9 Hotel Afternoon Teas That Hit the Spot
Few things feel more indulgent than whiling away the time over an aromatic brew and dainty treats in a plush hotel setting, whether you’re in London or New York.
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June 09, 2026
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Afternoon tea has been a beloved British pastime since 1840, when a Duchess got peckish in the late afternoon and began requesting cakes and tea delivered to her chamber. She invited friends to join her, high society soon caught on, and tea time has since become a staple of luxury hotels the world over—with TikTok videos popularising the experience for a new generation.
Whether you’re craving the classic tea treatment or a more contemporary and whimsical take, you can find a satisfying option at many Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties (2-night minimum stay required)—including some favourites below. Plus, when booking a stay through Amex Travel UK with your Platinum Card®, you’ll receive a US$100 credit2 to use toward eligible charges, such as afternoon tea.
Platinum Cardmembers get access to exceptional benefits at over 3,000 hand-picked hotels around the world with Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection. Representative 685.3% APR variable. Annual fee and terms apply.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park | London, England
If you throw a scone in London, you’ll hit a worthy afternoon tea. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park turns out an elaborate afternoon tea complete with hanging cake stands at The Rosebery. While seasonal items rotate, Coronation chicken and cucumber and herb sandwiches are beloved constants. Raisin and plain scones are plated warm alongside loganberry, crystallised ginger and apple jam.
Top tea: The British Sticky Toffee blend from the Sahyadri Mountains in Southern India has notes of caramel, toffee, and chocolate. Matcha, another hot choice, is whisked tableside.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad | New York, New York
At The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad afternoon tea comes with sweeping views of Manhattan at Nubeluz, their 50th floor rooftop. Start with the chef's caviar service, savour twists to New York classics, like bagels and lox, and creative treats such as pina colada pavlova and chocolate matcha cake.
Top tea: Tali's Masala Chai, a black tea with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, stands out for its savoury and spice blend.
Adare Manor | Adare, Ireland
At the 840-acre Adare Manor, afternoon tea is served with a touch of theatre in The Gallery—an opulent space defined by stained-glass windows, intricate woodcarvings, and soaring arches. Cardmembers can settle in for an elegant selection of sweet and savoury creations, with warm raisin and plain scones accompanied by clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd.
Top tea: The hotel’s signature blend, 1832—named after the year The Galley was built—is a warming black tea infused with a carefully selected blend of spices.
Raffles Boston | Boston, MA
Boston has a long history with tea, but at Raffles Boston, the only place you're dumping it is into your cup. The hotel's 17th-floor Long Bar & Terrace overlooks the skyline and offers a seasonal Afternoon Tea menu inspired by the Boston Public Garden; bites might include lobster cannoli or fresh strawberry sweets, and other exquisite savouries and pastries crafted by their pastry chefs. Freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and jam are always on the menu, alongside a glass of Lallier Champagne.
Top tea: Palais des Thés Parisian teas are the preferred selection; its fruity and floral Hammam Tea is a bestseller and fits with Raffles’ garden theme.
Bellagio | Las Vegas, NV
Away from the blackjack and bling of The Strip, the Petrossian Bar at Bellagio offers a more refined activity. Its classic afternoon tea comes with egg sandwiches on pumpernickel bread and raspberry macarons, while a live pianist serenades guests. High rollers can choose an extra course full of caviar, including caviar tacos with gold leaf and tuna topped with caviar.
Top tea: Among 12 menu options, Thunderbolt Darjeeling is described as the Champagne of black teas—it goes well with a dollop of caviar.
Park Hyatt Bangkok | Bangkok, Thailand
The organic tea gardens of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand are the inspiration for the experience at Park Hyatt Bangkok’s Living Room. It begins with a welcome drink of green tea blended with cucumber and lime juice, and tea is present in each of the accompanying dainty pastries, from Southeast Asian butterfly pea to Earl Grey. A trolley stocked with decadent, artistic cakes makes the rounds, providing a sweet fix.
Top tea: When in Thailand, Araksa Tea’s signature Thai blend is a must. It’s creamy with notes of vanilla and best sipped with milk.
Rosewood Hong Kong | China
Be it milk tea or afternoon tea, the drink’s popularity is going strong in Hong Kong, influenced by both Chinese customs and former British colonial rule. None serves a more elegant spread than the Rosewood Hong Kong's The Butterfly Room, where the art itself is a visual feast. An elegant selection of finger sandwiches showcases Scottish Salmon and River Prawn, complemented by decadent Caviar French Toast and a delicate Lemon Verbena Tartlet, served alongside warm scones and exquisite pâtisserie.
Top tea: Rosewood Hong Kong’s “tea cellar” houses 12 teas from Mariage Frères. The Early Grey Imperial is among the most popular, made with world-class Darjeeling tea and bergamot.
Capella Singapore | Singapore
This exclusive afternoon tea is only available to guests staying at Capella Singapore. Served within The Living Room, an 1880s bungalow once occupied by British military officers, the experience reimagines the tradition of afternoon tea through the lens of Southeast Asian flavours. Four rotating menus include Singapore Chilli Crab Brioche Bun, inspired by Singapore's beloved local dish, presented in a purple sweet potato brioche. Desserts include the Pandan Crème Caramel with Gula Melaka, highlighting the fragrant flavours of pandan and palm sugar.
Top tea: Eight Jing teas are brewed in the Living Room, including Jade Sword—a savory, earthy green tea that cuts the sugar in Singapore’s addictive sweets.
Jumby Bay Island, Oetker Hotels | Jumby Bay Island, Antigua
Beachgoers can take a break for refreshments in the shade of Jumby Bay Island’s Estate House, where afternoon tea comes with ice. The menu includes local Johnny cakes with 18-month-aged Comté cheese, curried saltfish barbajuan, and vanilla scones—a nod to the country’s vanilla production. At Jumby Bay Island, tea is included as part of the all-inclusive dining programme, plus you get a US$200 credit to use at the spa.
Top tea: Among the variety of TEALEAVES teas, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party has notes of passionfruit and vanilla that pair perfectly with this Caribbean island.
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
Daily breakfast for two
US$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Guaranteed 4pm check-out
Complimentary Wi-Fi
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
*,3
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
US$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Late check-out, when available
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
Relax, Recline and Save
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Membership Rewards® Programme
Cardmembers enrolled in the American Express Membership Rewards® programme will earn one additional bonus Membership Rewards point in addition to their standard earn rate (for a total of 2 points) for every full £1 spent on flights, prepaid hotels, car hire and experiences booked through the American Express Travel website americanexpress.com/en-gb/travel/. Specific Card products or limited time promotions may offer additional Membership Rewards points, please see individual Card or promotion Terms and Conditions for more information. Additional Membership Rewards points cannot be earned on products which are not prepaid but are paid directly to the supplier, including cruise bookings and select hotel bookings. These bookings will not earn two Membership Rewards points for every £1 spent but will be earned at the normal rate of one point for every £1 spent. Full Terms and Conditions apply, please visit americanexpress.com/uk/travel/terms-and-conditions/.
