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Afternoon tea at a hotel can be more than just a midday snack — it’s often a lavish event filled with fine china, tiered treats and over-the-top experiences. Even if you’re not an overnight guest, many hotels open their tea services to day visitors, allowing you to sip and snack in style.
Some hotel teas are so distinctive that they’re practically destinations themselves. From Eloise-themed menus in New York to rainbow cakes in San Francisco, here are 14 standout hotel tea experiences across the globe — plus tips on how to save on the tab.
U.S. East Coast
1. The Palm Court at The Plaza, New York City
Like a scene out of “Eloise at the Plaza,” this afternoon tea is served under the soaring stained-glass dome of The Palm Court in New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel. The historic hotel has been serving afternoon tea for more than 115 years in an elegant affair that requires formal attire.
Kids are welcome, with a special Eloise-themed menu for children under 13.
2. Illustrator Tea Series at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, New York City
Every Monday at Dowling’s, which is The Carlyle’s restaurant, tea gets a creative twist. While you sip and snack, professional illustrators create custom sketches you can take home. Afternoon tea is offered every day, but consider the added artistic touch your reason to start your week off with tea.
» Learn more: The newbie's guide to traveling on points and miles
3. Afternoon Tea at Baccarat Hotel, New York City
Baccarat Hotel’s opulent tea service is as glamorous as the crystal brand itself. Choose from themed packages named after royals and celebrities, including the Grace Kelly-inspired “Princess of Monaco” service at $125 or the extravagant “King Louis XV Caviar Tea,” which can cost up to $425 depending on the type of caviar you choose.
A kid-friendly “Little Prince” menu includes mini lobster rolls and apple cider donuts for $80.
4. Afternoon Tea at The Ballantyne, Charlotte, North Carolina
The Marriott-owned Ballantyne touts its classic Southern hospitality, but its tea service imports European sophistication. You sip on tea from London-based Rare Tea Company and nosh on French macarons.
5. La Gourmandise Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Bal Harbour, Miami
Set steps from the Atlantic, this afternoon tea at St. Regis Bal Harbour pairs Champagne with French elegance. Think rose lychee macarons, raspberry madeleines, and breezy vibes from the hotel’s bright, open lobby lounge.
U.S. West Coast and Hawaii
6. Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
San Francisco’s Ritz-Carlton offers seasonal themes year-round. In June, sip rainbow cocktails and nosh on rainbow pastries like “Love Shack” Linzer cookies at its Pride Afternoon Tea. In the summer, it's all about strawberries and Champagne as part of the hotel's Madame Clicquot Summer Afternoon Tea in The Lounge.
7. The Veranda at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
Set under the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach’s historic banyan tree with ocean views, this Hawaiian tea service features tropical twists like coconut tea and passion-orange-guava sorbet. It’s one of the most scenic afternoon teas in the Pacific.
Las Vegas
8. Netflix Bites at MGM Grand
This Bridgerton-themed tea at Netflix Bites, which is a restaurant inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is inspired by the Bridgerton series. It includes a three-tiered tray of dainty finger sandwiches, buttery scones and elaborate pastries.
But the Bridgerton tea is just one piece of the broader Netflix Bites concept, which transforms popular shows into edible storytelling. If you’d prefer something more than tea, you can order dishes inspired by other Netflix shows, like Ann Kim’s Perfect Pickle Pie Pizza (inspired by “Chef’s Table”).
9. Petrossian Bar at Bellagio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
Just steps from the Bellagio Fountains, Petrossian Bar at Bellagio Hotel & Casino offers traditional tea with live piano music and an upscale Vegas flair. It’s ideal for a quiet escape from the Strip’s buzz.
10. Teatime in Wonderland at Electric Playhouse at Caesars Palace
This high-tech tea is inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” bringing Lewis Carroll’s world to life through 360° motion‑activated projection mapping across walls, floors and tables.
Costumed characters like the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit appear in this kid-friendly tea that includes whimsical desserts like mushroom‑shaped orange yuzu semifreddo (sort of like an ice cream) paired with a selection of fine English‑style teas.
International teas
11. Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s Hotel, London
Tea is a classy affair at Claridge’s, a British landmark that began operations back in 1856. Tea is served in The Foyer & Reading Room alongside finger sandwiches, scones and pastries. It’s all served on fine bone china and silverware, made specifically for Claridge’s.
12. Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at Sanderson, London
For a more playful take on British tea, visit “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired tea at the Sanderson hotel in London. Menu items include a peach bubble tea dubbed the “Drink Me Potion.”
13. Muscat & Melon Afternoon Tea at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
Part of the Hyatt brand, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is one of Tokyo’s trendiest hotels. In the afternoons, it offers sky-high tea on its 51st floor, featuring delicacies like Shine Muscat tarts and cinnamon churros instead of traditional scones — all served with panoramic city views.
14. Afternoon Hi Tea at The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India
Perched on Lake Pichola, this opulent hotel serves a fusion of English and Indian sweets. Treats like shufta (spiced dried fruits) and Anjeer badam ladoo (fig-almond dumplings) bring local flair to the high tea ritual.
Bonus: holiday hotel teas
If you're traveling during the December holidays, several hotels elevate their tea services with festive flair. These special seasonal offerings transform traditional afternoon tea into a full-on winter celebration.
Festive Afternoon Tea at Café Royal Grill, London
London's historic Café Royal pulls out all the stops for the holidays with a Christmas-themed tea service in its elegant Grill room. Expect seasonal treats like mince pies, gingerbread creations, and festively decorated pastries served alongside traditional finger sandwiches and warm scones. The ornate setting, complete with holiday decorations, makes this a quintessentially British Christmas experience.
Festive Afternoon Tea at Browns Hotel, London
Browns Hotel, one of London's most storied properties, transforms its afternoon tea service into a winter wonderland throughout December. The festive menu typically features seasonal flavors like cranberry, chestnut, and spiced orange, alongside Christmas pudding-inspired desserts. The elegant English Tea Room provides a refined backdrop for this holiday tradition that dates back more than a century.
Teddy Bear Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
In December, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco hosts its family-friendly Teddy Bear Tea, which primarily caters to children and includes sing-alongs with costumed characters. Young guests receive their own teddy bear as a gift. It's an ideal way to introduce kids to the afternoon tea tradition during the holiday season.
Holiday Chalet Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Inspired by an alpine chalet, this festive tea features luxurious offerings like crab and lobster rolls, winter truffle and wild mushroom tartlets, and whimsical sweets including Santa's Hat salted caramel profiteroles and Saint Nick's Belt spiced macarons topped with gold flakes.
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