Charming cherry blossom afternoon teas around D.C.
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Afternoon cherry blossom tea in the St. Regis lobby. Photo: Courtesy of The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
Afternoon tea season is blooming for spring.
Why it matters: Many of the city's popular tea services go all-out with cherry blossom-themed blends, bites and decor.
State of play: Afternoon tea is increasingly popular in D.C., especially at luxury hotels — though more casual places are joining the fun (most require reservations regardless).
Pinkies up!
The St. Regis (Downtown): Dress up for this elegant cherry blossom tea near the White House, starring Dammann Frères blends and a tree full of sweet and savory bites in the luxe lobby.
- Reservations (through May 18), Weds-Sun, starting at $119.
The Pendry (Wharf): The luxe waterfront hotel's boozy tea service gets a cherry blossom twist with offerings like sake-spiked sakura tea and lychee-liquor macarons — plus, you can see Hains Point blossoms from the rooftop.
- Saturday reservations are $80 through April 30.
Cut by Wolfgang Puck (Georgetown): The chic Rosewood Hotel launches its tea service with a cherry blossom-themed lineup featuring luxe little bites (truffled egg salad, lobster rolls, fresh scones with accoutrements) and optional sparkling cocktails.
- Reservations (starting March 15), Sat-Sun, $85-$105 per person.
Waldorf Astoria (Downtown): One of the more luxurious, Insta-worthy teas in town is set among faux cherry blossoms in the lobby. The menu includes Tealeaves' spring blends, cherry-filled bites and optional cherry blossom cocktails.
- Reservations are available Thursday through Sunday, $120 per person.
Hillwood Estate (Upper Northwest): The elegant former home and gardens of socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post host cherry blossom tea, which you can follow with a stroll through a Japanese garden.
- Reservations (March 20-April 19), Thurs-Sun, $50 per person for 4-9 people.
Quadrant at the Ritz Carlton (West End): The whimsical Seven Reasons Group, behind this sakura-themed cherry blossom tea, serves specialty "Fleur de Geisha" pots and bites like salmon and yuzu-cream cheese sandwiches and togarashi lobster tarts.
- Reservations (March 21-April 6), Fri-Sun, $88 per person.
Park Hyatt (West End): Tea enthusiasts can head to the upscale hotel's Tea Cellar, which boasts over 30 rare and single-estate teas. The family-friendly cherry blossom service stars sweet and savory sakura-inspired confections, plus a glass of bubbles for adults.
- Reservations (starting March 22), Sat-Sun, starting at $90 for adults, $65 kids.
The Salamander (Wharf): The newly remodeled Salamander is strolling and biking distance from the Tidal Basin blooms, and offers a lovely Asian-inspired tea in its lounge with bites like mini chicken bánh mì and matcha-strawberry rolls.
- Reservations (starting March 14), Weds-Sun, $115 per person.