13 Luxury Hotels That Take Afternoon Tea To The Next Level

20.11.2023 - 13:15 / forbes.com

A certain festive season lasts only a few weeks (or maybe months, these days), but it’s tea season all winter long. Hotels around the world are staying true to the afternoon tea traditions they’ve maintained for generations, while others are upping their game with partnerships with luxury beauty brands, premium caviar purveyors and famous Champagne houses. Here are 13 hotels where the afternoon ritual is worth dolling yourself up, stepping out into the chill and being rewarded with cozy (or boozy) beverages and delicate, delicious bites.

This British institution claims to be the birthplace of afternoon tea—the first hotel to offer an English teatime menu when it opened in 1865. Their afternoon treats, still served in the legendary Palm Court tearoom, still draw a steady crowd of tea enthusiasts. Overseen by Michelin two-star chef Michel Roux Jr. and executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett, the spread is inspired by Britain’s favorite cakes, including custard cream with a chocolate shell, chocolate fudge cake and Madagascan vanilla cream. Along with the sweets and finger sandwiches, the presentation includes an extensive range of teas, organic sparkling tea and local Gusbourne sparkling wine.

Hands-down the most glamorous hotel lobby in Lisbon, the Almada Negreiros lounge (named for the midcentury Portuguese artist whose tapestries decorate the walls) has always been an elegant meetingplace. it recently launched a partnership with the French beauty brand Guerlain, whose Orchidée Impérial range is made with orchid botanicals—a match for the room’s extravagant arrangement of white orchids. Executive pastry chef Diogo Lopes took inspiration from the flowers to create sweets like lavender and hibiscus macarons and honey and lemon spheres with dried flowers. Executive chef Pascal Meynard supplies savory treats like smoked salmon with gold and bergamot gel, and foie gras with ginja (Portuguese cherry brandy). The goodie bag includes Orchidée Impériale product samples. Note that the menu will be paused during December but will resume in January.

Since 1887, the original Raffles has been one of Asia’s most famous grand hotels. Today its afternoon tea service still brings to mind the extravagant parties that were held in the Grand Lobby in the 19th century, but is designed to be a place for chic celebrations or light repasts with friends in the 21st century. Amid the grand Victorian pillars and soft sunshine streaming through the skylight, guests can enjoy finger sandwiches, house-made scones and cakes, and seasonal delicacies, all complimented by a curated collection of exquisite teas and Champagnes.

This year-old hotel has been a big deal all around; it’s Norway’s largest-ever preservation project and the