The Best Washington D.C. Hotels With Afternoon Teas
Afternoon tea became the social thing to do in Britain in the 1840s, two centuries after the first teas were brought from China. The British added the dainty sandwiches and pastries, to appease the long period between lunch and dinner. Today, several Washington D.C. hotels offer this stately tradition.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C
Why it made the list
They call afternoon tea a “ritual” at the St. Regis, a super opulent hotel near the White House. Built in 1926 and feeling every bit like a Gilded Age palace (including a painted coffered ceiling in the lobby), they have every right to do so. Palais des Thés provides a bespoke experience for tea patrons, and an optional champagne pairing is offered as well. Afternoon Tea is served daily between 2 and 5 pm.
Park Hyatt Washington DC.
Why it made the list
The Park Hyatt boasts a tea sommelier, so you can bet they know a thing or two about afternoon tea. You’re served in the Tea Cellar, with more than 50 rare and limited-production, single-estate teas on offer. Tea service, offered Sunday afternoons between 3 and 4:30 pm, includes housemade savories, pastries and scones.
Mandarin Oriental
Why it made the list
Afternoon High Tea in the Empress Lounge is a sophisticated affair, with your choice of fine teas from around the world, signature tea sandwiches (including egg salad gouger and heirloom & camembert bite), citrus scones, and sweets (the raspberry and mint macaroon is amazing). After tea, you can walk across the footbridge connecting the hotel to the cherry-tree-framed Tidal Basin. Tea is served between 2:30 and 4:30 pm Friday to Sunday.
Willard InterContinental
Why it made the list
Afternoon Tea is served in the historic Willard’s famed Peacock Alley, featuring live harp music, organic teas, finger sandwiches and fresh pastries. Tea is served between 1 and 4 pm Friday through Sunday. For something even more special, come for the Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea during spring’s cherry blossom season, when Peacock Alley fills with cherry blooms and you can enjoy ikaati teas and Japanese-inspired savories and sweets. A Holiday Afternoon Tea with a festive twist is offered in December.
Henley Park Hotel
Why it made the list
The Tudor-style, 100-year-old hotel offers traditional English Tea, Royal Tea (including a glass of kir royal), and the simpler Scones and Tea. But it’s the setting that’s most delightful, by the roaring fire in the antique-filled, English-designed drawing room or at tables in the red-walled, chandelier-lit front parlor. Tea is served daily between 4 and 6 pm.
Fairmont, Washington D.C.
Why it made the list
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont is more modern than most, with curried chicken brioche among the savories and sweets including earl grey tea flan. It’s served in the Loggia Lounge, overlooking the flowery courtyard garden. Afternoon Tea is offered between 2 and 4 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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