Is Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel in New York Worth It?
Last Updated: April 10, 2024
The legendary Plaza Hotel in New York City has been around since 1907 and has welcomed guests from all over the world. Located right across from Central Park, the Plaza Hotel is a classic New York landmark. Though not everyone gets the chance to stay the night at the Plaza Hotel, you should consider stopping in for the Plaza Hotel’s afternoon tea. However, you might be wondering if the $110 price tag for the afternoon tea at the plaza is worth it.
The Plaza Hotel for Afternoon Tea
Is afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel worth it? Overall, we loved our experience with afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel. The afternoon tea is served at The Palm Court, the beautiful restaurant inside the Plaza. As we describe below, afternoon tea comes with a delicious selection of sandwiches, pastries, and tea. But the price of the Plaza’s afternoon tea is not cheap. So we break down everything you need to know about the afternoon tea, to decide if afternoon tea at the Plaza is worth it to you.
Below we’ll answer the most important questions you need to know to visit the Plaza Hotel for afternoon tea:
- Is the afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel worth the money?
- How is the food at afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel?
- How much food comes with afternoon tea?
- Do you need a reservation for afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel?
- Is afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel crowded?
- Is there a dress code for afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel?
- How long to spend at the Plaza for afternoon tea?
- How much did afternoon tea cost at the Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel?
- What else can you do at the Plaza Hotel?
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Is the afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel worth the money?
We think so! Why? As we explain below, here are some of the reasons we think the afternoon tea was worth it:
- It’s a less expensive way to experience the Plaza Hotel.
- You get treated like royalty as a customer.
- The food and tea are delicious.
- The quantity of food is generous.
- You get to be Kevin McAllister or Eloise for a day.
First, afternoon tea is a great way to experience the beauty and luxury of the Plaza Hotel for a fraction of the cost of booking a room there. Perhaps you’re not yet able to drop $1K to spend a night at the Plaza Hotel, as Kevin McCallister did in Home Alone 2. Let alone live at The Plaza like young Eloise did in the “room on the tippy-top floor.” (Though you can always check out the best prices for staying at the Plaza.)
Even if you can’t afford an entire night at the Plaza, you can splurge a little bit to have your most memorable brunch, more formally called “high tea.”
How is the food at afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel?
To be honest, we were very impressed by how tasty all the food was for afternoon tea. We were half expecting over priced dry tasteless sandwiches and scones. But that was not the case!
The sandwiches were all uniquely flavorful and tasty. The subtly flavored scones with fresh clotted cream were a real highlight as well. There are usually two different scone flavors – one savory and one sweet. And the scones were still warm!
The sweet treats at the end were also quite good. Our selection included macarons, mini cheesecakes, pistachio raspberry cake, and several other desserts. By the time we got to dessert, we were starting to get very full!
How much food comes with afternoon tea?
Our afternoon tea came with five finger sandwiches, two scones with cream, and five small desserts. You can check the current menu online in advance of your visit to be sure what food will be served.
Was there enough food? Sure, sometimes fancy food comes in “little” quantities, but we were impressed at the quantity of food. The amount of food you get for afternoon tea is definitely enough to make you feel full. So do not eat before afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel!
Do you need a reservation for afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel?
Yes, you need reservations for Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel. Specifically, you need to make reservations for The Palm Court, and you can make reservations online at OpenTable. Afternoon tea is served between 10:30 am – 4:00 pm, Thursday through Monday.
If you can’t make it for afternoon tea, you can also enjoy a cocktail at the bar at The Palm Court from 5pm-11pm. Grabbing a cocktail is another great way to get a sneak peak at the fabulous interior of the Plaza Hotel, and no reservations are required.
Is afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel crowded?
We were pleasantly surprised at how spacious the room felt for afternoon tea. We arrived for an 11:00am reservation, and although there were plenty of people enjoying their meals, the seating arrangement was ideal. Conversations happen around you, but groups are sat far enough that you feel you have your space.
Is there a dress code for afternoon tea at The Plaza Hotel?
Believe it or not, yes, there is a dress code for afternoon tea at ghe Plaza Hotel! Which makes sense, because the Plaza Hotel is definitely the place to dress to impress. You’ll feel the elegant aura in the air and smell the thousands of fresh flowers that adorn the walls and tables. You’ll want to be dressed for the occasion.
What is the dress code for afternoon tea? According to the Plaza Hotel’s website, the afternoon tea dress code prohibits “shorts, men’s sleeveless shirts, casual hats, ripped denim and athletic wear.” So be sure to double check that you’re dressed properly before you arrive!
How long to spend at the Plaza for afternoon tea?
We spent a total of 2 hours at the Plaza Hotel at the Palm Court for afternoon tea. This accounts for the time we spent admiring the hotel’s beauty by taking photos. Not to mention visiting the elegant bookstore, and the restroom!
How much did afternoon tea cost at the Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel?
What else can you do at the Plaza Hotel?
Beyond the food, the Plaza Hotel is quite picturesque. You’ll see a section that is dedicated to Eloise, as well as gorgeous chandeliers (no you cannot swing from them).
Plus, after your meal, go to the second floor to explore a classy boutique bookstore called Assouline. Where books cost more than a Macbook Pro. Upstairs is where you’ll also find the guest bathrooms, which are themselves worthy of photography.
Conclusion: Is afternoon tea at the Plaza worth it?
Obviously each person will have to decide for themselves if the experience is worth it to them. But we found that it was worth it for us, because of the quantity and quality of food, the impeccable service, and the beautiful environment. It’s a unique, iconic experience in New York City, and we definitely recommend trying afternoon tea at the Plaza at least once.