This high tea was hosted but all views and opinions are my own.
- The elevated menu at the Baccarat Hotel is a stand out from other afternoon teas with its wide selection of savory and sweet bites.
- The hotel is located in the heart of midtown, nearby various attractions like Times Square, MOMA and Rockefeller Center, making this the perfect stopover while experiencing NYC.
- Although expensive – at $140 per person – you’re paying for the quality, atmosphere and central location in New York City.
Just steps from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Baccarat Hotel offers one of New York City’s most luxurious high tea experiences. Whether you’re escaping the chaos of Times Square or filling time before a Broadway show, this upscale tea service provides a retreat from the chaos in the heart of Manhattan.
Reserve a Time Slot In Advance
Afternoon tea at the Baccarat Hotel takes place daily from 12–5 p.m. in The Grand Salon on the hotel’s second floor. Reservations are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance online. I booked mine just two days ahead and still found plenty of availability.
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Elegant Atmosphere In The Baccarat Hotel
The Grand Salon’s elegant atmosphere can be felt from the moment you walk in. Crystal chandeliers, mirrored walls, and Baccarat glassware create a lavish environment. The hotel’s signature scent, “Fireside,” filled the room with a smoky, luxurious aroma, completing the sensory experience and the large windows overlooked bustling midtown, offering a spectacular New York view.
Choose From Numerous Tea Options
The Baccarat offers several themed tea services: King Louis XV Caviar Tea, The Prince of Wales Tea, The Princess of Monaco, and Le Petit Prince (designed for kids). I chose The Prince of Wales Tea, which includes a mix of sweet and savory bites, scones, and a wide range of teas. You can also add wine pairings for an additional cost.
I ordered the Moulin Rouge tea—a pink, floral blend—arrived in a large red teapot and stayed hot for the full two-hour service. It provided several cups and complemented both savory and sweet items beautifully.
Enjoy The Set Up And The Food
Each item came in one-to-three-bite portions, served on crystal platters with precision. The deviled egg and coronation chicken were my favorites—rich, flavorful, and well-balanced. I didn’t enjoy the smoked salmon, but that’s more a personal preference than a flaw in execution.
As for dessert, the sweets tier offered a satisfying variety of citrus-based options and more decadent chocolate pieces. The flourless mousse and crinkle cookie stood out—decadent without being overly sweet. The sweets paired perfectly with the house made scones served with Devonshire cream and seasonal jam, both warm and freshly baked.
Final Verdict
The Baccarat Hotel’s high tea ranks among New York’s most luxurious and expensive afternoon teas, comparable to The Plaza and The Carlyle. It’s not an everyday indulgence, but it’s perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or upscale celebrations. With its refined atmosphere, attentive service, and beautifully crafted bites, the experience feels less like a meal and more like an event.
If you’re a fan of tea and scones and want to experience high tea with elevated glamour, the Baccarat Hotel delivers an unforgettable afternoon.
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