Show your kids the art of taking high tea in the afternoon, complete with finger sandwiches, scones and pastries and impeccable service. Across the country, hotels are bringing afternoon tea to the masses, including these tantalizing tea services.
1/15 Biltmore Hotel, Miami
The Biltmore doesn’t let Miami’s heat prevent them from hosting afternoon tea. Held in the lobby Wednesdays through Sundays, 2 to 5 p.m. in two seatings, the event is accompanied by a live harpist. Holiday-themed events take place annually.
2/15 The Carlyle, New York
Tea Time at the Carlyle, a Rosewood property, is held in The Gallery, which is modeled after the Sultan’s dining room at Turkey’s Topkapi Palace. From 3 to 5:30 p.m. daily, guests are treated to exotic décor and an extensive menu of teas.
3/15 Drake Hotel, Chicago
The renowned hotel’s Palm Court offers daily tea service between 1 and 5 p.m. Featuring this tea service for nearly 100 years, celebrities, dignitaries and members of the royal family have sampled the teas at this Tea Fit for a Queen. Prince and Princess teas are available for children 4 to 12 during the same time. The full service takes 1.5 hours and is meant to be enjoyed to its fullest!
4/15 Fairmont Olympic, Seattle
Little ones can enjoy a special menu just for them with finger sandwiches they will enjoy during the weekend teas served from noon to 2:30 p.m. For adults, find scones, savories and tea sandwiches. The special afternoon teas are held at The Georgian Restaurant. Reservations are recommended.
5/15 Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City
Daily afternoon tea service is available for 1 and 3:30 p.m. servings. Traditional teas include finger sandwiches, scones and parties, while the Grand Traditions Tea includes cheeses, as well as champagne. Kids are welcome and discounted. Reservations are required.
6/15 Hotel Bel-Air, California
On Friday and Saturdays, between 3 and 4 p.m., enjoy an afternoon tea at the Hotel Bel-Air’s Wolfgang Puck. You’ll enjoy sweet and savory bites, and a Little Royals tea menu for kids.
7/16 Jefferson, Richmond, Virginia
High Tea service is offered Friday through Sunday at the historic Jefferson Hotel in Virginia, with children ages 4 and up welcome to attend. The service is available between 3 and 4:15 p.m. The first and third of each month is a special Chocolate Lover’s Tea with a buffet of chocolates served. Special holiday teas are available in December, with Santa Teas also available on special dates.
8/15 Langham Huntington, Pasadena, California
Take in panoramic views of San Marino at the Langham’s Afternoon Tea with Wedgewood. Carrying on the tradition from its London hotel, the tea service takes place Monday through Saturday until 4 p.m. Special children’s tea selections are available.
9/15 Park Hyatt, Washington, D.C.
Sunday afternoons bring a tea service to the Park Hyatt’s Tea Cellar, with seasonal tea ingredients available. Children 6 and up are welcome, and will enjoy pastries, scones and jam in this traditional service. The service is available from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
10/15 Plaza Hotel, New York
The home of the fictional Eloise is also home to an Eloise Tea in the Palm Court. Eloise, and traditional afternoon tea, is available from noon to 5 p.m., with children enjoying Rawther Delicious beverages and kid-friendly finger sandwiches and pastries.
11/15 Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
On the first and third Saturday of the month, the Ritz features an afternoon tea from 2 to 3 p.m. Featuring city views from the Lobby Lounge, the tea is available gluten-, dairy- and meat-free. During the holidays, a special Teddy Bear Tea in the decorated Terrace Room includes a giant Teddy Bear, with multiple dates and often twice-daily seatings.
12/15 St. Regis, San Francisco
The Art of Tea brings San Francisco visitors a two-hour tea service, offered daily between 2 and 4 p.m. Available only by reservation, menus for the service change seasonally.
13/15 Townsend Hotel, Detroit
Afternoon tea beneath Waterford chandeliers accompanied by classical music can be found daily from noon to 5 p.m. at The Townsend. Special children’s tea menus are available, as well as themed teas such as Cinderella, Frozen and The Nutcracker, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required.
14/15 Willard InterContinental, Washington, D.C.
Held throughout the year Friday through Sunday, between 1 and 4 p.m., you may enjoy tea in the Willard’s Peacock Alley. Children under 5 are free, and menus are discounted for children ages 5 to 12.
15/15 Windsor Court, New Orleans
A tasteful and tradition tea is available at New Orleans’ Windsor Court’s A Well-Brewed Afternoon. Offered at 2 p.m. on Fridays, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends, you can choose amongst 26 different loose teas. Themed teas take place monthly, including kid-friendly Princess, Mad Hatter and Halloween events.
Written by Lissa Poirot