13 Weeks of Adventure: Week 2 - Afternoon Tea at the Pierre Hotel

A historic hotel with a breathtaking Rotunda.

Welcome to Love + Travel, a weekly chronicle of exploration.

Last week marked the kickoff of the 13 Weeks of Adventure summer series. Check out Week 1—Black Museum Exhibitions and the entirety of my work, here.

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Afternoon Tea at The Pierre Hotel 
Venue: The Rotunda  
Price: Tiered; begins at $120/pp
Availability: Weekends only; from 1-5pm 
For reservations: (212) 838-8000

Y’all, Bridgerton made me do it.

When Penelope thought her mother was waiting in the drawing room and instructed the staff to “serve her tea,” I was sold on the flex. A life of elegance, sophistication, and charm is the life for me.

What better way to embrace Regency-era appeal than at The Pierre Hotel’s afternoon tea? Even the scaffolding out front was elevated to inspire etherialism.

Green and floral, of course, for House Featherington.

Once inside, The Rotunda is the first left with a two-step entry. Although formally described as a banquet space, it functions as a thoroughfare with access points on all sides. It joins together the hotel’s main entry corridor, Perrine, its on-site restaurant, and two function rooms available for private use. The room’s central location underscores its importance as a space made to be shown off.

The Rotunda has undergone many iterations since the hotel's opening in 1930. However, its hallmark mural, a Renaissance loggia, wasn’t hand-painted by artist Edward Melcarth until 1967, and the ceiling’s bright blue sky fresco wouldn’t receive an update until 2016 under decorator and architect Daniel Romualdez. His vision combined perennial elements like Louis XVI-style chairs, candelabra sconces, and marble stairs with modern elements like track lighting, green banquettes, and reading lamps with turquoise pleated shades. There are several forms of lighting throughout the space, all of which highlight the mural, which serves as the centerpiece of the room and hotel.

For afternoon tea, there are three tiers of service:

$120 per person for Royal  Tea Service 
$150 per person with a Flute of Taittinger Brute or Taittinger Rose
$170 per person with a Demi Bottle  (375ml)  Taittinger Brute or Rose 

While this certainly was an indulgent experience, I am in a serious season of weightlifting and chose not to set back my progress by drinking alcohol. Phil felt the same so we selected the Royal Tea Service sans bubbly.

Each service tier comes with a treat tower. The top layer features tea sandwiches, the middle offers pastries, and the bottom holds scones.

How my husband sees me most often - plotting!

This was my introduction to brandied cherry financiers, and their ultra-fancy name was equally matched by their rich flavor. I have a newfound appreciation for pastries, especially since The Pierre freshly bakes theirs daily. My husband was impressed by the lemon tarts and smoked salmon sandwiches while we both enjoyed the mini lobster rolls.

Were the treats yummy? Without a doubt!

However, do realize that more than anything, you are paying for the air of luxury that accompanies this storied hotel and venue. The service, like the hotel itself, transports you far away from the hustle and bustle of New York's streets.

I can’t wait to go back and highly recommend this service for those looking to leave a lasting impression, particularly for a birthday, first date, or anniversary celebration.

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LET ME KNOW

How do you take your tea? Plain, with milk, sugar, honey, lemon, or something else?

Have you ever hosted or attended a traditional afternoon tea? If so, what was the experience like?

How would you design a Bridgerton-themed tea party? What elements from the show would you incorporate?

Are any rituals or traditions followed in your culture when making or drinking tea?