The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Afternoon Tea Experiences List is Announced
WASHINGTON, Nov. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From a Victorian duchess's 4 p.m. cravings to the grand tea rooms of today, Afternoon Tea has traveled the world, and Historic Hotels Worldwide® is naming the 25 historic hotels that serve it best.
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Historic Hotels Worldwide® announces The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Afternoon Tea Experiences list, recognizing traditional tea experiences at authentic historic hotels around the world (photos). The program, part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, includes more than 320 member hotels in more than 49 countries.
The hotels recognized on this list invite heritage and cultural travelers to experience Afternoon Tea, a light mid-afternoon meal served with tea and sometimes sparkling wine. Distinct from tea ceremonies practiced around the world for millennia, this English tradition is commonly traced to Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford and Queen Victoria’s Lady of the Bedchamber. In the early 1840s, she introduced a meal around 3 or 4 p.m. to bridge the gap between luncheon and her household’s fashionable 8 p.m. dinner. The custom subsequently became popular among British women of means during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as activities beyond the home became increasingly socially acceptable and fashionable. Today, historic hotels around the world preserve and reinterpret that Victorian tradition.
From the British Isles to Jamaica, Japan, Singapore, Norway, Portugal, the Netherlands, Canada, and beyond, the selected hotels connect travelers with tea traditions through distinctive historic settings and local cultural experiences. Many of the hotels selected for this list make the history of tea and tea rituals part of the cultural experiences that they offer their visitors. Several of the Afternoon Teas selected for this list serve guests tea with a twist, making literature, regional cuisine, art, and dancing part of the dining experience. The selection also includes interpretations that extend beyond the traditional afternoon meal, from a cocktail-led rooftop service in Venice to a Jamaican lemongrass tea ritual offered before spa treatments. Together, these 25 experiences invite visitors to explore the hospitality, tradition, indulgence, and community associated with Afternoon Tea in meticulously restored castles, manor homes, and luxury hotels.
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The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Afternoon Tea Experiences, listed in order of the date the historic building was established:
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam (1578) Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam occupies historic buildings that have served many roles in the city’s history since the late 16th century, including a convent, royal lodging, and Amsterdam City Hall, before its transformation into one of the capital’s most distinguished luxury hotels. Afternoon Tea was introduced to the hotel by a British hospitality company and following the transition to a French luxury hospitality brand, Afternoon Tea developed into an even more refined experience, combining the elegance of British tea culture with the French art de vivre that characterizes the hotel today. Served in Library ‘Or’, an intimate space designed by Sybille de Margerie, the experience pairs seasonal pastries and savory creations by Ronald Otten with carefully curated teas selected by Tea Sommelier Cecilia Tjing. With Tjing’s expertise, the hotel offers tea-blending workshops, where guests can discover the stories, origins, and characteristics of different teas before creating their own custom blend to take home. During the summer months, guests may also choose to enjoy Afternoon Tea on the Garden Terrace. Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2010.
St. Helen’s Hotel (1750s) Dublin, Ireland
Opened to the public in 1998 in a Georgian mansion established in the 1750s, St. Helen's Hotel in Dublin, Ireland, occupies the former home of prominent Irish parliamentarian Thomas Cooley. For today’s guests and visitors, Afternoon Tea is served in the hotel’s elegant Ballroom Lounge, which served as a chapel for most of the 20th century when the estate was headquarters for the Congregation of Christian Brothers. The grand room was restored when the mansion was redeveloped as a five-star hotel. The ballroom’s welcoming marble fireplace and picturesque garden views provide the perfect setting for Afternoon Tea, accompanied by a pianist. The experience features traditional fare: delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with preserves and cream, fine pastries, and a curated selection of teas. St. Helen’s Hotel is an Irish National Monument and was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2026.
Thorbjørnrud Hotel (1762) Jevnaker, Norway
Introduced in January 2025, Afternoon Tea at Thorbjørnrud Hotel combines the hotel’s longstanding commitment to local ingredients and seasonal hospitality with its magnificent historic setting overlooking Lake Randsfjorden in Eastern Norway. Tiered stands hold freshly baked scones, sandwiches, pastries, and handcrafted confections incorporating ingredients from the hotel’s gardens and nearby producers. A dedicated tea garden supplies herbs, fruits, and botanicals for blends developed with Elm Organics, while porcelain from Porsgrund Porselænsfabrik and fresh garden flowers complete the presentation. Originally the director’s residence at one of Norway’s oldest industrial enterprises, the hotel also offers traditional dinners, vineyard and brewery tastings, comfortable guestrooms, and summer glamping for visitors exploring the area’s natural beauty and museums. Thorbjørnrud Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2024.
The K Club (1832) Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland
Afternoon Tea at The K Club is served in the Drawing Room, where hand-painted wallpaper, picture windows, a magnificent fireplace, and oversized antique vases create a refined setting. The luxury Irish resort occupies buildings dating to 1832, on an estate with origins in 550 in County Kildare. Once part of the “Straffan Estate,” The K Club was a country manor, modeled after France's grand Château de Louveciennes, before being transformed into a destination resort. At The K Club Tea Rooms, guests can choose classic or champagne Afternoon Tea, with menus featuring scones and Irish-themed sandwiches such as egg and cress on a brioche bun, lemon-pepper chicken, and smoked salmon. Pastries include lemon, lime, and lavender cake and Callebaut chocolate choux. Gluten-free and vegan options and a dedicated children’s menu are available. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended, especially for Festive Afternoon Tea, which begins November 20 and runs through the holiday season. The K Club was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2014.
Britannia Hotel (1870) Trondheim, Norway
Britannia Hotel’s Afternoon Tea tradition dates to the hotel’s opening in 1870, when British salmon anglers travelled to Trondheim, Norway, to fish in the region’s renowned rivers. Catering to the customs and expectations of these British guests was an important part of the hotel’s hospitality from the very beginning. Today, the experience is served in Palmehaven, the hotel’s magnificent palm court, which opened in 1918 and remains one of Trondheim’s most iconic historic interiors. Beneath soaring columns and palm trees, accompanied by live piano music, guests enjoy a tea service that blends British tradition with the flavors of Trøndelag, including freshly baked scones served with berry compote and Røros (Norwegian sour cream), alongside pastries and savory specialties showcasing regional ingredients. More than 150 years after the hotel first welcomed its British guests, Afternoon Tea remains a living expression of Britannia Hotel’s heritage and hospitality. Britannia Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2010.
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice (1884) Venice, Italy
Visitors flock to Hilton Molino Stucky Venice to experience Venetian hospitality at a hotel that preserves one of the city’s most significant examples of Neo-Gothic industrial architecture. Formerly the Molino Stucky flour mill, the red brick hotel on Venice’s Giudecca Island presents a fresh interpretation of Afternoon Tea this autumn with its Mixology Afternoon Tea, served at the Skyline Rooftop Bar on Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rather than traditional tea pairings, guests enjoy miniature cocktails from the Shades of Venice collection alongside seasonal pastries, Venetian-inspired scones, and savory cicchetti, all presented from a custom-designed tea trolley against panoramic lagoon views. The Skyline Rooftop Bar is famous for its signature cocktail menu, currently featuring eight recipes inspired by the colors of Venice and inclusive of zero-proof options. Hilton Molino Stucky Venice was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018.
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club - A Fairmont Managed Hotel (1885) Hamilton, Bermuda
Opened in 1885, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club - A Fairmont Managed Hotel in Hamilton, Bermuda, has been a landmark of Bermudian hospitality since it was built in honor of Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and an accomplished artist famous for her sculptures, following her celebrated visit to the island. Today, the historic hotel pairs its Victorian-era heritage with a world-class art collection. The Art of Tea is served at Crown & Anchor, which elevates the classic tea experience through menus inspired by the hotel’s renowned contemporary art collection, featuring elegant tea sandwiches, seasonal pastries, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a curated selection of Lot 35 loose-leaf teas sourced from around the world. The experience reflects both British influences and the hotel’s longstanding cultural identity, offering guests a refined setting overlooking Hamilton Harbour. The Art of Tea is served Monday to Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club - A Fairmont Managed Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018.
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg (1897) Hamburg, Germany
On the banks of Hamburg’s Binnenalster, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten has embodied grand European hospitality for nearly 130 years. Afternoon Tea remains one of the hotel’s most enduring traditions, served in the historic Wohnhalle, affectionately known as “Hamburg’s living room,” where the ritual reflects both the city’s Hanseatic trading heritage and the long-standing influence of British tea culture. International goods like tea flowed through Hamburg’s Speicherstadt trade zone starting in 1883 and made the drink a natural offering when the hotel opened in 1897. Today, framed by a fireplace, ornate marble floors, decorative ceiling friezes, and views across the Alster, the experience is accompanied by live piano music and presented on Dibbern Bone China created exclusively for the hotel in 2024 and inspired by the lounge’s architectural details. A selection of savory sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Rodda’s clotted cream, seasonal pâtisserie creations, and exclusive tea blends connect guests to Hamburg’s historic role in the international tea trade and the refined traditions that continue to define the hotel today. Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2023.
Omni King Edward (1903) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
In the heart of Toronto’s Financial District lies the city’s first luxury hotel, Omni King Edward. The hotel opened in 1903 and its Afternoon Tea service began soon after. Designed in the Edwardian Baroque style and named for King Edward VII, the landmark hotel introduced a new standard of hospitality to Toronto and soon embraced the tradition of Afternoon Tea, originally served in the elegant second-floor Rotunda overlooking the bustling lobby below. Today, the ritual continues in Victoria Café, where guests enjoy tea service on Wedgwood fine bone china while overlooking the hotel’s historic lobby. Traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, petite pastries, and the signature King Edward Blend, a custom tea infused with jasmine and rose petals, honor the experience’s heritage while incorporating contemporary touches. The hotel’s traditional British tea service was, and remains, popular with locals and visitors alike. During the 1989 Queen’s Plate horse race, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother stayed at the hotel and, one evening, fancied some tea with scones and shortbread. The hotel’s executive chef—who had in fact once worked at Buckingham Palace—was summoned to prepare her scones and shortbread. To his surprise, the “Queen Mum” popped into the kitchen and started chatting with him while he baked! Omni King Edward was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2013.
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore (1904) Singapore
In Singapore’s historic Civic District, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore occupies two meticulously restored landmarks, Stamford House (dating to 1904) and the Capitol Building (1933), which together reflect more than a century of the city’s architectural and cultural evolution. Afternoon Tea has been part of the hotel’s hospitality experience since its early years and is served today at the Lobby Lounge. Reflecting the hotel’s philosophy of honoring heritage while embracing innovation, the experience combines European tea customs with seasonal ingredients, artistic presentation, and flavors inspired by Singapore’s multicultural identity. Menus evolve throughout the year, ranging from botanical-themed teas served on floral stands to heritage-inspired creations that reinterpret beloved local dishes. The current Garden Blooms Afternoon Tea is presented on an elegant floral stand adorned with bluebells, while floral-inspired teas and botanical cocktails bring an additional sensory dimension to the occasion. The hotel has also explored storytelling and tea service through cinema. In 2026, for example, a special “Wizard of Oz Afternoon Tea” at Capitol Bistro. Bar. Patisserie featured imaginative creations inspired by the beloved film, accompanied by themed beverages and screenings at the historic Capitol Theatre. The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2019.
Fairmont Empress (1908) Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Established in 1908 overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Fairmont Empress has preserved one of North America’s most enduring Afternoon Tea traditions since the hotel first welcomed guests. Originally served in the Palm Court and today presented in the Lobby Lounge, the experience reflects the hotel’s British heritage. Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017 and designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, the Fairmont Empress has welcomed celebrities in both politics and entertainment, as well as royalty. King Edward VIII, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have all stayed at this luxury hotel. Guests enjoy tea service on the storied Empress Royal China, accompanied by live classical piano, beneath stunning chandeliers, and between grand columns. Freshly baked raisin scones are served with house-made clotted cream, preserves, and lemon curd, while pastries incorporate local ingredients such as honey from the hotel’s apiary. The hotel takes its scones seriously, employing a Scone Master, Joga Kaler, who has been with the hotel for over 45 years and has made over 9 million scones. Specialty tea menus include the Festive Afternoon Tea served around the December holidays and a Royal Afternoon Tea, designed for families with children ages 5 to 12.
Hotel Chourakukan (1909) Kyoto, Japan
Built in 1909, Hotel Chourakukan was conceived by industrialist Kichibei Murai as a guest house for members of the Imperial Family, foreign diplomats, and distinguished visitors from around the world. In its early years, women gathered in the drawing room for tea and conversation after dinner while men went to the billiards room. Today, the drawing room welcomes guests for Afternoon Tea, retaining the setting’s connection to tea and companionship while offering a different occasion from those earlier gatherings. There, historic Rococo interior décor and period furnishings provide an elegant setting and Bösendorfer piano performances accompany the experience. Menus change throughout the year, featuring creations inspired by ingredients, stories, and cultural themes unique to Japan. Located beside Maruyama Park in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district and designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2024, the mansion offers a rare opportunity to experience Afternoon Tea within one of Japan’s most significant historic residences. Hotel Chourakukan was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2026.
Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace (1910) Versailles, France
Afternoon Tea at Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace, located on the edge of the Palace of Versailles estate in Versailles, France, has long been associated with elegance, culture, and historic diplomacy. Once served in the hotel’s Bar Galerie, the tradition continues through the Afternoon Tea experience at Peacock Alley, the first Waldorf Astoria Peacock Alley in France, where a celebrated New York tradition meets the refinement of Versailles. Conceived by Chef Pâtissier Eddie Benghanem and shaped by the seasons, the Afternoon Tea menu features imaginative sweet and savory creations inspired by French pastry tradition and a playful sense of nostalgia. The décor of the hotel's own Peacock Alley blends classical architectural details with contemporary furnishings, including deep plum velvet armchairs, dark lacquered tables, and soft lighting. Live music is offered at the hotel on Friday and Saturday evenings, but during the tea service there is only quiet, gently broken by the murmurs of conversation and tinkling of china. Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2026.
Hotel Diplomat (1911) Stockholm, Sweden
On Stockholm’s prestigious Strandvägen, overlooking Nybroviken, Hotel Diplomat occupies a distinguished Art Nouveau building dating to 1911. Afternoon Tea has been a cherished tradition there since the late 1960s, evolving to support global charitable causes while maintaining its emphasis on gracious hospitality. Served in the hotel’s elegant restaurant with views across the harbor, the experience pairs warm scones with homemade marmalade and clotted cream, delicate canapés, and contemporary pastries created by the hotel’s culinary team. A distinctive feature of the hotel is the exclusive Hotel Diplomat Tea Blend. Crafted from seven Chinese teas and characterized by a subtle smoky note, it can be purchased to take home. Tea at the hotel is also a charitable endeavor: Hotel Diplomat has partnered for over ten years with the World Childhood Foundation to support its mission of preventing the abuse of children and, since 2025, the hotel has donated a portion of Afternoon Tea proceeds to the foundation. Hotel Diplomat was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018.
Villa Copenhagen (1912) Copenhagen, Denmark
Located in what once was the Central Post & Telegraph Head Office in Copenhagen, Denmark, Villa Copenhagen offers luxurious and unique accommodations in the heart of the ancient Nordic city. Afternoon Tea is a new amenity at this historic hotel and has been embraced by guests since it was introduced in May 2026. Beneath the striking glass atrium of The Courtyard, Villa Copenhagen interprets the ritual through a distinctly Danish lens, featuring seasonal sweet and savory creations alongside pastries and cakes from the hotel’s own Rug Bakery, a name that refers to Denmark’s enduring rye-baking traditions. On Saturdays, surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of the Shamballa-designed Courtyard, guests enjoy an experience that balances historic architecture with contemporary Nordic design—and yes, the china is minimalist. While the post and telegraph mission may have moved on, the building’s original purpose has not: Villa Copenhagen is still a place that connects people. Villa Copenhagen was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2019.
Rosewood London (1914) London, England
Rosewood London’s “Claude Monet Afternoon Tea” translates three of the artist’s works into signature sweets in the Mirror Room of the 1914 Belle Époque hotel. Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins’s menu includes “The Water Lily Pond,” a pistachio creation with cherry blossom and matcha chocolate; “Impression Sunrise,” an almond sponge with peach, raspberry, and vanilla toppings; and “Woman with a Parasol,” a vanilla madeleine sponge with pistachio crumb and a green chocolate parasol. This latest Art Afternoon Tea continues the hotel’s award-winning approach to contemporary, art-inspired tea experiences, with a children’s version also available. The impressionist-inspired service is offered daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an ornate archway leading to an enchanting Edwardian-Era courtyard that embodies the opulence of this lavish hotel. The Rosewood London still possesses many of its original architectural features, such as the beautiful grand staircase and its breathtaking Cuban mahogany woodwork. Rosewood London was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2015.
The Tokyo Station Hotel (1915) Tokyo, Japan
The Tokyo Station Hotel’s contemporary Afternoon Tea was introduced in 2019, following the meticulous restoration of the historic station building, and highlights Japanese flavors and ingredients in sweet and savory bites. Served in the Lobby Lounge, Bar & Café Camellia, and the Atrium, it brings the tradition to an architectural landmark that has welcomed travelers through one of the nation’s most important transportation gateways for more than a century. Original bone china created by NARUMI in the hotel’s signature mint blue distinguishes the usual presentation. In November, the hotel’s anniversary month, PINK Afternoon Tea marks the opening anniversary with a mauve setting in place of the blue china. Guests can also take home an original flavored tea created exclusively with Betjeman & Barton, the luxury Parisian tea house, available at the Lobby Lounge and the hotel’s front desk. The Tokyo Station Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2026.
Parkhotel Quellenhof Aachen (1916) Aachen, Germany
Served in the wood-paneled Fireplace Lounge and Tea Room, Afternoon Tea at Parkhotel Quellenhof Aachen offers a leisurely social meal in a hotel established in 1916. Its distinctive Quellenhof Tea Box holds freshly baked scones, delicate petit fours, hearty sandwiches, and seasonal sweet and savory specialties. The experience invites guests to slow down in a city with a much older history of rest and relaxation: in the second century, Romans settled on the site of modern-day Aachen and built bath complexes around its natural thermal springs. Afternoon Tea at Parkhotel Quellenhof Aachen complements the German tradition of coffee and cake, both dedicating a quiet social time to relax in embrace of a warm drink, set apart from the rush of everyday life. Afternoon Tea is served Monday through Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and reservations are recommended. Parkhotel Quellenhof Aachen was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (1924) Singapore
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore occupies the former General Post Office building, recognized as Singapore’s 71st National Monument, built in 1924 and transformed into a luxury hotel in 2001. Afternoon Tea has been served since that transformation beneath the soaring atrium of The Courtyard, connecting the building’s colonial-era history with its contemporary hospitality. Handcrafted pastries and delicate savories accompany selections from TWG Tea and Bacha Coffee, with a resident harpist enhancing the setting. Seasonal collaborations and themed menus draw on local ingredients and international pastry talent. Visitors interested in the wider history of tea and culture should explore the nearby Asian Civilizations Museum’s exhibition, “Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism, and the Silk Road,” on display through March 7, 2027, and sponsored in part by Fullerton Hotels and Resorts. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2012.
Fairmont Peace Hotel (1929) Shanghai, China
A cherished local landmark on Shanghai, China’s historic Bund for almost a century, the Fairmont Peace Hotel is well-known for its traditional High Tea. The hotel’s Jasmine Lounge offers all sorts of delightful sweets and savories, including freshly baked buttermilk scones with homemade fruit preserves and clotted cream, tea sandwiches, and French pastries, presented on tiered silver tea stands. This historic hotel is famous for its Sunday Tea Dance, a tradition that dates to Shanghai’s Golden Age of the 1930s. During tea dances, a live orchestra plays, and professional dance instructors are present to provide guests with entertainment and capable dance partners. The instructors offer informal ballroom dancing lessons, enabling everyone to participate in this elegant gathering. Guests can dip and sway, waltz, and foxtrot on the marble floors of the Jasmine Lounge, as music cascades down from the balcony above. The hotel’s Peace Museum also offers a High Tea Tour, with a guide showing guests up to nine designated heritage sites and ending with tea in the Jasmine Lounge. Reservations are recommended. Fairmont Peace Hotel dates to 1929 and was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017.
Hotel Palácio do Estoril, Golf & Wellness (1930) Estoril, Portugal
Hotel Palácio do Estoril, Golf & Wellness opened in 1930 in the town of Estoril, Portugal to serve growing tourist demand in a holiday destination popular among Portuguese royalty. The hotel’s tea service celebrates the enduring connection between Portugal and England through the story of Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese princess who married King Charles II of England in 1662. As part of her historic dowry, Catherine brought tea from China to the English court, helping establish the custom of tea drinking in Britain and inspiring the elegant “tea parties” that paired tea with scones and orange marmalade. Building on this legacy, the hotel’s Afternoon Tea experience features Ronnefeldt teas, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, delicate finger sandwiches, Portuguese pastries, and the signature Pastel de Nata Palácio. There is also a vegan menu. Served amid the refined surroundings of one of Europe’s grand historic hotels, the experience also pays tribute to the later development of the five o’clock tea tradition popularized in 19th-century London by the seventh Duchess of Bedford. Hotel Palácio do Estoril, Golf & Wellness was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2026.
Lysebu (1946) Oslo, Norway
One of Norway’s most celebrated Afternoon Teas can be enjoyed at historic Lysebu in Oslo. This small conference and meeting center is an ideal base for guests exploring Norway’s natural wonders. The forested rolling hills and magnificent views create a serene atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying Afternoon Tea during a break from outdoor activities. Lysebu dates to 1946, around the end of World War II, when the land it is located on was given to the Danish-Norwegian Cooperation Fund. The organization expanded and modernized Lysebu, using it as an educational and community center, and owns the hotel to this day. Generosity, gratitude, and mindfulness are guiding values for both the hotel and the organization, which complement the Afternoon Tea tradition. At Lysebu, the Afternoon Tea menu describes its three-tier menu in no uncertain terms. The top tier comes with “heavenly heights of flavor,” with tastes of chocolate, spices, cream, and citrus. The middle tier “harmonizes contrasts and complex taste profiles,” featuring fresh scones with whipped Røros (Norwegian sour cream) and homemade jam. The bottom tier is a “paradise of taste,” with smoked salmon on brioche, a cheese and fig marmalade tart, and Danish rye bread topped with blue cheese and marinated pears. Bubbly options are also available. This Afternoon Tea menu is served Fridays and Saturdays, with seatings at 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Idyllically situated at the top of Holmenkollen, Lysebu was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011.
Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid (1952) Madrid, Spain
Since its debut during the mid-20th century, Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid has not only welcomed all kinds of international dignitaries but has also become a living symbol of Madrid’s postwar cultural renaissance. Housed within a building that is today officially listed and protected as part of Madrid’s architectural heritage, the five-star hotel continues its tradition of Afternoon Tea in the elegant Wellington Hall. Drawing inspiration from the classic British ritual, the experience features premium black and herbal teas accompanied by freshly prepared finger sandwiches, an assortment of fine pastries, and handmade scones baked daily and served with authentic English clotted cream and preserves. The atmosphere of quiet sophistication and timeless design provides an appropriate backdrop for this longstanding tradition, offering a refined pause amid one of Madrid’s most historic neighborhoods. Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2025.
Half Moon (1954) Montego Bay, Jamaica
At Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, tea is a reflection of the island’s living wellness traditions and cultural heritage. Half Moon offers guests a distinctly Jamaican tea experience through the lemongrass tea ritual at Fern Tree, A Salamander Spa. Known locally as fever grass tea, lemongrass has been enjoyed across generations of Jamaican households as part of the island’s rich bush tea tradition in which native and wild plants are brewed to imbue tea with distinctive flavors and wellness attributes. The fragrant tea is served to guests before treatments, introducing them to a wellness practice shaped by generations of African, Taíno, Indian, and Chinese influences. The garden-to-cup experience reflects Jamaica’s enduring belief in the restorative power of herbs while creating a meaningful connection to place. Guests may also purchase dried lemongrass harvested from the estate, extending a tradition that embodies the island’s cultural heritage, botanical knowledge, and philosophy of natural wellbeing. Half Moon was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2023.
The Murray Hong Kong (1969) Hong Kong, China
A fashionable historic hotel dating to 1969, The Murray Hong Kong is a wonderful example of Midcentury Modern-style architecture located in Hong Kong’s Central District. Afternoon Tea in the Garden Lounge of The Murray Hong Kong offers guests an elegant and relaxing atmosphere, where guests can enjoy views of the city. The signature Afternoon Tea is served on a tea stand featuring both sweet and savory bites. The current offering, the Murray Autumn Bliss Afternoon Tea, celebrates the richness of autumn produce. The menu features savory delights such as Beetroot Cured Salmon with Horseradish Cream Cheese, Japanese Egg with Caviar, and Foie Gras and Quail Egg Vol-au-Vent, alongside sweet highlights including a Caramelized Apple Tart, Hazelnut Cream Puff, and Chestnut Mousse with Mixed Berry Compote. Warm Raisin and Plain Butter Scones are served with clotted cream and preserves, completing the experience. Recipient of the Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in Asia/Pacific at the 2022 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence, and recognized annually with One MICHELIN Key since 2025, the hotel boasts some of the city’s best dining, offering guests some of the most memorable experiences in the city. The Murray Hong Kong was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2019.
“For unique, enjoyable, and unforgettable experiences, consider indulging in The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Afternoon Tea Experiences. We hope this list will inspire readers looking for an authentic setting and unique experience to celebrate love, friendship, and special occasions any time of the year,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America® and Historic Hotels Worldwide®. “Many historic hotels and resorts have served guests Afternoon Tea since it became fashionable during the Victorian Era, or have recently revived the stylish meal for guests. An uncommon tradition, Afternoon Tea is an experience to share.”
Seasonal menus, service times, and special experiences vary by hotel. Contact the individual hotel to confirm current offerings and reservation requirements before planning a visit.
About Historic Hotels Worldwide®
Historic Hotels Worldwide® is a prestigious and distinctive collection of historic treasures, including luxury historic hotels built in former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide represents the finest and most distinctive global collection of more than 320 historic hotels in 49 countries. Hotels inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide are authentic historic treasures, demonstrate historic preservation, and celebrate historic significance. Eligibility for induction into Historic Hotels Worldwide is limited to those distinctive historic hotels that adhere to the following criteria: minimum age for the building is 75 years or older; historically relevant as a significant location within a historic district, historically significant landmark, place of a historic event, former home of a famous person, or historic city center; hotel celebrates its history by showcasing memorabilia, artwork, photography, and other examples of its historic significance; recognized by national preservation or heritage buildings organization or located within UNESCO World Heritage Site; and presently used as a historic hotel. For more information, please visit HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com.
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