The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea

Review summary

1. J

   Joshua

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined today

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   The single most disappointing afternoon tea service I’ve ever had, mostly because of the incredibly steep price point ($120). It comes with 4 savory bites, but there’s nothing special or interesting or creative about those bites, We’ve also lost the plot because these are supposed to be finger sandwiches, but they’re messy and open-faced to the point that I thought it was weird i had to touch cheese and salmon and cucumbers with my bare fingers. The Christmas sweets were cute but sorely disappointing, again given the $120 price tag. One of the sweets is a sugar cookie, which is fair given it’s a Christmas staple, but I think some of the other sweets should’ve made up for that one’s simplicity. The rest of the sweets consisted of a cupcake, a cream puff, and chocolate mousse. There’s no way these even remotely warranted a $120 price tag. I’ve been to several afternoon tea services at various resorts and hotels around the country (and at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC), and this was easily the most disappointing one. On top of that, maybe it’s just my preference, but I enjoy steeping my tea myself. I also prefer steeping loose tea rather than tea bags. However, they serve the tea pre-steeped. I like making my tea super bitter and dark and looking at the loose leaves. I was disappointed that they took this entire part of tea consumption out of my hands by serving tea kettles with only tea inside. The vibe in the lobby was cute, but there was very little going in terms of ambience. I believe they might’ve been playing live jazz, but it was only playing in the ballroom for the brunch patrons. We, afternoon tea folks, were only left with echoes of music traveling from the ballroom through to the opposite side of the lobby. Again, there’s a thoughtlessness to the experience here. The service was excellent, but I told them it was my birthday and they didn’t do anything special. In fact, one of the servers (I believe he was like a host/concierge working the
   

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2. C

   Chris

   Washington DC

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great time for afternoon tea. Food and service were both very good. If it is cold out, recommend getting a spot away from the door, it can be drafty. Looking forward to coming back for drinks and dinner.
   

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3. C

   Carol

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Exemplary service by Stephane and Hamza. Every moment was just right.
   

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4. M

   Morgan

   VIP

   Cancun

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   10/10 holiday experience!! I had such a great time celebrating my birthday and holiday
   

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5. E

   Emilie

   VIP

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 17 December 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   I loved my annual tradition of Christmas tea at the St. Regis, but this year had me rethinking this tradition. Traditionally, the Christmas tea included a White House Christmas ornament, but this year they stopped doing this. It was very disappointing to find this out at the end of the tea. The price stayed the same. Nearly $300 for 2 people for tea with NO champagne is not a good value in my mind, especially since the desserts were also not as good as in years past. Last year there were adorable gingerbread houses and every dessert was a work of art and super tasty. This year they weren't as good, though I definitely applaud the pastry chef's creativity with the display and visual aspect of the desserts. They are definitely works of art. The savory sandwiches and scones were excellent. The service was really good. And of course the St. Regis is a stunning place for tea, and the Christmas decorations are absolutely lovely. It was still a very enjoyable experience, but I don't think I'll make a special effort to do the Christmas tea anymore. I'll still do afternoon tea there occasionally, but I think I'll be looking for a new spot for my annual Christmas tea.
   

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6. R

   Renee

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 17 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was the perfect afternoon. An Afternoon Tea for one my at preferred seat by the window. The Christmas blend tea was delightful and the savory treats were my absolute favs, especially the quiche. The vestibule was simply decorated with a beautiful tree and accompanying nutcrackers to go along with this year's tea theme. A classy experience, as always. Thank you to the amazing staff for your attentiveness.
   

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7. W

   Winnie

   Washington DC

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 13 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything was done well, especially the presentation and service. We enjoyed the tea experience and will go back even it’s a bit pricey.
   

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8. R

   Rachel

   Pittsburgh

   5 reviews

   1.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 12 December 2024

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 5

   While the ambiance it’s beautiful and the perfect setting for a Christmas tea, the service was nonexistent. For the venue, price, and previous experiences at other St. Regis properties, I expected first class service. Not only did our server rush us through the tea experience, she also rarely checked back. We had to request water refills, clean plates for the dessert course, and refilled our own tea each time. She also brought out the savory plates and sweet tier at the same time. While the food was very good and the desserts were very cutely themed, for the price point there could have been well…more. Or at least first class service.
   

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9. E

   Elicia

   VIP

   Washington DC

   13 reviews

   3.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on 12 December 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   I’ve been coming for the Christmas tea for years. The tea was basic. Our service was good. The cost is absolutely insane. With tip for 2 people and 1 glass of champagne it was $420!! For what? 4 pastries and 4 teeny sandwiches on white bread? Now we are told they don’t give a White House ornament. Seriously? You cut back on a $30 ornament? I will not come back. It was painful to sign the bill given what we got. Too many options to do this again.
   

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10. J

    Joanne

    Washington DC

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on 12 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    We enjoyed a lovely Christmas Afternoon Tea this afternoon. The service was impeccable and the tea and food were all delicious. It was a truly wonderful experience!
    

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