The Plaza Hotel

Afternoon Tea at the Palm Court had been on my bucket list for ages and didn't disappoint! Excellent food (esp. the scones!) in the most beautiful surroundings. Service by Porfirio was so attentive and kind - he made the whole experience feel very special. I'll make sure to return for another visit with friends!

Tea at The Plaza manages to feel both iconic and genuinely special—no small feat for a place this famous. From the moment you step onto the red carpet and walk through the doors, there’s an immediate sense of occasion. The floral displays are stunning without feeling overdone, and the hotel itself absolutely delivers on its reputation. It feels like New York history you can actually step into. Inside The Palm Court, the stained-glass dome is just as striking in person as it is in photos. The room buzzes with celebration: birthdays, milestones, or simply a weekday treat. Our waiter even lit a candle so we could celebrate the New Year (it was practically February), which perfectly captured the spirit of the room: polished, festive, and warm rather than formal or stiff. There’s also a fun layer of cultural nostalgia here. Yes, it’s the famous setting from Home Alone 2, and I fully leaned in with a Kevin McAllister “wah!” photo. And of course, there’s a nod to Eloise—that sense of whimsical, classic New York charm woven throughout the experience. Service details really set this tea apart. At the start, we were given postcards and a pen to send notes anywhere in the world — thoughtful and memorable without feeling gimmicky. As someone with celiac disease, I was especially impressed. I was able to enjoy a full gluten-free tea tray, which is still surprisingly rare at this level of dining. The sandwiches were actually the standout for me. The gluten-free bread was dense, flavorful, and satisfying. The desserts leaned more chocolate-forward on this seasonal menu, which is more preference than flaw for me, but the scone was exceptional. The lemon curd was so good I requested it again the next morning at breakfast in The Champagne Bar for my pancakes. Sharing this with my daughter made it even more special. It’s one of those experiences that feels celebratory and memory-making at the same time. This is also worth saying plainly: tea at The Plaza is expensive. It will run you about $125 per person depending on the menu. Our waiter threw in complimentary champagne! And if you stay overnight, rooms often start around $500+ per night and go up quickly. But you are paying for the full experience: the setting, the service, the history, and the sense of occasion—not just the food. We did stay overnight, which I would highly recommend if you can. Returning to the room after a Broadway Show and ordering late-night room service felt like peak New York. The accommodations and service throughout the hotel are consistently excellent. The Plaza delivers exactly what you hope it will: classic New York glamour, strong service, and a sense of occasion. Whether you’re a hotel guest or stopping in while visiting the city, tea here earns its bucket-list status. And being steps from Central Park only adds to the appeal.

Porfirio Cortes went above and beyond for our daughter. Tea at the Plaza was unforgettable. Thank you!

We did not stay at the hotel but had tea at the Palm Court and it was a wonderful experience. Porfirio was our server and he was outstanding. He was attentive and made us feel special. The atmosphere and food were excellent and was even more than we expected.

We had a high afternoon tea session. It was incredible!