Best Hotels for High Tea

Thanks to Meghan and Harry, this summer brought a lot of good will toward the Brits and their traditions. One of the most commonly copied practices is high tea, something you can do at home by pulling together your best scone recipe and investing in some clotted cream, but, perhaps you want a little more pomp and circumstance associated with your finger sandwiches. If this is the case, many stalwart hotels across the country offer an enjoyable tea for two, or three or four.

Here are a few of the most highly recommended venues for high tea in the United States:

The Ritz Carlton in San Francisco offers an excellent high tea on most afternoons. Prices start at $80 per person and it is possible to arrange for vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The Peninsula Chicago offers afternoon tea every day in its dining room. The light and airy space is the perfect complement to an abundance of teacakes.

The Plaza in New York has been immortalized in film and is the height of early 20th-century glamour. If you want to sit in a luxurious setting for a good afternoon tea, this is the place to do it. Tea per person will run approximately $75 without alcohol.

The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina, is for those wishing for a slightly scaled back menu in a beautiful and historical setting in the South.

Lastly, if you find yourself in New Orleans, head to the Windsor Court Hotel if you are inclined toward tea. You will find the menu has been infused with local touches like seafood salads, tea selections and cocktails.

Alternatively, you could go to the source and book a flight to England.