By Bob Glaze
While traveling in the US and abroad, one of my favorite things to do is to have afternoon tea in one of the classic hotels or tea rooms in that city. I have compiled a list that I think you will enjoy.
Drake Hotel.
The Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel.
Chicago, Illinois
The Langham Hotel occupies the first 13 floors of the historic landmark, IBM Building designed by Mies van der Rohe. The Pavilion and their Afternoon Tea With Wedgewood is a lovely spot for afternoon tea overlooking the skyline of Chicago. Make sure to book ahead as it is very popular. Their first traditional afternoon tea debuted at the Langham Hotel in London in 1865.
A well-known Chicago institution, the Drake Hotel, has a wonderful afternoon tea in the elegant Palm Court, which also features jazz and music on weekend nights. This is a perfect spot if you want to entertain out-of-town guests.
I have always liked The Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel for their elegant afternoon tea. They offer a full tea with pastries, scones and sandwiches or you can order a la carte. I just had a pot of tea and a plate of lovely pastries, which was just perfect for me! The lobby is really lovely and it overlooks the outside restaurant below.
The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel, Fifth Avenue and Central Park South.
The Russian Tea Room, 250 E. 57th near Carnegie Hall.
New York, New York
A great option for afternoon tea is The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel. A famous tradition at the Plaza Hotel since 1907, this is the place for the famous afternoon tea. Fifth Avenue and Central Park South.
A New York institution for over 87 years, The Russian Tea Room has been the place “where actors, writers, politicians, and executives plan their next deals and celebrate their friends’ latest Carnegie Hall performances.” Its elegant, modernist Russian style was recently renovated and a perfect location for lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or a pre-theater and post-theater dinner. 250 E. 57th near Carnegie Hall.
Richmond, Virginia
I recommend having afternoon Tea at the Jefferson Hotel. This traditional high tea is served in the beautiful lobby of this classic hotel under the statue of Thomas Jefferson. Not only did they feature classic sandwiches, breads and scones, as it was the third Saturday of the month, I enjoyed the chocolate tea which included additional chocolate items from small chocolates, chocolate mousse, chocolate covered strawberries and more. 101 W. Franklin St.
The Connaught Hotel, 16 Carlos Place.
London, England
My favorite tea in London is by far at the The Connaught Hotel. Located at 16 Carlos Place in Mayfair, I had tea there again recently at the Espelette Restaurant, 40+ years after having my first high tea there with my parents in 1972. It is a wonderful, elegant hotel and a great experience.
Merrion Hotel Dublin.
Dublin, Ireland
The Merrion Hotel Dublin is known for their afternoon tea in their Georgian Drawing Rooms. Known as their Art Tea, it highlights some of their extensive art collection in three of the cakes served at the end. Make sure to book early online to assure you get in on the date you want. It is a wonderful, elegant experience that you must try.
Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper St.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Make sure to add the afternoon tea at the Merchant Hotel to your list when you are in town. It is served in their stunning Great Room Restaurant.
Biltmore Hotel.
Miami/Coral Gables, Florida
Located in Coral Gables, I enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea in the lobby of the elegant Biltmore Hotel along with the music of a harpist. It was a fun way to explore “Classic Florida” at its best.
Palm Beach, Florida
After a tour of the famed Breakers, built in 1925, you might enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the Flagler Museum’s Cafe Des Beaux-Arts.
Hong Kong, China
The Peninsula Hotel is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon and is the flagship property of the The Peninsula Hotels Group. Offering luxury experiences to travelers since 1928, you will love the traditional decor while enjoying afternoon tea in the lobby.
Harvey Nichols, 34 St. Andrews Square.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Harvey Nichols, at 34 St. Andrews Square, has a sleek, contemporary bar and restaurant on the 4th floor of the famed department store. It has wonderful views of the city and is a perfect spot for afternoon tea.
Cupan Tae, 8 Quay Lane.
Cupan Tea.
Galway, Ireland
Cupan Tae at 8 Quay Lane in Galway’s Latin Quarter, is a charming Irish tea shop offering a lovely afternoon tea. I thoroughly enjoyed it while exploring the city on a day trip from Dublin.
Cornwall, England
In Fowey, The Dwelling House, at 6 Fore St., is the perfect spot for a Cornish Cream Tea featuring their homemade scones. It is a charming B&B with two tea rooms on the lower level.
The Willow Tea Room, now known as Mackintosh at the Willow.
Glasgow, Scotland
Don’t miss afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Room which is now known as Mackintosh at the Willow. I booked my reservation for tea months in advance at the 217 Sauchiehall St. location, just to make sure I had a chance to see this famous building designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. I was fortunate to be in the deluxe room upstairs with many of his original details, including stained glass. He is known for his tea rooms where he designed the furniture as well. Ask to go upstairs to the room where you can see more of his architectural details and a great fireplace.
Demel.
Vienna, Austria
A trip to Vienna would not be complete without a visit to Demel. This is a famous pastry shop and cafe, from 1786, known for its wonderful cakes and chocolates. They do offer breakfast, small sandwiches and other entrees. They have wonderful coffees, teas and hot chocolates as well.
The 23rd floor Tea Lounge at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Mandarin Oriental is now the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. This five-star luxury property has some great dining options. The 23rd floor Tea Lounge is perfect for afternoon tea overlooking The Strip and getting away from the crowds and the casinos. I highly recommend the experience!
Rittenhouse Hotel, 10 West Rittenhouse Square.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
One of my favorite areas in Philadelphia, is Rittenhouse Square. A great place for an elegant high tea, is the Mary Cassatt Tea Room at the Rittenhouse Hotel where tea is served daily from 2pm to 5pm. 210 West Rittenhouse Square.
Grand Hotel.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
One my favorite places to visit in Northern Michigan is Mackinac Island. It is right out of the past with Victorian homes and no cars allowed. Therefore you can walk, take a horse drawn carriage or ride a bike. The Grand Hotel is one of the most elegant places in the US that opened in 1887. It became a summer destination for vacationers from Chicago, Detroit and other Midwest cities. I highly recommend enjoying an afternoon tea in the Parlor from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, with live music, which has been a tradition for over 100 years. The price includes tea, sherry or champagne, a plate of finger sandwiches and another plate of lovely desserts. In the high season there may be a $10 admission fee for non-hotel guests.
Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Tea at Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Victoria, BC, Canada
My favorite part of my recent trip was enjoying a traditional afternoon tea at the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel. Set in their formal salon, the tea includes their house-made signature scones, pastries, clotted creams and strawberry preserves with fresh lavender from the rooftop herb garden. There are 21 loose leafs teas available to choose from. This is a must when you are in town. The hotel is really lovely as it recently underwent a two-year $40 million renovation.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 W. Georgia St.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, downtown, features a themed afternoon tea in the private dining room of its restaurant. When I was there, they were having The Great British Tea Party featuring scones, tea sandwiches and sweets. It is a fun experience that I highly recommend. 900 W. Georgia St.
Prince of Wales Hotel.
Prince of Wales Hotel.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada
I was in Niagara-on-the-Lake two months ago to see friends and enjoy two productions at the Shaw Festival Theatre. I recommend enjoying an elegant afternoon tea in the Drawing Room at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel. Here you can pick a choice of tea and enjoy a selection of pastries, sandwiches and scones. I went after a Sunday matinee and enjoyed seeing the historic building from 1864. It has been the Prince of Wales Hotel since 1901. The Victorian Drawing Room is small so make sure to make your reservations online before you go.
Please let me know your favorites, so I can add them to my list of new spots to try!
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