Champagne + Afternoon Tea = Royal Treatment at the Palace Hotel

Experience the Palace Hotel during the holidays

One of my favorite holiday traditions is to enjoy a glass of champagne along with afternoon tea in a beautiful hotel. Many of San Francisco’s luxury hotels offer afternoon tea during the holidays, but the Palace Hotel serves tea all year. I can’t think of nicer respite from the madness of holiday shopping than to spend an hour with a friend, to enjoy a pot of perfectly brewed tea along with tea sandwiches, pastries, and scones. There is something very civilized about the ritual of tea.

Tea in the Garden Court

The Palace Hotel is one of San Francisco’s iconic hotels and there is no better place to enjoy tea than the beautiful Garden Court. The hotel is decorated for the holidays with a grand Christmas tree as the focal point in the dining room, along with cheerful nutcrackers. Gingerbread houses designed by Bay Area celebrities to raise money for charity adorn the hotel lobby.

Indulge in afternoon tea

The Afternoon Tea menu includes tea sandwiches, homemade scones, pastries, and a selection of black, green or herbal tea. To make it more festive I chose the “Tea for Two,” which includes all of the above and a split of Perrier Jouet Brut Champagne. Our table was next to the gaily decorated Christmas tree and in close proximity to the harpist. The soothing music set the tone for a relaxing afternoon.

Champagne makes everything brighter

I chose the 100-Year Anniversary Tea, a Sencha green tea blend served since the 1900s, which seemed an appropriate choice to commemorate the hotel’s century of service. Tea sandwiches and pastries arrived shortly after we were seated, but it wasn’t until the champagne was poured that it qualified as a tea party.

Decked out for the holidays

Sampling bites of savory and sweet delicacies and alternating between sips of tea and champagne, all while enjoying the ambiance of the Garden Court made for a perfect afternoon. During the holidays the Palace offers both Afternoon Tea for adults and Santa Tea for the kids. Read about all of the holiday celebrations at the Palace, including the schedule for tea. To guarantee that you will have your own memorable tea experience, make reservations in advance.

One of the gingerbread houses on display in the lobby

In addition to serving tea, the Garden Court Restaurant serves lunch daily and Sunday Champagne Brunch. This is one of San Francisco’s most elegant, if not most decadent brunches. During the holidays it is especially festive with the whimsical holiday decorations scattered about the hotel. The selection of salads, cold and hot entrees, and desserts will please any palate. Read about Sunday Brunch at the Palace.

Celebrate at the Palace

For an extra-special holiday season, consider staying at the Palace Hotel and enjoy their legendary brunch during the holidays. Celebrate Christmas Day, New Years Eve, or New Year’s Day at the Palace. Accommodations are luxurious and comfortable, blending modern amenities with traditional decor. Read about why the Palace is the hotel of choice for those visiting San Francisco.

It isn't a celebration without champagne