California Hotels Revive Afternoon Tea Tradition

Afternoon tea, a centuries-old British tradition, is experiencing a resurgence in California, with luxury hotels infusing the ritual with contemporary flair. These establishments are transforming the experience into a destination-worthy event, attracting patrons with unique menus and elegant settings.

In Santa Monica, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows offers an oceanfront afternoon tea in its Fountain Room. The service includes traditional finger sandwiches, warm scones, pastries, and a selection of Fairmont's signature Lot 35 loose-leaf teas. This experience resumed in August.

The House of Dior in Beverly Hills has introduced its own afternoon tea at its third-floor restaurant, Monsieur Dior. The offerings feature tea alongside meticulously crafted tarts, brioche, and mini sandwiches.

The Peninsula Beverly Hills has long featured afternoon tea as a signature offering in its Living Room. The current iteration includes scones, pastries, and Champagne, with multiple seatings available throughout the day. To mark its 35th anniversary, special offerings are included.

Farther south, The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach presents a three-part afternoon tea. This service begins with a bread and butter cart, followed by savory bites, and concludes with elaborate sweets. Notable items include an avocado finger sandwich with Santa Barbara uni mousse and a variety of cakes.

In Napa Valley, Alila Napa Valley provides an Italian-inspired wine country interpretation of the tea ritual. Meanwhile, the historic Fairmont Breakers Long Beach hosts its tea service in the 13th-floor Sky Room, pairing pastries and savory items with panoramic city views.

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, draws inspiration from the original afternoon tea served at The Langham in London in 1865. The Pasadena location's service features savory bites, pastries, scones, and teas sourced from around the globe.

These luxury hotels are finding innovative ways to present the traditional afternoon pause, making it a significant draw for guests seeking refined experiences.