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Washington,
DC – October 2024 / NewsmakerAlert: Historic
Hotels Worldwide®, a prestigious collection of more than 300 authentic
historic hotels in more than 40 countries, is pleased to announce The
2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Afternoon Tea Experiences list.
The hotels selected for recognition in this list offer heritage and cultural
travelers a chance to immerse themselves in a tradition from Victorian
England that is being preserved and revived around the world: Afternoon
Tea. While the custom of tea ceremonies dates back millennia around the
world, the tradition of Afternoon Tea—a light meal served in the mid-afternoon
with 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, around 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 in the early 1840s. The
influential Duchess of Bedford became a trendsetter when her “Afternoon
Tea” became popular among British 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, and Afternoon Tea became
increasingly popular. Many of the historic hotels selected for this list
are in the British Isles, but other luxurious historic hotels with Afternoon
Tea experiences can be found in China, Norway, Singapore, Cambodia, Canada,
Australia, the Netherlands, and beyond. Many of the hotels selected for
this list make the history of tea and tea rituals part of the cultural
experiences that they offer their visitors. A perfect fit for historic
hotels, the tradition of Afternoon Tea symbolizes hospitality, tradition,
indulgence, and community. Several of the Afternoon Teas selected for this
list serve guests tea with a twist, making literature, regional cuisine,
art, and dancing part of the dining experience. The 25 hotels selected
for this list offer visitors opportunities to discover the history of tea,
indulge in Afternoon Tea, and experience the romance of meticulously restored
historic settings, including elegant castles, refined manor homes, and
luxury hotels.
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Dromoland
Castle (1014)
Newmarket-on-Fergus,
County Clare, Ireland
The
enchanting Dromoland Castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th century.
It is the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, with a lineage that
dates back over 1,000 years to one of the last High Kings of Ireland, Brian
Boru. The castle was updated and renovated in the 1820s, with additions,
carvings, and priceless art added to the castle, and little has changed
since then. A long-standing tradition at Dromoland Castle, the hotel aims
to impress with a fun and indulgent Afternoon Tea ritual. Named for a long-standing
member of the hotel’s staff, Mrs. White’s Afternoon Tea is a feast fit
for royalty. Guests enjoy the prettiest selection of treats: scrumptious
finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and homemade jams, delicate
pastries, a signature tea rack, and sweet confections. Loose-leaf teas
from around the world are served in sparkling silver teapots, alongside
beautiful fine china. Mrs. White’s Afternoon Tea is served from 1:00 p.m.–3:30
p.m. daily. Reservations are recommended. Dromoland Castle was inducted
into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011, and is the recipient of the Historic
Hotels Worldwide Sustainability Champion award for the 2022 Historic Hotels
Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence, for its commitment to protecting
the environment for future generations. The hotel is a gateway to Ireland’s
history and culture, close to the Aran Islands, Ennis, and the Burren and
Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
Castlemartyr
Resort (1210)
Cork,
County Cork, Ireland
Once
a sprawling medieval fortress of the Normans in the 13th century, Castlemartyr
Resort is a magnificent holiday retreat just outside the city of Cork,
in County Cork, Ireland. The resort debuted in 2008 following years of
extensive renovations, and was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide
in 2022. Among the many outstanding services offered at the resort, Castlemartyr
Resort serves Afternoon Tea in the Knights Bar in the historic Manor House.
Guests are invited to enjoy Afternoon Tea beneath the Lafranchini-designed,
Rococo-style ceiling, overlooking the formal gardens of Castlemartyr Resort,
while indulging in the classic tea service. The Knights Bar is one of the
Manor House’s architectural gems, with its famous Rococo-style stucco ceiling,
floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplace, and beautiful decorative elements.
Castlemartyr Resort’s Afternoon Tea features a pot of tea or specialty
coffee accompanied by dainty finger sandwiches, tea breads, pastries, and
scones with clotted cream and preserves. Gluten-free, children’s tea, and
sparkling wine options are available. Afternoon Tea is served Wednesday
through Sunday, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Sofitel
Legend The Grand Amsterdam (1578)
Amsterdam,
Netherlands
When
the Dutch East India Company brought the first recorded shipment of tea
leaves to trade in Europe in 1610, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam–which
was established in 1578, originally to house a religious order–was serving
as lodgings for the royal and upper-class men of Amsterdam. Inducted into
Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam continues
its centuries-long tradition of hospitality through its contemporary Afternoon
Tea service. The current Afternoon Tea experience was developed by Sofitel
Legend The Grand Amsterdam’s official Tea Sommelier, who was inspired by
the strong and resilient character of Mulan, a Chinese folk heroine. Unlike
typical Afternoon Teas that serve only a pot of tea, the Tea Sommelier
introduces a modern twist, combining the classic tea service with creative,
contemporary elements. Guests can elevate their experience with upgrades,
such as a glass of champagne, or a tea pairing with wine or whisky. Guests
can purchase the special tea blends crafted by the Tea Sommelier to enjoy
at home, as a delightful memento of their visit. The hotel offers special
touches for holidays like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, when guests
receive a chocolate heart, flowers, or a special price for Afternoon Tea,
making their visit even more memorable. Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam’s
Afternoon Tea tradition is not just a reflection of the hotel’s history
and character, but is an evolving experience that combines the best of
both worlds—honoring the past while embracing the present.
Sopwell
House (1603)
St
Albans, England, United Kingdom
Located
in the peaceful countryside of Hertfordshire, England, Sopwell House is
a historic Georgian-style hotel that dates back over 300 years, as the
earliest known record of the location is a deed from 1603. Just a 20-minute
train ride from London, Afternoon Tea at Sopwell House is served in the
hotel’s refurbished restaurant, Omboo, and the experience is not to be
missed. Guests enjoy treats from a beautiful, tiered stand filled with
delicious seasonal delicacies and pastries, homemade scones with Devonshire
clotted cream and strawberry preserves, and traditional finger sandwiches.
There is an option to add a glass of champagne along with the accompanying
loose-leaf Newby Teas or coffee. Vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-free options
are also available. Specialty and themed Afternoon Teas are also available
throughout the year, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas.
During these holidays, only the Afternoon Tea offering for that occasion
will be available. Sopwell House was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide
in 2015.
Carton
House Hotel, A Fairmont Managed Hotel (1739)
Maynooth,
County Kildare, Ireland
Carton
House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel is a classic Georgian-style manor house,
set on an estate founded in 1739, and offers guests Afternoon Tea in a
storied setting. In fact, guests have the option to coordinate their teatime
with a history tour of the resort. The menu playfully pays tribute to some
of the iconic guests who have stayed at the resort over the years. For
example, Queen Victoria stayed at the hotel in 1849 and 1897, and a classic
Victoria sponge cake with fresh strawberries and cream filling is served
at Afternoon Tea in her honor. Also featured on the menu are carrot cake
(Dame Julie Andrews’s special recipe), a peanut butter ganache chocolate
replica of the Hermès Kelly handbag (named after Princess Grace
of Monaco, who stayed at the hotel with her family in 1963), and the Ruby
Tuesday Velvet Cake (named after The Rolling Stones song, as Mick Jagger
was once a frequent visitor), and orange chocolate cheesecake (Stanley
Kubrick, A Clockwork Orange [1972] director, stayed here twice). Served
Thursday through Sunday every week, the iconic Afternoon Tea menu faithfully
follows the traditional combination of sweet and savory treats. Reservations
must be made in advance. Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel was inducted
into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2023.
The
K Club (1832)
Straffan,
County Kildare, Ireland
On
an estate dating to 550, with buildings that date to 1832, The K Club is
a luxury Irish resort within the quaint County Kildare and was inducted
into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2014. The resort offers a variety of
dining options, including Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room—one of the
most refined and elegant spaces at The K Club. The Drawing Room boasts
hand-painted wallpaper, picture windows, a magnificent fireplace, oversized
antique vases, and offers visitors a sense of genteel refinement. Visitors
can experience both classic and festively themed Afternoon Teas in this
historic setting. The K Club invites visitors to experience this indulgent
occasion, created for pure enjoyment. The Drawing Room serves a menu featuring
an assortment of scones and Irish-themed sandwiches, including Quinlan’s
Smoked Irish Salmon, mature cheddar and baked ham, and free-range eggs.
A wide variety of pastries and cakes are served, including chocolate, blueberry
tart, carrot cake, and Battenberg Cake. Gluten-free and vegan options are
available, as is a dedicated children’s menu. Guests may add wine to their
tea service, including sparkling wine. Afternoon tea is served daily from
1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Old
Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa (1852)
St
Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
Afternoon
Tea at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is the perfect way for
a golfer to celebrate a special occasion, or for a visitor to enjoy “just
because.” The resort near St Andrews, Scotland, borders the renowned 17th
Road Hole of the historic Old Course golf course, which is celebrated throughout
the world for its contributions to the international history of golf. For
centuries, golfers have traveled to this majestic destination to play on
its prestigious fairways. The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa overlooks
the famous course and is only a short stroll from the historic university
town of St Andrews. Its refined Afternoon tea is served either in the Conservatory
or on the fourth floor of the hotel. The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort
& Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017 and dates
to 1852. Guests can take in the stunning views across the Old Course while
they enjoy sandwiches, scones, cakes, pastries, and a wide selection of
teas—or perhaps a glass or two of sparkling wine. Special themed Afternoon
Teas throughout the year celebrate holidays, such as Halloween and Christmas.
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels
Worldwide in 2017.
Britannia
Hotel (1870)
Trondheim,
Norway
Britannia
Hotel in Trondheim, Norway, boasts luxurious dining experiences like Afternoon
Tea, as well as an impressive history, with connections to polar expeditions
and royal receptions. Guests can pair a day exploring local history and
breathtaking landscapes with the historic hotel’s seasonally inspired Afternoon
Tea. Served in the historic Palmehaven dining room, Britannia Hotel’s Afternoon
Teas are crafted in collaboration with Norway’s Master Tea Blender, Hanne
Charlotte Heggberget of the Gravraak Teateliér. Whole leaf Camellia
sinensis tea is blended with local herbs, and the blend is made specially
for Britannia Hotel, where the tea brewers are trained by the Master Tea
Blender herself. Sweets and savories are served on tiered cake stands alongside
a wide range of signature teas and bubbly. Palmehaven has seen its share
of celebrities over the past century, perhaps the most illustrious being
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and her husband, Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh, who dined there in 1969. The Afternoon Tea menu is served
from 1–4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1–4:00 p.m. on Sundays. A children’s
menu is available. Reservations are recommended. Britannia Hotel was inducted
into Historic Hotels Worldwidein 2024 and dates to 1870.??
The
Fullerton Hotel Sydney (1874)
Sydney,
Australia
The
Fullerton Hotel Sydney is located within Sydney, Australia’s beautiful
former General Post Office (GPO) building, a landmark that has been a cornerstone
of Sydney’s history since the 1870s. The building was recently transformed
into a luxury hotel where history and the present blend together beautifully.
The hotel’s signature Afternoon Tea is served daily in the light-filled
atrium of The Bar, from 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., and at the hotel’s restaurant,
The Place, on Sundays this October as part of its Pink Afternoon Tea in
honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink Afternoon Tea features delicious,
pink-hued sweets and savories, such as pink lemonade jelly with strawberry
pearls, and beetroot ravioli with smoked salmon tartare. Bites are served
with a selection of premium teas, specialty beverages, and bubbly. For
the Pink Afternoon Tea, the hotel recommends Moët & Chandon Rosé
Impérial or the Hibiscus Fizz cocktail. Allergy-friendly menus are
available, and reservations are recommended. The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2024 and dates to 1874.
Grand
Hotel Huis ter Duin (1885)
Noordwijk
aan Zee, Netherlands
Located
along the North Sea coastline, halfway between The Hague and Amsterdam,
Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin offers visitors Afternoon Tea with a view in
its La Terrasse restaurant. With its long stretch of white sandy beach,
the resort regularly welcomed the royal families of the Netherlands and
Belgium, as well as international celebrities. Members of the House of
Orange and members of the Belgian royal family were regular guests, charmed
by the intimate service and distinctive accommodations. The hotel’s Victorian
past, and the history of Afternoon Tea and Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess
of Bedford, inspired the hotel’s chef de cuisine to create a contemporary
interpretation of High Tea. In the warm, stylish atmosphere of the brasserie
La Terrasse, guests and visitors enjoy fresh ingredients and an international
selection of teas, giving a relaxing Afternoon Tea a royal touch. While
serving tea, the restaurant host speaks to guests about the origin of the
teas and the sweet and savory treats that it is paired with. Afternoon
Tea is served daily between 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Throughout the year, Grand
Hotel Huis ter Duin hosts special themed Afternoon Teas, including a festive
Christmas Tea and a floral-inspired Spring Tea. These events feature unique
seasonal decorations and menus tailored to the theme, providing guests
with a memorable experience. Reservations are required at least 24 hours
in advance. Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin was inducted into Historic Hotels
Worldwide in 2011 and dates to 1885.
The
Savoy London (1889)
London,
England, United Kingdom
For
over 130 years, The Savoy London has served an award-winning traditional
Afternoon Tea, the quintessential Afternoon Tea that set the standard for
the experience around the world. When it was established in 1889 in Victorian
London, The Savoy was, for a time, the only public place where it was respectable
for upper-class and aristocratic women to dine. Until then, these ladies
were expected to dine in their own homes or at the homes of their friends.
Norms began to change when Lady de Grey, the wife of one of the Prince
of Wales’s racing friends, hosted a luncheon for a select number of her
friends, and these aristocratic ladies dined, unchaperoned, in The Savoy’s
main dining room. In 1895, Princess Alexandra attended a wedding breakfast
at The Savoy without her husband. If the future Queen could dine at The
Savoy without her husband in the same room, then any woman could. When
other women saw that it was now acceptable for them to dine in public,
they followed her lead., and ladies enjoyed Afternoon Tea with their friends.
In the evenings, these ladies would still come to The Savoy with their
husbands, for as the famous General Manager of The Savoy London, César
Ritz, said “Where the wives go, their husbands will follow.” All dining
primarily took place in The Savoy Restaurant at the time (now the River
Restaurant). While The Savoy’s Afternoon Tea has evolved over the years,
the essential components remain the same: tea, sandwiches, and pastries,
all made with the creativity of the hotel’s pastry chefs. The traditional
Afternoon Tea comes with savory and sweet delights, with tea and options
for champagne, English sparkling wine, sparkling tea, and non-alcoholic
sparkling wine. The Savoy serves guests on fine china exclusively designed
for the hotel. Special menus are available for special occasions, such
as Valentine’s Day, coronations, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Please
note that Afternoon Tea is not available in October while the Thames Foyer
is being renovated and transformed into the Savoy Lounge. Afternoon Tea
will return and be served in the Savoy Lounge in time for the festive season.
The Savoy London was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011.
The
Landmark London (1899)
London,
England, United Kingdom
The
perfect balance of classic British elegance and modern luxury, The Landmark
London is a perfect place for visitors to experience Afternoon Tea in London.
Established in 1899 as a railroad hotel for the Great Central Railway,
this historic landmark hotel is close to the numerous attractions that
have made London’s West End an international destination. The Landmark
London has served–while perfecting and refining–the art of traditional
Afternoon Tea for over a century. At The Landmark London, visitors enjoy
Afternoon Tea beneath the high palms of the hotel’s magnificent Victorian
Winter Garden atrium and is named the High Palms High Tea. The setting
is serene, and the atmosphere is refined, with the soft melody of piano
music echoing through the atrium. Guests indulge in an assortment of finger
sandwiches including Lapsang souchong smoked Scottish salmon with black
truffle and chives, freshly baked scones served with rich Cornish clotted
cream and preserves, along with a selection of cakes and pastries. The
tea selection is extensive, and includes oolong, green, white, herbal,
fruit, and black tea options. The hotel even offers two house blends: Winter
Garden blend and the Landmark London blend. This fall, the hotel is serving
a 125th anniversary-themed Afternoon Tea, in honor of the hotel’s 125th
anniversary, created by Executive Pastry Chef Mauro Di Lieto, winner of
Bake
Off: The Professionals 2023. The Landmark London was inducted into
Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2014.
Sofitel
Legend Metropole Hanoi (1901)
Hanoi,
Vietnam
Afternoon
Tea is a historic tradition at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s Le Club
Bar, where locals and visitors alike have enjoyed this tradition for over
a century. This luxury historic hotel invites guests to awaken their senses
with Vietnamese lotus, authentic Earl Grey, brisk and energizing Assam,
and tropical artisan tea blends, along with herbal infusions and coffees.
Visitors can pair a beverage of their choice with impeccable seasonal delicacies:
finger sandwiches filled with delicate smoked salmon or creamy egg mayonnaise,
freshly baked scones and madeleines, and sweet and savory tartlets. Specialty
beverages include Vietnamese coffee, non-alcoholic sparkling tea, and metropole
chocolate. Located within the quaint French Quarter neighborhood of the
bustling metropolis of Hanoi, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s dates to
1901, during the French Colonial Era in Vietnamese history, when a French
entrepreneur named Gustave-Émile Dumoutier petitioned Hanoi’s local
government to develop a magnificent hotel on the corner of Henri-Rivière
Boulevard. The hotel has a rich and intriguing history, hosting guests
from British author Graham Greene to revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh,
who used the hotel as a covert meeting spot during the nation’s struggles
against the Japanese in World War II, and against the French during the
First Indochina War. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi was inducted into Historic
Hotels Worldwide in 2018.
The
Caledonian Edinburgh (1903)
Edinburgh,
Scotland, United Kingdom
Afternoon
Tea at The Caledonian Edinburgh in the Scottish capital is a time-honored
tradition, and a favorite among Edinburgh locals and visitors alike. As
a staple of both the hotel and British culture, Afternoon Tea has been
served since the early days of The Caledonian Edinburgh, which opened in
1903 as a railway hotel. Today, Afternoon Tea is served in The Lounge,
which was formerly the station concourse and ticket office of the grand
Caledonian Railway station. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 12:30 p.m.–4:00
p.m. The hotel’s award-winning pastry team is dedicated to creating unique
themes that reflect their Scottish surroundings, local flavors, and support
their community and suppliers throughout Edinburgh, and even further afield.
This fall, the hotel is offering the Travels of a Chocolatier Afternoon
Tea menu, featuring flavors from Haiti, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Peru, Madagascar,
and Indonesia. The menu rotates every six weeks. Past themes have included
British Summer Sports, Bright & Beautiful, Fairytale, and even an Aladdin-themed
tea offered through a partnership with the Edinburgh Playhouse and Disney.
Other special Afternoon Teas offered at The Caledonian Edinburgh include
Champagne Afternoon Tea and a Children’s Afternoon Tea. Throughout the
year, sweet and savory bites are served with a wide selection of fine loose-leaf
teas, including green, fruit, and black teas, as well as the hotel’s own
signature Caledonian blend that honors the heritage of the building, with
rich, smoky notes of whisky. A hint of Lapsang souchong is also added as
a nod to the steam engines of the Caledonian Railway, as well as some light
floral notes to celebrate the stunning natural landscape of Scotland. Guests
can purchase the loose-leaf teas, including the Caledonian blend, to take
home from The Lounge. The Caledonian Edinburgh was inducted into Historic
Hotels Worldwide in 2018.
Omni
King Edward (1903)
Toronto,
Ontario, Canada
In
the heart of Toronto’s Financial District lies the city’s first luxury
hotel, the Omni King Edward. The hotel, known as “the King Eddy,” opened
in 1903 and its Afternoon Tea service began soon after. The Omni King Edward
captures the spirit of the city’s charm and vibrancy in a classic Afternoon
Tea experience boasting a variety of delectable offerings. Afternoon Tea
was originally served on the second-floor rotunda, where guests could look
out over the hotel’s lobby. It is now served in the Victoria Café
on the main floor, with windows that open out to the lobby. The hotel’s
traditional British tea service was, and remains, popular with locals and
visiting royalty alike. During the 1989 Queen’s Plate horse race, Queen
Elizabeth The Queen Mother was in attendance, and fancied some tea with
scones and shortbread. Omni King Edward’s executive chef at the time, John
Higgins, had worked at Buckingham Palace and was summoned to prepare her
scones and shortbread. To his surprise, the “Queen Mum” popped into the
kitchen and started chatting with him while he baked! Today, Afternoon
Tea is only served on weekends throughout the year. Tea times are more
frequent during the festive season when the hotel offers a Nutcracker Afternoon
Tea. Menus change often, but Afternoon Tea at the Omni King Edward is always
served on classic Wedgwood fine bone china and comes with a menu of seasonal
cakes, scones, and sandwiches. Visitors can enjoy British classics such
as Battenberg Cake, Victoria Sponge Cake, Coronation Chicken, and Beef
Wellington. The hotel serves a vegetarian menu, as well as a Jester’s Tea
menu for children ages 12 and under. Omni King Edward was inducted into
Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2013.
The
Grand York (1906)
York,
England, United Kingdom
The
Grand York was built in 1906 as a “Palace of Business” for the North Eastern
Railway, which was one of the most powerful businesses in England at the
time. This stunning headquarters was renovated and restored to its original
splendor in May 2010, when it debuted as a luxury hotel with fine dining
restaurants and lounges. The Grand York was inducted into Historic Hotels
Worldwide in 2018. Today, Afternoon Tea is served at The Rise Restaurant
Terrace & Bar. Located at the highest point of the hotel, visitors
can enjoy Afternoon Tea with views of the city’s historic defensive walls
on one side, and with an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling glass windows
on the other side. The hotel’s Head Pastry Chef, Devin Jones, designs menus
for Afternoon Tea that combine the history and character of the hotel’s
past with a modern twist. The restaurant pays homage to the building’s
past with architectural quirks and colors dating back to the Edwardian
Era, and the marble throughout mixes tradition with modernity. The structured,
gold-tone Afternoon Tea stand—as opposed to the classic delicate and silver
design—is an homage to the industrial heritage of the hotel. The hotel
serves Newby Teas and offers upgrades for guests to enjoy a glass of prosecco
or champagne, or a cocktail. Sausage rolls, a staple on the savory section
of the menu, alongside sandwiches, are a nod to the region. The Afternoon
Tea menu at The Grand York changes seasonally. Special menus are available
for holidays including Valentine’s Day, and during the Christmas season,
with optional mulled wine and Christmas cocktail add-ons. Families with
little ones are welcome year-round. Afternoon Tea is offered daily from
12:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Featured Recipe: The
Grand York’s Honey Madeleines.
Fairmont
Empress (1908)
Victoria,
British Columbia, Canada
The
Fairmont Empress has been home to Victoria, British Columbia’s grandest
traditional Afternoon Tea experience since 1908. The experience takes place
in the reimagined Lobby Lounge, where guests sip tea surrounded by history,
two fireplaces, and a view of Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour. Inducted
into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017 and designated as a National Historic
Site of Canada, the Fairmont Empress has welcomed celebrities in both politics
and entertainment, as well as royalty. King Edward VIII, King George VI,
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
have all stayed at this luxury hotel. For its resplendent Afternoon Tea,
the culinary team at Fairmont Empress creates decadent pastries and sandwiches
that celebrate the history and character of the hotel, presented with a
flourish on a tiered fine china tea service. The design of The Empress
china was commissioned shortly after the hotel first opened in 1908. Afternoon
Tea had quickly become an extremely popular activity at Victoria’s new
hotel, so it made sense to source a design as regal as the hotel in which
it would be used. The crown in the design is believed to be symbolic of
Queen Victoria, the Empress of India, and the namesake of both the Fairmont
Empress and Victoria, British Columbia. The Empress china continues to
be used daily in the Lobby Lounge for Tea at the Empress. It is also available
for purchase from the hotel’s gift shop. Fairmont hotels serve LoT 35 teas,
a collection of sustainably farmed and ethically sourced whole-leaf teas.
Additionally, the Empress blend is a selection of seasonal, quality teas,
created exclusively for the Fairmont Empress by The Metropolitan Tea Company,
containing elements of different tea varieties, including assam (thick,
malty, and full-bodied), Kenya (floral-like, with a golden coppery infusion),
South India (superb, fruity, and sprightly), Ceylon (airy, almost piquant),
and China (burgundy depth with light, oaky notes). Guests can upgrade their
Afternoon Tea with a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne. The Fairmont Empress
offers a Festive Afternoon Tea during December, and a Prince and Princess
Afternoon Tea throughout the year for children ages 5–12. Featured Recipe:
Fairmont
Empress Signature Raisin Scones.
The
Waldorf Hilton, London (1908)
London,
England, United Kingdom
The
Waldorf Hilton, London opened with a glamorous champagne reception in 1908
and, within just a few years, it was famous for its revelry. It began serving
Afternoon Tea in 1913 as part of the hotel’s famous Tango Tea, one of the
exhilarating dance parties that happened regularly at the Waldorf Hotel’s
Palm Court ballroom. Soon, a young musician named Howard Godfrey began
coordinating the festivities at the hotel with his famous orchestra, The
Waldorfians. Together, Howard Godfrey and The Waldorfians helped transform
the Waldorf Hotel into a premier entertainment establishment in London.
Today, the hotel serves both a classic and a thematic Afternoon Tea in
its Homage Restaurant, with its stunning Edwardian Era columns and sparkling
chandeliers. The hotel’s award-winning Be Our Guest: The Enchanted Rose
Afternoon Tea experience, inspired by Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
(1991), is perfect for all ages. Tables are laid with white tablecloths,
red napkins folded into roses, decorative rose lights, and dynamic fairytale
table entertainment. A live harpist plays songs from the film. For the
hotel’s traditional Afternoon Tea, the place settings feature Waldorf-branded
fine china, but due to the theme, tea is currently served in Mrs. Potts
and Chip porcelain teapots and cups. Guests can enjoy an array of open-faced
and finger sandwiches, such as pastrami, gherkin, and horseradish cream
on pumpernickel bread, and smoked salmon, caviar, and pink grapefruit Crème
fraîche on Viennese bread. Classic scones are served with a selection
of preserves and Devonshire clotted cream, and a selection of hand-made
desserts are designed to share features of the characters from Beauty and
the Beast. Afternoon tea is served Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m.–4:00
p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. The Waldorf Hilton,
London was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018.
Rosewood
London (1914)
London,
England, United Kingdom
The
Rosewood London’s award-winning, contemporary, and artistic Afternoon Tea
is served in the Mirror Room of the 1914 Belle Époque hotel, a tranquil
setting for locals and cultural travelers alike. Upon arrival, guests are
greeted by an ornate archway leading to an enchanting Edwardian-Era courtyard
that embodies the opulence of this lavish hotel. The Rosewood London still
possesses many of its original architectural features, such as the beautiful
grand staircase and its breathtaking Cuban mahogany woodwork. The Rosewood
London’s Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins has incorporated his artistic
talents into the tradition of Afternoon Tea, and is constantly pushing
creative boundaries, with unique art-inspired Afternoon Teas. The latest
Art Afternoon Tea experience is the result of collaboration between concept-forward
Perkins and John Booth, a London-based multidisciplinary artist. Perkins
and Booth worked together in Booth’s studio and Perkin’s kitchen to create
this season’s menu. The colorful bites on the menu include The Twins two-sided
cake, the Tropical Tulip sponge-biscuit-mousse-jelly delight, and Painter’s
Palette cheesecake with a crunchy cookie base—all references to Booth’s
life, work, and favorite motifs. The menu comes with options to add cocktails,
a selection of bubbly, and premium non-alcoholic wine. The tea selection
is a delightful surprise and includes uncommon blends like a Truffle &
Pistachio
black tea, along with other black, white, green, and herbal teas. This
contemporary twist on tradition is served daily from 12:00 p.m.–5:45 p.m.
Rosewood London was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2015.
The
Fullerton Hotel Singapore (1924)
Singapore
Established
as a historic post office dating to 1924, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
has offered nothing but the best in luxurious accommodations since it was
converted into a hotel in the 1990s. From 1928 to 1961, one of the core
tenants of the Fullerton Building was the exclusive Singapore Club, which
occupied the upper floors of the building. Known for its exclusivity, the
club was a gathering place for British officers and tycoons to dine and
lounge. Central to its appeal among cultural travelers today is the hotel’s
traditional Afternoon Tea. Afternoon Tea is served in The Courtyard, the
hotel’s sunlit atrium lobby at the heart of this historic national monument.
Afternoon Tea is a lively affair in a timeless, elegant setting for a leisurely
dining experience, with delicious local and international specials and
the traditional three-tier English Afternoon Tea. The Afternoon Tea experience
stays true to the British ritual, with a classic assortment of finely cut
sandwiches and delicate pastries. On select days, a harpist fills the high-ceiling
atrium with melodious music. Visitors can enjoy a round of storied teatime
staples, from the simple, yet elegant, cucumber sandwich, favored by aristocrats
in the Victorian Era, to the distinctive Battenberg Cake, a quintessentially
British dessert that was purportedly created in 1884 as the royal wedding
cake for Princess Victoria, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, and her husband
Prince Louis of Battenberg. Through November 14, 2024, the Afternoon Tea
menu is chocolate-themed: For the Love of Chocolate Afternoon Tea, featuring
chocolate-themed pastries, such as Morello cherry with Guanaja chocolate
crème, and dark chocolate choux pastry filled with hazelnut praline.
Savory items include roasted prime beef with Manjari cacao nibs, and marinated
sea prawns with yuzu pearls. A festive Afternoon Tea menu will be available
in time for the holiday season, and other themed menus are featured throughout
the year. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore was inducted into Historic Hotels
Worldwide in 2011.
Fairmont
Peace Hotel (1929)
Shanghai,
China
A
cherished local landmark on Shanghai, China’s historic Bund for almost
a century, inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017 and dates to
1929, the Fairmont Peace Hotel is well-known for its traditional High Tea.
The hotel’s Jasmine Lounge offers all sorts of delightful savories, including
freshly baked buttermilk scones with homemade fruit preserves and clotted
cream, tea sandwiches, and French pastries, presented on tiered silver
tea stands. This historic hotel serves a celebrated classic Afternoon Tea
daily, but it is most famous for its Sunday Tea Dance. During tea dances,
a live orchestra plays, and professional dance instructors are present
to provide guests with entertainment and capable dance partners. The instructors
offer informal ballroom dancing lessons, enabling everyone to participate
in this elegant Sunday afternoon social gathering, from 2:00 p.m.–5:00
p.m. The tea dance hails back to Shanghai’s Golden Age of the 1930s, and
is a revival of the tea dances hosted at the hotel in its early years.
At a Sunday Tea Dance, guests can dip and sway, waltz, and foxtrot on the
marble floors of the Jasmine Lounge, as orchestral music cascades down
from the balcony above. The hotel’s Peace Museum also offers a High Tea
Tour, with a guide showing guests up to nine designated heritage sites,
and ending with tea in the Jasmine Lounge. Reservations are recommended.
Fairmont Peace Hotel dates to 1929.
Raffles
Grand Hotel D’Angkor (1932)
Siem
Reap, Cambodia
Raffles
Grand Hotel D’Angkor has been at the heart of fashionable society in Siem
Reap, Cambodia, ever since the French Art Deco-style Grande Dame opened
its doors in 1932. While many visitors and guests are drawn to the hotel’s
famous Elephant Bar, they should not miss Raffles Afternoon Tea in The
Conservatory. This tranquil space overlooks the hotel’s swimming pool and
gardens, and live piano music is provided on most evenings. Afternoon Tea
at The Conservatory is served daily from 2:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. The hotel
offers the Khmer Afternoon Tea menu, as well as a classic menu—though the
latter still features regional flavors, including mango, papaya, curried
egg, and passion fruit. The Khmer Afternoon Tea menu comes with sweets
and savories in the style of Cambodia’s cuisine, offering guests a taste
of spring rolls, glutinous roasted rice cakes, yellow bean cakes, taro
and sago coconut pudding, and coconut and spring onion rice pancakes with
coconut sauce. A champagne option is available. Reservations are strongly
recommended. Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor was inducted into Historic Hotels
Worldwide in 2018.
The
Phoenicia Malta (1936)
Floriana,
Malta
The
Phoenicia Malta, a historic Art Deco-style luxury hotel in the heart of
the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, opened in 1936 to serve illustrious
guests visiting the former British protectorate. After becoming an independent
nation in the 1960s, British ties to Malta remained strong. In fact, this
luxury historic hotel was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband,
Prince Philip, and they stayed here several times. Consequently, Afternoon
Tea is a longstanding tradition. Today, guests can enjoy Afternoon Tea
in the comfortable and welcoming Palm Court Lounge, where guests can order
from the classic Afternoon Tea menu—or from the gluten-free menu or the
vegan menu—featuring finger sandwiches, baked scones with Devonshire clotted
cream and strawberry preserves, along with a selection of pastries and
teacakes. Guests can choose from a selection of 14 different types of loose-leaf
teas, including black, green, white, oolong, and herbal options, as well
as a beautiful flowering green jasmine tea. Guests can add champagne for
some extra sparkle. The Phoenicia Malta was inducted into Historic Hotels
Worldwide in 2024.
Lysebu
(1946)
Oslo,
Norway
One
of Norway’s most celebrated Afternoon Teas can be enjoyed at historic Lysebu
in Oslo. This small conference and meeting center is an ideal base for
guests exploring Norway’s natural wonders. The forested rolling hills and
magnificent views create a serene atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying
Afternoon Tea during a break from outdoor activities. Lysebu dates to 1946,
around the end of World War II, when the land it is located on was given
to the Danish-Norwegian Cooperation Fund. The organization expanded and
modernized Lysebu, using it as an educational and community center, and
owns the hotel to this day. Generosity, gratitude, and mindfulness are
guiding values for both the hotel and the organization, which complement
the Afternoon Tea tradition. At Lysebu, the Afternoon Tea menu describes
its three-tier menu in no uncertain terms. The top tier comes with “heavenly
heights of flavor,” with tastes of chocolate, spices, cream, and citrus.
The middle tier “harmonizes contrasts and complex taste profiles,” with
both sweet fruit scones and savory scones. The bottom tier is a “paradise
of taste,” with lobster salad on brioche, a truffle tart, and Danish rye
bread topped with blue cheese and marinated pears. Bubbly options are also
available. This Afternoon Tea menu is served Fridays and Saturdays, with
seatings at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Idyllically situated at the top of
Holmenkollen, Lysebu was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011.
The
Murray Hong Kong (1969)
Hong
Kong, China
A
fashionable historic hotel, The Murray Hong Kong dates to 1969, and is
a wonderful example of Midcentury Modern-style architecture located in
Hong Kong, China’s Central District. The recipient of the Best Historic
Hotels Worldwide Hotel in Asia/Pacific for the 2022 Historic Hotels Worldwide
Annual Awards of Excellence, The Murray Hong Kong boasts some of the city’s
best restaurants, offering guests some of the most memorable dining experiences
in the city. Afternoon Tea in the Garden Lounge of The Murray Hong Kong
offers guests an elegant and relaxing atmosphere, where guests can enjoy
views of the city, including St. John’s Cathedral, which can be seen through
the floor-to-ceiling windows. The signature Afternoon Tea is served with
a tea stand featuring both sweet and savory bites. Two other venues at
The Murray Hong Kong serve Afternoon Tea: Popinjays and Murray Lane. Popinjays
is a contemporary rooftop bar and restaurant serving modern European gastronomy,
where Afternoon Tea is served daily. Guests can visit the adjoining bar
and outdoor terrace for a world-class selection of classic cocktails, bespoke
creations, and specialty spirits. Murray Lane, a lounge located in the
hotel’s lofty and light-filled lobby, offers guests a contemporary environment
to enjoy the best selection of premium artisanal spirits, wines, and craft
beers, as well as Afternoon Tea. In addition to traditional Afternoon Tea
menus, The Murray Hong Kong adds variety to its Afternoon Tea service throughout
the year, offering experiences elevated through local partnerships and
creative themes. The Murray Hong Kong was inducted into Historic Hotels
Worldwide in 2019.
“For
unique, enjoyable, and unforgettable experiences, consider indulging in
The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Afternoon Tea Experiences.
We hope this list will inspire readers looking for an authentic setting
and unique experience to celebrate love, friendship, and special occasions
any time of the year,” said Lawrence
Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America®
and Historic Hotels Worldwide®. “Many historic hotels and resorts have
served guests Afternoon Tea since it became fashionable during the Victorian
Era, or have recently revived the stylish meal for guests. An uncommon
tradition, Afternoon Tea is an experience to share.”
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About
Historic Hotels Worldwide®
Historic
Hotels Worldwide® is a prestigious and distinctive collection of
historic treasures, including luxury historic hotels built in former castles,
chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other
historic lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide represents
the finest and most distinctive global collection of more than 320 historic
hotels in 49 countries. Hotels inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide
are authentic historic treasures, demonstrate historic preservation, and
celebrate historic significance. Eligibility for induction into Historic
Hotels Worldwide is limited to those distinctive historic hotels that adhere
to the following criteria: minimum age for the building is 75 years or
older; historically relevant as a significant location with a historic
district, historically significant landmark, place of a historic event,
former home of a famous person, or historic city center; hotel celebrates
its history by showcasing memorabilia, artwork, photography, and other
examples of its historic significance; recognized by national preservation
or heritage buildings organization or located within UNESCO World Heritage
Site; and presently used as historic hotel. For more information, please
visit HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com.
Media
Contact:
Katherine
Orr
Historic
Hotels of America | Historic Hotels Worldwide
Director,
Marketing Strategy and Communications
Tel:
202-772-8337
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