Indulge in the fleeting beauty of DC's cherry blossoms with a luxurious afternoon tea experience. Here's a curated list of the top 10 spots offering delightful treats and elegant settings:
Luxurious Cherry Blossom Tea Experiences:
- The St. Regis: Downtown DC. Enjoy an extravagant ambiance with a cherry blossom tree installation and a special cherry blossom tea blend alongside their classic Dammann Frères selections. ($109 per person)
- Pendry Hotel: The Wharf. Sip on boozy Sakura teas with real cherry blossoms and savor sweet and savory treats in a sleek, European-inspired bar. ($80 per person)
- Fairmont Hotel: West End. Toast the season with champagne amidst blooming cherry trees in the hotel's courtyard. Enjoy spring-inspired tea sandwiches and cherry blossom themed sweets. ($95 per person)
Elegant Afternoon Teas with a Cherry Blossom Twist:
- Waldorf Astoria: Downtown DC. Be mesmerized by a stunning floral installation featuring a near 20-foot cherry blossom replica. Savor classic finger foods and a cherry blossom tea alongside their extensive tea menu. ($90 or $105 with champagne)
- Willard InterContinental: Penn Quarter. Experience afternoon tea in the historic Peacock Alley, featuring live harp music. Their cherry blossom tea offers a delightful selection of savories, sweets, and loose-leaf teas. ($90 or $105 with champagne, other options available)
More Options for Afternoon Tea:
- Salamander DC: South of National Mall. Enjoy a delightful tea service with dark chocolate cherry scones, foie gras tea sandwiches, and lychee cream puffs. ($95 per person)
- The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City (Santé): Arlington. Perfect for families, this tea offers kid-friendly options alongside a classic afternoon tea experience for adults. ($84 for adults, $55 for children)
- Blue Duck Tavern (Tea Cellar): West End. Explore a world of tea at the Park Hyatt's Tea Cellar and indulge in a cherry blossom inspired tea tray with unique sweet and savory treats. ($75 or $95 with champagne, $30 for children)
Unique Afternoon Tea Experiences:
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens: Forest Hills. Take afternoon tea amidst a blooming cherry blossom garden at the stunning Hillwood Estate. Enjoy an elegant tea service with spring-themed savories and sweets. ($40 per person)
- Opaline Bar and Brasserie: Penn Quarter. Enjoy a Parisian-style afternoon tea on the charming outdoor patio. Savor cherry blossom-inspired treats alongside classic French savories. ($78 for adults, $59 for children)
Afternoon teas tend to book up quickly, especially during cherry blossom season. Be sure to make reservations in advance!