WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#afternoontea—Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels, is pleased to announce The 2023 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Afternoon Tea Experiences List. Hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America offer heritage travelers a chance to immerse themselves in a Victorian tradition being preserved and revived across the United States: afternoon tea. The tradition of afternoon tea symbolizes hospitality, tradition, warmth, sustenance, and comfort. Afternoon tea is both a social gathering and a moment to pause and reflect on the day. While the custom of tea ceremonies dates back millennia around the world, first in China, the tradition of afternoon tea—a meal served mid-afternoon with a tea or sparkling wine—is traced to the English aristocrat Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford and Queen Victoria’s Lady of the Bedchamber. Her household served dinner fashionably late, at 8 p.m., but the duchess did not want to wait so long between luncheon and supper. Being regularly hungry at 3 or 4 p.m., she instituted a new meal. The Duchess of Bedford became a trendsetter when her “afternoon tea” was quickly adopted by women of means during the late-19th and early-20th centuries, a time when social and cultural mores were rapidly changing for many women. The pursuit of activities away from one’s home became socially acceptable, even fashionable. The movement for women’s suffrage in Britain and the United States grew over sandwiches and tea at tearooms or friends’ homes, and tea filled the void for Americans wanting to socialize over a drink during Prohibition. The 25 hotels selected this year offer visitors opportunities to discover the history of tea, indulge in afternoon tea, and experience its romance within meticulously restored and preserved historic settings.
Download a selection of afternoon tea recipes, submitted by the historic hotels featured on this list. View this press release with accompanying photos at HistoricHotels.org.
The Omni Homestead Resort (1766) Hot Springs, Virginia
Nestled within the scenic Allegheny Mountains, The Omni Homestead Resort has welcomed guests to Hot Springs, Virginia, for over 250 years and has served afternoon tea for over a century. A charter member of Historic Hotels of America since 1989 and a U.S. National Historic Landmark, the resort is set on 2,300-acres distinguished by natural hot springs and a splendid four-season climate. Afternoon tea was first served in the Garden Room during the 1920s, then in the Great Hall until the 1990s. In the 20th century, tea was served to each person on a silver platter with delicate finger sandwiches, petit fours, and the resort’s own blend of hot tea. The tea service was provided on the hotel’s own monogrammed fine china. Engraved silver hot water teapots and flatware were also used during afternoon tea. The hotel even offered etiquette classes for younger guests, so they would be prepared to participate in formal afternoon teas as young adults. Today, afternoon tea is served in the Main Dining Room on Friday and Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. A selection of classic, spicy, and fruity Harney & Sons teas are served alongside a three-tier service of savories, scones, and sweets – with the option to add a glass of sparkling wine with strawberries. Reservations for afternoon tea and dinner are recommended, and a dress code is encouraged. Featured Recipe: The Omni Homestead Resort’s Blueberry Scones
The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. (1818) Washington, D.C.
The Willard InterContinental, Washington DC has been at the center of Washington’s social and political life for over two centuries since opening in 1818. The hotel is situated just blocks from the White House and other important Federal buildings, making it a perfect spot for the social elite and Washington powerbrokers to meet to discuss national and global concerns over cocktails at the hotel’s historic Round Robin Bar or over formal tea in one of its lounges. Inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2010 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, The Willard InterContinental has served afternoon tea since the 1920s. Tea at The Willard InterContinental, Washington DC is one of the hotel’s most cherished traditions. Although afternoon tea is offered throughout the year, The Willard InterContinental features two specialty tea services: one during the Cherry Blossom season in the spring and an immensely popular holiday-inspired afternoon tea in December. Originally served in the upstairs Tea Room overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue—now known as The Nest event space—the hotel’s afternoon tea is now served among the grandeur of The Willard InterContinental’s Peacock Alley. Along with the elegant sounds of the harp, guests enjoy a broad selection of the finest estate and boutique blended loose-leaf teas by the Jenwey Tea Company, savory finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and freshly baked scones. To make the afternoon tea even more special, guests can add a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne or specialty sparkling wines.
Antrim 1844 (1844) Taneytown, Maryland
Inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2007 and listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Antrim 1844 was a family farm for over 100 years before being transformed into a boutique luxury hotel. Its tradition of serving afternoon tea began in 1991. The tea service was originally delivered to the guestrooms in the mansion, but, as the hotel expanded, afternoon tea moved to the South Drawing Room. Today it is served at the Veranda daily between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. At Antrim 1844’s afternoon tea, classical piano music sets the tone in the background. The white porcelain tea set is unique to the hotel and features “Antrim” monogrammed in gold letters, personalized at the property with an on-site kiln. On the menu are house-made savory toasts (smoked duck with orange marmalade, bacon jam with Swiss cheese, and English cucumber with lemon cream cheese, to name a few flavors) and bite-size quiches. Sweets are house-made and sourced from a local bakery. During tea, the Veranda offers guests a perfect view of the rose garden, which was featured in the 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Magnificent Gardens. In the winter, fireplaces make teatime warm and cozy. The Veranda is just steps away from the twin drawing rooms, gift shop, and Pickwick Pub. In the warmer months, afternoon tea can be enjoyed before taking a stroll through the brick courtyard and blossoming rose garden.
The Sayre Mansion (1858) Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
A Gothic Revival-style mansion in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, The Sayre Mansion is framed by the swaying branches of century-old trees and the picturesque beauty of the Lehigh Valley’s lush landscape. It was the first house built in the upscale area of Fountain Hill, in 1858, and has been meticulously restored to maintain its historic details. Afternoon tea became fashionable soon after Robert Sayre moved into his new home. The hotel’s General Manager, Sarah Trimmer, says the mansion’s Victorian look and feel makes afternoon tea here a unique experience. The hotel hosts an intimate, traditional English tea every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. Guests are seated in the formal dining room or elegant parlor, amid the elegant surroundings of the 1858 mansion. The menu boasts the delicate finger sandwiches, scones, and decadent desserts that are customary for afternoon tea. Guests may also delight in a variety of tea scones accompanied by Devonshire cream and preserves. In addition to freshly brewed tea or unsweetened iced tea, each guest is also served a flute of sparkling wine to toast the occasion. During the year, afternoon tea takes on holiday themes for St. Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is known as the “Christmas City,” and The Sayre Mansion serves a festive Christmas Tea in December. The hotel also co-hosts afternoon teas to benefit non-profit organizations, including an “Equali-Tea” held in June during Pride Month to assist Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, and a Breast Cancer Awareness Tea in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Reservations are required for any teatime.
Mohonk Mountain House (1869) New Paltz, New York
In 1869, the rocky cliffs that rise above a crystal blue, glacial lake in the Hudson River Valley inspired Albert Smiley to create Mohonk Mountain House. This would become a resort where guests could renew their body, minds, and spirits in a beautiful natural setting. Mohonk Mountain House was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1986, inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1991, and continues to delight travelers with uncommon experiences in the 21st century. For many years, the tearoom was part of what is now the Winter Lounge. Victorian guests would enjoy hot tea, cakes, and cookies, in various seating areas inside and on the porches. While afternoon tea was offered to all visitors, specially selected guests would receive invitations to tea with Mrs. Smiley in the private Smiley Family Parlor. Mrs. Smiley’s original wicker tea cart and tea set remain part of the Mohonk Mountain House collection, as a tribute to the vibrant social atmosphere she cultivated. Today, Mohonk Mountain House serves afternoon tea in the Lake Lounge, where the tea counter was constructed of wood from the original 1899 bellmen’s bench. At the Lake Lounge, afternoon tea is enjoyed with beautiful, sweeping views of Mohonk Lake and the cliffside. Dainty bites, including three different house-made tea cookies, are offered during afternoon tea, and a variety of tea blends are available. The hotel commissioned its own black tea blend in the 1970s, a combination of classic Orange Pekoe and cut Black Tea. It is available to purchase from the resort gift shop along with other herbal and flavored teas, as well as coffee. New flavors and offerings, such as live music, are added to the tea service during special events throughout the year, such as Scottish Weekend in January, the Garden Holiday in the spring, and festive December holidays.
Palace Hotel (1875) San Francisco, California
For over 100 years, the Palace Hotel has been a San Francisco landmark with timeless artistry, which can be seen in venues such as The Garden Court, with its glass ceiling and Austrian crystal chandeliers, and in artistic displays like the Pied Piper of Hamelin mural by Maxfield Parrish l. Since the hotel’s construction, visitors have basked in the architectural splendor while enjoying tea served in The Garden Court. Today, afternoon tea is served every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Between Thanksgiving and the New Year’s holidays, service days and hours are increased so that even more guests can enjoy afternoon tea during the holiday season. The contemporary furnishings complement the hotel’s historic architecture, making it a gorgeous setting to enjoy tea. Silver and fine china are used for a modern, elegant service, and a harpist provides live music. The Palace serves several blends of TEALEAVES tea including black, green, herbal and the hotel’s own custom Legacy Blend. The Signature Tea service includes elegant tea sandwiches, mini pastries, scones, clotted cream, lemon curd, and jam. Upgrades are available, including the Champagne Tea service and Caviar Tea service. For children, the hotel offers Prince & Princess tea service with specialty sweets and savories, as well as a jeweled crown and candy scepter. The Palace sells tins of their custom Legacy Tea blend. The Palace Hotel serves holiday-themed teas in The Garden Court for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and throughout December. Featured Recipe: The Palace Hotel’s Buttermilk Scones
Grand Hotel (1886) Mackinac Island, Michigan
Overlooking Lake Michigan, Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, is one of the last surviving Grand Dames of the Gilded Age. It was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2001 and was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1989. The Grand Hotel has served a refined afternoon tea since opening in 1887. Early guests at Grand Hotel would stay for months at a time, traveling by railroad and steamships from cities like Chicago and Detroit. Afternoon tea created an additional event for guests to attend, an opportunity to socialize and snack before the formal dinner service. Today, afternoon tea is held in The Parlor, which was designed by Dorothy Draper Co., daily from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. As they were also served a century ago, guests are served a selection of assorted tea sandwiches, biscuits, scones, jams, and clotted cream with hot tea and a spot of sherry or Champagne. From The Parlor, guests can look out through a wall of windows onto The Front Porch—the longest porch in the world, at 660 feet in length—to enjoy a view of the Straits of Mackinac. The resort features themed afternoon tea experiences during package weekends, including Mother’s Day, and a Spooktacular Afternoon Tea during Halloween at Grand. In The Parlor, decorated with cobwebs and pumpkins, the Spooktacular Afternoon Tea serves “finger” sandwiches shaped like human fingers, pastries decorated to look like spiders and ghosts, and “spooky” music is played live by the harpist.
The Pfister Hotel (1893) Milwaukee, Wisconsin
When The Pfister Hotel opened its doors in 1893, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin hotel was called “The Grand Hotel of the West.” Architect Charles Koch’s Romanesque Revival-style design incorporated innovative construction and an in-house electrical power plant, which made The Pfister Hotel the first hotel in the country with individual thermostats in each guestroom. Afternoon tea was served in the Lobby Lounge when it was first considered to be fashionable. Nearly 100 years later, in 1983, afternoon tea was revived and refreshed under General Manager Rosemary Steinfest, who introduced Afternoon Victorian Tea. The tea service was originally held in the lobby bar, but was eventually moved to Blu, the hotel’s modern lounge on the 23rd floor. The high-rise venue means guests enjoy their teatime with incredible views of Downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan. The Pfister Hotel serves Rishi Tea, which is headquartered in Milwaukee. Each afternoon tea service is led by a Pfister Tea Butler, whose role is to speak about the varieties of tea, their origins, effects on the body, and pairing suggestions. The Tea Butlers use an all-silver service, including a replica of an 18th-century self-tipping teapot. The afternoon tea menu features fresh scones, sandwiches, and pastries. Guests can enhance their experience with sparkling wines. After the experience, guests can purchase teas, as well as house-made scones, in the hotel’s gift shop. The Pfister Hotel offers private teatimes for baby showers, wedding showers, children’s birthdays, manners classes, and more. Featured Recipes: The Pfister Hotel’s Caprese Tart and Whipped Ricotta
The Jefferson Hotel (1895) Richmond, Virginia
Thousands of visitors flocked to The Jefferson Hotel when it opened its doors in 1895. By the end of the decade, The Jefferson Hotel affectionately bore the moniker of “The Belle of the ‘90s.” Naturally, a Belle of the Victorian era served afternoon tea. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and a charter member of Historic Hotels of America when it was inducted in 1989, the hotel is particularly famous for hosting Richmond residents’ pet alligators in its Palm Court lobby from the early 1900s through 1948. This made teatime in the ladies’ parlor, located right off the lobby, potentially exciting. The hotel tells a story about a guest who, while relaxing over tea and a glass (or two) of sherry, mistook a wandering alligator for a foot stool. Legend states that she never partook in anything stronger than tea again! The modern tradition of afternoon tea service at The Jefferson Hotel began in the early 1990s. Tea is served on the Mezzanine balcony overlooking the Rotunda lobby on Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., January through November. Tea is served daily in December. The hotel serves a Southern afternoon tea, featuring a savory country ham sandwich—along with traditional scones and Devonshire cream, pastries, as well as options for gluten, dairy, and nut -free tiers—and a variety of teas from Richmond’s own Rostov’s Coffee & Tea. The most popular selections by far are The Jefferson Blend and The Richmond Blend. The Jefferson Blend is an aromatic, traditional English blend created for the hotel. The Richmond blend is a spicy blend of black tea, cinnamon oil, orange peel, and cloves, taken from a Colonial Williamsburg recipe. Both blends are available for purchase in the gift shop, Gators. Every first and third Saturday of each month, the hotel hosts a Chocolate Lovers’ Tea, which includes the normal menu along with a decadent selection of chocolate confections. In December, there are two Santa Teas designed for children. Featured Recipe: The Jefferson Hotel’s Scones
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa (1901) Honolulu, Hawaii
Known as the “First Lady of Waikiki,” The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa is a beautiful Beaux-Arts-style resort—with its gleaming white façade, grand columns, and a distinctive porte-cochère—that first opened its legendary doors on March 11, 1901. A charter member of Historic Hotels of America since 1989, and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel’s guests have indulged in afternoon tea on a shaded beachfront veranda for over a century. Guests from near and far found the perfect respite from the afternoon sun in the comfort of the hotel’s cozy lounge chairs, cooled by Hawaii’s gentle ocean breezes. They sipped tea, refreshing their mind, body, and spirit, as they observed beath-goers on Waikiki beach or immersed in conversation with friends and family, while hosts presented freshly brewed pots of teas along with light repasts of savories and pastries. Today, the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa continues this elegant tradition with its signature afternoon tea service, a variety of fine teas accompanied by an assortment of delectable signature items. Guests can choose from a variety of Moana Classic Teas, including Hawaiian Coconut, Sweet Peach, Passion Orange Guava, and Mango Pineapple; or traditional teas, such as Classic Earl Grey, Emerald Jasmine Pearls, Indian Darjeeling, or Traditional Herbal Rooibos. Guests can pair their tea with savory and sweet selections, such as the Curry Chicken Salad Croissant or Orange Blueberry Scones. Gluten-free and vegan options are available. There are special occasion teas for Mother’s Day and Halloween, as well as Christmas.
West Baden Springs Hotel (1902) West Baden Springs, Indiana
Underneath the stunning dome of the West Baden Springs Hotel in West Baden Springs, Indiana, afternoon tea is a contemporary tradition inspired by the Gilded Age fashions of the hotel’s heyday. For nearly thirty years after it opened in 1902, when it was revered as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” West Baden Springs Hotel—designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior—was a prime Midwestern luxury destination until the Great Depression. Decades later, the tradition of afternoon tea was born during the enormous restoration project that returned the hotel to its original grandeur. During the restoration, from 2000 to 2006, Indiana Landmarks offered tours and a traditional afternoon tea on the sixth floor of the hotel. When the hotel was fully renovated and reopened to guests in 2007, afternoon tea became a favorite way to “drink in” the hotel’s luxury and ambiance. Today, afternoon tea in the hotel’s atrium satisfies all the senses. While admiring the expanse of the six-story domed atrium, guests are treated to the heavenly sounds of live harp music and choose from a tempting menu of teas—everything from traditional Earl Grey to fruity options and varieties with spice. Tea may be the star of the show, though house-made cucumber sandwiches, scones, tarts, and canapés deliver so many sweet and savory surprises. Traditional afternoon tea is held every Saturday. Occasionally, the hotel offers Mommy & Me Tea and an Afternoon Tea & Tour, combining tea service and a historic hotel tour. Children are welcome at regular afternoon tea as well. To bring the experience home, tea pots and tea sets are available for purchase at the hotel mercantile.
The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco (1907) San Francisco, California
The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco dates to the early 1900s, when two sisters—Theresa Fair Oelrichs and Virginia Fair Vanderbilt—decided to build a spectacular boutique hotel in the heart of San Francisco’s Nob Hill. When the hotel opened in 1907, afternoon tea was offered in the historic Laurel Court with polished silver, fine china, and accouterments. Today, the lobby-level Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar continues to dazzle guests with its soaring domed ceilings, commanding columns, Tuscan-style frescoes, and ornate detailing. Seated among the grandeur of Laurel Court, guests enjoy a broad selection of blended loose-leaf teas, savory finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and the hotel’s famous freshly baked scones. Fairmont Hotels has its own brand of tea, LOT 35, that is served at its hotels. Fairmont Teas may be purchased online at The Fairmont Store. Bubbly and specialty cocktails are also available at afternoon tea at The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco. Afternoon tea is served on Saturdays year-round. Special themed offers occur several times throughout the year, for occasions like Thanksgiving and the December holidays, and Mother’s Day. During December, a private tea can be booked for a single party of up to eight guests within the hotel’s magnificent Gingerbread House.
The Plaza (1907) New York, New York
For over 100 years, The Palm Court at The Plaza has been an iconic destination for afternoon tea in New York City. Inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1991 and designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, The Plaza Hotel has served afternoon tea since it opened in 1907. The Palm Court was a beloved destination for writers F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald—so much so that F. Scott even made it a setting in his novel, The Great Gatsby. Its interior design is inspired by nearby Central Park: lush greenery, with potted plants, ceiling-high palm trees, trellis detailing, and custom furnishings with cane accents under the soaring stained-glass dome. Today, afternoon tea is served daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each tea offers sandwiches, scones, pastries, and more. A glass of sparkling wine can also be added. The fine china is custom Bernardaud French porcelain, and the whimsical tea pots are designed by American designer Jonathan Adler. The Palm Court offers themed afternoon teas throughout the year, including a “Spooky Eloise” experience near Halloween that includes a candy scavenger hunt around the lobby. The Palm Court serves a selection of teas by the Palais des Thes tea company. The hotel recommends the crowd favorite, “The du Hammam,” a light green tea with notes of orange blossoms, roses, and red berries. Palais des Thes teas are available for purchase in The Plaza Boutique, as well as the featured fine china and Eloise-themed goodies.
The Ashton Hotel (1915) Fort Worth, Texas
When it opened in 1915, the six-story Italianate-style building now known as The Ashton Hotel was the home of the Fort Worth Club, a hub of Fort Worth, Texas business deals and civic ties.
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