featured Recipe: The Pfister Hotel’s Caprese Tart and Whipped Ricotta
The Jefferson Hotel (1895) Richmond, Virginia
In 1895, The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, attracted thousands of visitors and was soon referred to as “The Belle of the ’90s.” The hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a charter member of Historic Hotels of America, was renowned for hosting alligators in its Palm Court lobby from the early 1900s to 1948. Teatime in the ladies’ parlor located near the lobby was an event to be remembered, especially with the possibility of a wandering alligator! The modern tradition of afternoon tea at The Jefferson Hotel started in the early 1990s, served on the Mezzanine balcony overlooking the Rotunda lobby on Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. from January through November and daily in December. The hotel serves a Southern afternoon tea, featuring a savory country ham sandwich, traditional scones and Devonshire cream, pastries, and gluten, dairy, and nut-free options, all paired with teas from Richmond’s Rostov’s Coffee & Tea. The most popular blends are The Jefferson Blend, a traditional English aroma, and The Richmond Blend, a spicy blend of black tea, cinnamon oil, orange peel, and cloves. Both blends can be purchased at the gift shop, Gators. Every first and third Saturday of each month, the hotel hosts a Chocolate Lovers’ Tea, and in December, there are two Santa Teas for children.
Featured Recipe: The Jefferson Hotel’s Scones
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa (1901) Honolulu, Hawaii
Since its grand opening on March 11, 1901, The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa has been known as the “First Lady of Waikiki.” A Beaux-Arts-style resort with a gleaming white facade, grand columns, and distinctive porte-cochère, it is a charter member of Historic Hotels of America and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over a century ago, guests sought refuge from the sun by indulging in afternoon tea on the shaded beachfront veranda, cooled by the gentle ocean breeze, while sipping fine teas and enjoying light repasts of savories and pastries. Today, this elegant tradition continues with the hotel’s signature afternoon tea service, which offers a selection of Moana Classic Teas, such as Hawaiian Coconut and Mango Pineapple, or traditional teas, like Classic Earl Grey and Emerald Jasmine Pearls, paired with delicious savory and sweet options. There are also gluten-free and vegan options available, and special occasion teas for Mother’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas.
West Baden Springs Hotel (1902) West Baden Springs, Indiana
In West Baden Springs, Indiana, the tradition of afternoon tea is inspired by the luxurious fashions of the past at the West Baden Springs Hotel. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, this historic hotel, which was once known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and was a popular Midwest luxury destination before the Great Depression, underwent a major restoration project from 2000 to 2006. It was during this restoration that the tradition of afternoon tea was established and when the hotel finally reopened to guests in 2007, this became a popular way to enjoy the luxurious atmosphere. Today, guests are treated to a memorable tea experience while they admire the six-story domed atrium, accompanied by live harp music and a tempting menu of teas. The tea service features everything from classic Earl Grey to fruity and spicy blends, as well as house-made cucumber sandwiches, scones, tarts, and canapés. Traditional afternoon tea is held every Saturday and occasionally, special tea events like Mommy & Me Tea and Afternoon Tea & Tour, which combines tea service with a historic hotel tour, are held. Regular afternoon tea is also open to children. For those who want to bring the experience home, teapots and tea sets can be purchased at the hotel’s mercantile.
The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco (1907) San Francisco, California
The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco, established in 1907 by sisters Theresa Fair Oelrichs and Virginia Fair Vanderbilt, is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the prestigious Nob Hill neighborhood. From the very beginning, the hotel has been renowned for its afternoon tea service offered in the historic Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar. Guests can indulge in a wide variety of tea blends from Fairmont Hotels’ own brand, LOT 35, while admiring the beauty of the room’s soaring domed ceilings, elegant columns, and intricate frescoes. The tea menu also features mouth-watering finger sandwiches, pastries, and freshly baked scones. In addition to tea, guests can enjoy bubbly or special cocktails. Afternoon tea is available every Saturday and during special-themed events throughout the year, such as Thanksgiving, the December holidays, and Mother’s Day. For an extra special experience, private tea service for up to eight guests can be booked within the hotel’s stunning Gingerbread House during December. Fairmont Teas can also be purchased online at The Fairmont Store.
The Plaza (1907) New York, New York
For over a century, The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel in New York City has been a renowned destination for afternoon tea. Designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1991, The Plaza Hotel has been serving afternoon tea since its opening in 1907. The Palm Court was a favorite spot of writers F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and even made an appearance in F. Scott’s novel, The Great Gatsby. Its interior design is influenced by Central Park, with lush greenery, towering palm trees, trellis accents, and custom furnishings featuring cane detailing under a magnificent stained-glass dome.
From 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, guests can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, scones, pastries, and more while sipping on a selection of teas from Palais des Thes. A glass of sparkling wine can also be added to the experience. The fine china is custom Bernardaud French porcelain and the whimsical teapots are designed by American designer Jonathan Adler. Throughout the year, The Palm Court offers themed afternoon teas, such as the “Spooky Eloise” experience near Halloween, which includes a candy scavenger hunt in the lobby. The crowd-favorite tea, “The du Hammam,” a light green tea with hints of orange blossoms, roses, and red berries, is recommended by the hotel. Teas from Palais des Thes, fine china, and Eloise-themed items can all be purchased at The Plaza Boutique.
The Ashton Hotel (1915) Fort Worth, Texas
Since its opening in 1915 as the Fort Worth Club, the now luxurious Ashton Hotel has been at the center of business deals and social connections in Fort Worth, Texas. Today, the hotel, which is the city’s only boutique luxury hotel, boasts an afternoon tea service that caters to both guests and locals. This tradition began in 2004 and is offered every Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Six Ten Grill. The tea service is designed with a traditional touch, with fine bone china, crystal sugar bowls, and linen tablecloths. The atmosphere is enhanced by light instrumental jazz music in the background. The tea menu includes classic green, black, oolong, and white teas, as well as herbal and decaffeinated options by request. The hotel highly recommends trying the unique flavors of vanilla rose and coconut assam. The three-tiered tower of bite-sized treats is customized based on the guest’s preferences at the time of their reservation. The menu and decor change with the seasons, and a special holiday menu is available from Thanksgiving to early January, featuring delectable treats like pear and almond tarts, butternut bisque, and lavender and pineapple scones, all served with a festive Champagne flute. The Ashton Hotel also offers private tea services for special occasions and a Teddy Bear Tea for children 10 and under.
Hotel Boulderado (1909) Boulder, Colorado
Hotel Boulderado, which opened in 1909 as Boulder, Colorado’s first luxury hotel, introduced its contemporary afternoon tea experiences in the 1990s. During the holiday season, the longest-running tea experience, the Holiday Afternoon Tea, takes place in November and December and is available in the historic wing. The grand 28-foot-tall white fir tree from northern New Mexico serves as the centerpiece for the tables set along the mezzanine, surrounded by verdant garland and sparkling lights. The stained-glass canopy ceiling casts a golden light over the proceedings and each table is decorated with an array of traditional holiday ornaments such as nutcrackers and floating candles.
Guests can enjoy a holiday music playlist, live piano music from local musicians, or a holiday choir, depending on the day they book their table. The teas offered are from The Tea Spot, including classic black teas like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, green teas like Boulder Blues or Organic Sencha blends, and popular herbal teas like Strawberry Fields or Egyptian Chamomile. A small bite tower with a variety of tea sandwiches, pastries, and sweet bites is served during the special holiday teas, with upgrades like specialty holiday cocktails and wines also available.
In addition to the Holiday Afternoon Tea, Hotel Boulderado has offered romantic teas for Valentine’s Day, a springtime Fairy, Tulip & Elf Tea, and a Halloween-themed Witch’s Brew Tea. The hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1996 and continues to captivate visitors with its charm.
The Saint Paul Hotel (1910) St. Paul, Minnesota
The Saint Paul Hotel, nestled in the bustling cultural and business districts of St. Paul, Minnesota, provides a serene escape in its tranquil English garden setting. Upon its opening in 1910, the hotel quickly became the city’s social hub and served tea in the Palm Room. Today, tea is served in the lobby on weekends and during the holiday season, with live piano music playing. At 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, guests can enjoy a special blend of black currant tea made exclusively for the hotel. For those interested in the traditions of afternoon tea, The Saint Paul Hotel invites them to attend two special events – “Simply Charming Tea” and “How to Host an Afternoon Tea.” Julie Frantz, an etiquette consultant at the hotel, leads these experiences. In “Simply Charming,” Frantz shares the qualities of a charming lady while patrons enjoy their tea service. “How to Host” is a tutorial that covers the history and health benefits of tea, menu planning, setting up a home for tea, and tea etiquette. A bag of the hotel’s custom tea blend can also be purchased upon request.
The Hermitage Hotel (1910) Nashville, Tennessee
The Hermitage Hotel, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned for its connection to the 19th Amendment and its celebration of afternoon tea. When the hotel opened in 1910, it quickly became the hub of fashionable society in the city and made it a goal to attract women. In 1915, the hotel offered a rent-free office to the Nashville Equal Suffrage League and hosted important events in the lead-up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote nationwide. The hotel was the site of a significant showdown between pro- and anti-suffrage campaigners, with anti-ratification forces renting the mezzanine level for a large tea event in 1920. In honor of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, The Hermitage Hotel now hosts The Yellow Rose Tea in August, where visitors can enjoy tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries while learning about the history of the hotel and the 19th Amendment. The Hermitage Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1996 and designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. The hotel offers a variety of afternoon tea experiences, including “Spillin’ Tea with Draper James,” inspired by actress and producer Reese Witherspoon’s cookbook, Whiskey in a Teacup, which is available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons with reservations required.
Fairmont Copley Plaza (1912) Boston, Massachusetts
The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, Massachusetts, once had a reputation for its elegant afternoon teas, served in its iconic Tea Court. During the 1930s, the hotel’s Oval Ballroom was a popular spot for late afternoon tea dances before dinner. As the city gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in 2023, the Fairmont Copley Plaza is bringing back its tea traditions in a special way. This momentous event in American history saw anti-imperialist colonists dump 90 pounds of tea, worth over $1,700,000 today, into the harbor in protest of unjust taxes imposed by the British Parliament. To commemorate the anniversary and honor the hotel’s tea heritage, Fairmont Copley Plaza is offering guests the chance to visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum at a special rate for two adults, along with a tea-themed welcome amenity including a cocktail and dessert. The “Griffin’s Wharf” cocktail, named after the site of the Boston Tea Party, features Bombay Sapphire gin, Italicus bergamot liqueur, green tea, and honey, while the dessert is a white chocolate semifreddo with earl grey sugar and hazelnut praline, served in a teacup.
HOTEL DU PONT (1913) Wilmington, Delaware
For over a century, HOTEL DU PONT in Wilmington, Delaware has played host to a wide range of social events, both grand and intimate. Since its establishment in 1913, the hotel has welcomed an array of famous figures, including numerous U.S. Presidents, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and other legends like Amelia Earhart, Katherine Hepburn, and Joe DiMaggio. In 1955, the Green Room provided a picturesque setting for Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly’s romantic dinner. With a rich history in tea service, HOTEL DU PONT continues to honor this tradition, especially during the holiday season, with December being dedicated to offering afternoon tea in its restaurant, Le Cavalier at the Green Room. This award-winning restaurant, recipient of the Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence for Best Historic Restaurant, brings a contemporary twist to teatime with its innovative pastries and delicacies, all made by Chef and Partner Tyler Akin. Tea sandwiches, foie gras mousse cornets, olive oil cake, and the hotel’s famous macaroons are among the offerings, all served with specially blended teas. To mark its anniversary, the hotel is offering quarterly afternoon tea services in the magnificent Du Barry Ballroom, showcasing its history and traditions while embracing global influences. The first of these celebratory teas will take place on March 8th at 1:10 PM, with reservations being required.
Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel (1915) Berkeley, California
The Claremont Club & Spa in Berkeley, California, a historic Fairmont Hotel overlooking the San Francisco Bay, has a long-standing tradition of offering traditional afternoon tea. The hotel opened its doors in 1915, and during its early history, it was subject to strict Prohibition laws and a local 1873 state statute that prohibited the sale of alcohol within two miles of the University of California, Berkeley. Despite this, tea consumption and tea rooms thrived, making afternoon tea a popular choice at the Claremont Club & Spa. Today, the hotel offers afternoon tea during the holiday season between November and December and on select holidays throughout the year, such as Mother’s Day. The tea is served in the Hilary Tenzing Room, located off the main lobby and featuring stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and its surroundings. The elegant space is decorated with unique artifacts and artwork, and live music is often performed during tea. Guests are served a three-tiered stand with sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, strawberry preserves, lemon curd, and sweets, all presented on fine bone china. The hotel serves its own brand of tea, LOT 35, and customers can also order sparkling wine or specialty tea cocktails.
The Henley Park Hotel, Washington DC (1918) Washington, DC
The Henley Park Hotel, located in the heart of Washington, DC, boasts a rich history dating back to 1918. Once a popular upscale apartment building, it has now been transformed into a luxurious hotel, retaining its Tudor Revival style architecture and prime location on Massachusetts Avenue. A perfect place for socializing in style, The Henley Park Hotel offers an exceptional afternoon tea experience at The Tavern. The naturally lit space, featuring original exposed brick, provides the perfect ambiance for a relaxing afternoon escape. Enjoy house-made warm scones, finger sandwiches, and seasonally inspired cocktails. The Tavern also offers special themed teas, including a Valentine’s Day tea, throughout the year. Reservations are necessary to enjoy this delightful tradition.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel (1924) Seattle, Washington
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, Washington has a rich history, being listed in the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2018. The hotel opened its doors in December 1924, showcasing some of the city’s most renowned venues, such as the Palm Room, Assembly Lounge, and The Georgian, which was a popular gathering place for generations of Seattle residents to enjoy afternoon tea. Today, afternoon tea is available at the Olympic Bar on Saturdays and Sundays by reservation, with an array of LOT 35 teas, tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries served in a modern lounge setting. During the holiday season in December, the festive atmosphere of holiday afternoon tea is offered at the newly renovated restaurant, The George, which is a contemporary take on the hotel’s historic Georgian venue. This special experience includes live music and guests can even take home a taste of the hotel’s LOT 35 tea blends.
Featured Recipe: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s Earl Grey Tea Cookies
La Valencia Hotel (1926) La Jolla, California
Since 1926, La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, California has embodied the essence of coastal hospitality. Known as the “Jewel of San Diego,” the hotel’s 11-story Spanish-tiled tower is a famous landmark in the village and the surrounding region. The hotel has been offering afternoon tea in its signature Mediterranean Room restaurant since 2018. The tea service, which is held seasonally and features a variety of flavors in spring, fall, and winter, offers guests breathtaking views of the ocean and Mediterranean-style décor. Executive Chef Fabian Aceves and Executive Pastry Chef Kari Cota create in-house tea specialties that are served on chic DAMMANN Frères tea ware, including black, green, and fruit-infused teas. The menu features a delectable array of scones, tea sandwiches, mini pastries, and seasonally-inspired desserts, along with a glass of bubbly and a Champagne menu for added indulgence. La Valencia’s holiday tea, offered in December, is a particularly popular specialty service, featuring festive holiday flavors. During October, the hotel also offers a Pink Tea in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen San Diego.
Williamsburg Inn (1937) Williamsburg, Virginia
The Williamsburg Inn, located in the heart of the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, is one of the most renowned hotels in the area. Founded in 1937, the inn boasts a stunning Neoclassical-style design, with its whitewashed brick exterior, arches, and columns making it a crown jewel of Colonial Williamsburg. Historically, afternoon tea was served in the elegant Inn East Lounge, which overlooks the Queen’s Lawn and Lawn Bowling Greens. The tea service was accompanied by live music and was a popular event during special occasions like holidays and Valentine’s Day.
Today, the Williamsburg Inn offers afternoon tea in the Goodwin Room, which has been beautifully refurbished. The tea is accompanied by live Irish harp music, and guests are treated to a luxurious Regency-style experience. The menu changes with the seasons, but always includes a light and flavorful Irish Cream-style scone recipe passed down from the chef’s mother. The culinary team also collaborates with local tea artists to create blends that complement the menu. The tea featured during the afternoon tea service can be purchased by guests.
Featured Recipe: Williamsburg Inn’s Lemon Cloud
The Lodge at Nemacolin (1968) Farmington, Pennsylvania
Nemacolin’s glamorous afternoon tea is a classic tradition of Old-World Europe, offering guests delectable sandwiches, delectable pastries, tea, and an option to add some bubbly for a touch of indulgence. The Lodge at Nemacolin, a part of the renowned Nemacolin resort, is a historic hotel located in Farmington, Pennsylvania that was originally established in 1968 as a hunting retreat for Colonel Willard F. Rockwell. After its expansion and transformation into The Lodge at Nemacolin in the late 1980s, it has become a member of the Historic Hotels of America since 2018. Tea is served at The Tea Room from Tuesday to Saturday at 3 PM and reservations are required. The tea is served on fine porcelain place settings rimmed with 24-karat gold and featuring hand-painted designs by Anna Weatherley Designs and her team of master painters in Budapest, Hungary. Guests can choose from a variety of loose-leaf teas and enjoy Devonshire cream, lemon curd, honey, sugar, and lemon as complementary accompaniments. The Tea Room is located near the lobby bar and fireplace and boasts an elegant ambiance with classical music, sparkling chandeliers, and the sound of a canary song.
Discover more from SNAP TASTE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.