Best Luxury Hotels for Afternoon Tea: Unforgettable Experiences for Families, Friends & Special Occasions
From whimsical themed teas to elegant, history-filled settings, these are our favorite hotels serving up afternoon tea with a unique and luxurious twist—perfect for families, friends and loved ones looking to indulge in a timeless tradition.
Photo Credit: Courtesy/ Internationista
There’s something truly magical about afternoon tea—a perfect blend of elegance, indulgence and relaxation. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience—a chance to escape the everyday and savor delectable treats in a luxurious setting. Whether you're planning a mother-daughter outing, a special family activity or a chic get-together with friends or loved ones, we've rounded up eight of the best hotels offering unique and lavish afternoon tea experiences.
From freshly baked scones and delicate macarons to perfectly crafted tea sandwiches, these hotels provide the ideal atmosphere to immerse yourself in a world of charm and sophistication. Some may even be closer than you think!
So read on to discover the ultimate hotel afternoon tea destinations you won’t want to miss.
1. London Marriott Hotel County Hall – London, UK
Photo Credit: London Marriott Hotel County Hall
Luxury meets history at London Marriott Hotel County Hall, an iconic destination nestled along the River Thames, just steps from Big Ben. This five-star retreat offers a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in its historic Library, a Grade II-listed space adorned with English Heritage pieces. Savor delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and award-winning teas while enjoying breathtaking views of London’s skyline. This spring, don't miss the whimsical Twits Afternoon Tea, inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved story, featuring imaginative treats for both kids and adults. One TripAdvisor reviewer raved about the experience with their mom, saying how “the food and drinks were absolutely amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed the service!” Whether you're celebrating a birthday, bridal shower or an elegant day out, this afternoon tea experience is one of London’s most enchanting.
📍 Perfect for: Luxury tea experiences, romantic dates and family-friendly outings.
2. Deer Path Inn – Lake Forest, IL
Photo Credit: Deer Path Inn
Step into an English countryside escape at Deer Path Inn, where timeless elegance meets cozy charm. This Tudor-style retreat is renowned for its award-winning afternoon tea, curated by English Master of Tea, Malcom Ferris-Lay. Indulge in a tiered selection of classic tea sandwiches, exquisite petit fours and handcrafted tartelettes, paired with the finest loose-leaf blends. For those seeking a more intimate experience, the A Good Book & Spot of Tea package includes a curated reading list, a lavender mocktail and bedtime tea service, while the Fit for Royalty experience offers a wellness-focused retreat complete with guided nature walks, relaxation sessions and a silent omakase dinner.
📍 Perfect for: Weekend getaways, bridal showers and self-care retreats.
3. The Watergate Hotel – Washington, D.C.
Photo Credit: The Watergate Hotel
Sip, savor and spill the tea at The Watergate Hotel, where D.C.’s most exclusive afternoon tea experience takes center stage. Spill the Tea is a nod to the hotel’s iconic history, featuring pastries inspired by legendary political figures and pop culture icons from the 1960s. For $95 per person, indulge in an exquisite tea service with luxurious blends, decadent desserts and a stylish setting that blends historic intrigue with modern glamour. According to a satisfied TripAdvisor reviewer, the service was “top-notch,” and “the chef was nice enough to accommodate our request and serve vegetarian sandwiches, which were delicious.” Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion or soaking in the elegance of Washington, D.C., this tea experience is a must.
📍 Perfect for: Political buffs, history lovers and elegant afternoon affairs.
4. The Langley Hotel – Buckinghamshire, UK
Photo Credit: The Langley Hotel
Discover a truly regal afternoon tea experience at The Langley Hotel, a luxury countryside escape nestled in the heart of Buckinghamshire. Served in the elegant Drawing Room, guests can relax on plush sofas beneath a dazzling five-tier chandelier, surrounded by exquisite 18th-century artwork. The menu features classic sandwiches with seasonal fillings, freshly baked scones with homemade jams and signature desserts crafted by renowned Pastry Chef Francesco Martella. With breathtaking views of the terrace and gardens, this luxurious afternoon tea is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable countryside escape.
📍 Perfect for: Romantic weekends, special celebrations and traditional tea lovers.
5. The Maybourne Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, CA
Photo Credit: The Maybourne Beverly Hills
Indulge in a fashion-forward afternoon tea at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, where high tea meets haute couture. The exclusive Prêt-à-Portea: The Red Carpet Collection brings the iconic tea experience from The Berkeley in London to Los Angeles’ most stylish hotel. This Instagram-worthy experience transforms celebrity fashion moments into exquisite edible art, with nine couture-inspired pastries, including a Taylor Swift Grammy-inspired biscuit and a Zendaya Valentino gown mousse. Perfect for fashionistas, influencers and luxury travelers, this unique afternoon tea is a must-visit for those seeking elegance with a playful twist.
📍 Perfect for: Fashion lovers, luxury travelers and glamorous tea parties.
6. Davenport Hotel – Spokane, WA
Photo Credit: The Davenport Hotel Collection
Step back into the Gilded Age with an afternoon tea steeped in timeless luxury at the historic Davenport Hotel. Located in Spokane’s newly restored 111-year-old grand lobby, the Washington Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea is a seasonal delight celebrating the region’s famous cherry blossoms. Enjoy chef-curated delicacies like huckleberry cream éclairs, elderflower panna cotta and balsamic glazed strawberries, alongside 12 premium loose-leaf tea blends, including the signature Davenport Cherry Blossom blend. Paired with the ambiance of the hotel’s crackling fireplace and stunning historic décor, this elegant tea experience is one of Washington’s most enchanting.
📍 Perfect for: Springtime escapes, historic hotel lovers and afternoon indulgence.
7. The Ashton Hotel – Fort Worth, TX
Photo Credit: The Ashton Hotel
For an elegant Southern afternoon tea experience, look no further than The Ashton Hotel, a historic gem in downtown Fort Worth. Housed in two restored buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, this boutique hotel offers a renowned Afternoon Tea, ranked among Historic Hotels of America's Top 25 Tea Experiences. Every Saturday, indulge in seasonal delights like Cherry Sencha tea, handmade pastries and traditional finger sandwiches, all served in a beautifully preserved setting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a refined weekend tradition, The Ashton’s tea service is a must-visit for tea lovers in Texas.
📍 Perfect for: Girls' weekends, milestone celebrations and afternoon indulgence.
8. W South Beach – Miami, FL
Photo Credit: W South Beach
Escape the energy of Miami Beach and step into a world of serene indulgence at W South Beach. Following a $30 million renovation, this oceanfront oasis introduces Teatime Tranquility, a modern take on afternoon tea that lets guests create custom blends using organic herbs, floral notes and exotic spices. Set against the backdrop of the hotel’s lush gardens and stylish poolside lounges, this experience offers a refreshing pause from the South Beach buzz. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, who also participated in the afternoon tea experience, “The hotel is beautiful and modern. There are plenty of activities and daily events to keep you entertained during your stay.” Whether you're celebrating a bachelorette party, unwinding with friends or indulging in self-care, this luxurious Miami tea experience is a must-try.
📍 Perfect for: Wellness retreats, girls’ getaways and stylish celebrations.