Courtesy Commodore Perry
High teas at grand hotels are in high demand over the holidays—but not all services are created equal.
Traditional high teas—born when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, needed a little snack—are evolving and the competition to put on the best show of finger sandwiches, champagne cocktails, delicate pastries, (and tea) is raging. The goal? Woo wellness-obsessed, teetotaling Gen Z, which puts away pots more consistently compared to other generations (37 percent of young people are now regular tea drinkers).
As a result, today’s tea menus are more imaginative. Cedric Grolet’s “Goutea” at The Berkeley in London, for instance, includes savory snacks alongside traditional treats like scones. These menus tend to have whimsical touches, as well as collaborations with luxury brands and champagne houses like Moët & Chandon. For the holidays, some hotels even partner with ballet companies to feature performances of “The Nutcracker” during the service (head to The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club to catch a performance).
Below are some of the best modern and innovative hotel tea services to check out over the holidays.
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The Lowell Hotel (New York)
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Lowell The Lowell Hotel’s new Lilly of the Valley Afternoon Tea, which partners with Dior Maison, has already garnered a lot of buzz after being introduced earlier this year. Now. they have something extra special for the holidays. The tea service has been transformed into a seasonal wonderland. Named for Christian Dior’s favorite flower—a symbol of luck and joy—the service offers a curated selection of sweet and savory treats, to help close out 2024 and usher in the new year. Begin with freshly baked scones, served with Devonshire cream and winter preserves, followed by seasonal English tea sandwiches such as chicken curry. Executive Pastry Chef Matthew Lambie has outdone himself with festive delights this year including holiday creme caramel, a snowman-inspired Ballina choux, and the always reliable Buche de Noel. The tea also puts a spotlight on the signature Happiness Pink Cake, a nod to the iconic designer’s favorite shade of pink (but this has a buttercream finish.) The tea and treats are perfectly accompanied by Dior Maison’s Lily of the Valley tableware, as well as Limoges porcelain. With its pink cakes and opulent Dior tablescapes, this is a tea service Marie Antoinette would approve of wholeheartedly.
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Ken Fulk’s Tea at Commodore Perry (Austin)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Commodore Perry For a truly unique experience, impeccable interior designer Ken Fulk has partnered with Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection to create a holiday experience unlike any other. Fulk brought the former Austin 1920s mansion to life as a luxury hotel and social club in 2020. Guests throughout the year are dazzled by Fulk’s exquisite interiors and immaculate attention to detail, but the holidays will bring something special. He has brought a grand Festive Tea, where an elegant table awaits with an assortment of teas on display, as well as a hand-drawn menu of savory small bites and sweet treats including sandwiches, pastries, and mignardises and a toast to kick off the tea.
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The Shelbourne (Dublin)
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Shelbourne Guests have been gathering at the Shelbourne for over 200 years to celebrate the holidays but this is the first year a special Festive Afternoon Tea will be served in the The Lord Mayor’s Lounge. A specially prepared menu of delicate bites and enjoy the beautiful holiday decor in a room adorned with crystal chandeliers and golden carvings. There is also a Children’s Afternoon Tea available featuring treats like a luxurious cheesecake pot layered with sea salt caramel, sauce, praline, and Chantilly cream served in a chocolate pot, chocolate ganache éclairs, and rich banana bread. In the new year, The Lord Mayor’s Lounge will offer a brand-new afternoon tea menu, the hotel’s 201st year, featuring feta and tomato on pumpkin seed bread, golden raisin buttermilk scones, citrus macaroons, and so much more.
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Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club (Anguilla)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club The breathtaking 300-acre property nestled on Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club has taken a little Caribbean twist on a traditional holiday tea this year. From today to the 29th, guests can nibble on classic tea fares like gourmet sandwiches, as well as some of the hotel’s signature dishes such as chocolate delice, strawberry pistachio financier, and Caribbean Mount Blanc with pineapple confit. Then top it off with Moët & Chandon Brut and Prosecco. The Festive Tea is the perfect way to end a beautiful day of golfing or spa-ing. The resort will also be offering a three-course Christmas tasting menu on today and tomorrow, as well as a traditional Christmas Eve and Christmas carving buffet.
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The Langley Hotel (Buckinghamshire)
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Langley Hotel (Buckinghamshire) Though there are dozens of wonderful hotel tea services in London—like the NoMad London or the Sofitel London St James—if you venture just an hour outside the city you will be whisked away to a different era at The Langley Hotel in Buckinghamshire. This magnificent 18th-century manor turned 5-star hotel with 150 acres of gardens originally served as the home of the third Duke of Marlborough. This hotel will make any “Pride and Prejudice” fans ecstatic. Renovated extensively in 2019, the property outdoes itself at the holidays as the historic estate transforms into a festive wonderland. The Lebanon Cedar tree, a signature of The Langley, stands out amidst the twinkling lights and festive decorations illuminate the parklands. Inside the revelry continues with the most festive of afternoon teas—guests can opt for a traditional tea or a champagne one—featuring classic tea sandwiches and desserts including chestnut and white chocolate tart. In addition to the splendid decor, activities include gingerbread house decorating and Christmas movie nights. The holiday teas will be held through January.
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Royal Champagne Hotel + Spa (Champagne)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Royal Champagne Hotel + Spa (Champagne) This French hotel, the jewel of the Champagne region, has featured a holiday afternoon tea for a few years, but pastry chef Claire Santos Lopes has taken it to a new level this year. For pastry chef Claire Santos Lopes this is more than tea and cookies but a chance to be inspired. She’s known for creating classic works of art—including Kadinsky’s “Composition III” Dali’s “Melting Watches,” Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” Magritte’s “La Pomme,” and Banksy’s “Girl with Balloon”—out of tiny pastries, entrements, tartlets, crisps, and chocolate caramel cakes. It’s almost too beautiful to eat—but you will. Top it off with some tea or Piper-Heidsieck champagne and enjoy the beautiful tree in the parlor and the giant, plush holiday bear sitting beside it in a sleigh. The Royal Champagne Hotel + Spa’s holiday tea runs through January 11.
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The Wall Street Hotel (New York)
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Wall Street Hotel Only a few years old, this hotel embodies classic New York, especially in the Lounge on Pearl, where the afternoon tea is served. Tea attendees can revel in the beauty of the muraled walls and the Christmas tree’s pearl, sage, gold, and rose gold ornament color palette adorned with shimmering garlands and delicate glass baubles. In addition to the tea, guests can pick up a rich, velvety cocoa at the Hot Cocoa Trolley Cart. The hotel also offers a host of family-friendly experiences this season, from Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Kits suitable for all ages to the enchanting “Here Comes Santa Claus” experience.
