http://www.examiner.com/x-12836-LA-Tea-Examiner~y2009m6d11-MidDay-Escape-Afternoon-Tea-in-LAs-Hottest-Hotels

It’s a well known fact that most of us are not able to take a vacation nearly half as often as we’d like to.  I suppose having a job, bills to pay, and those other exciting obligations kind of get in the way of our relaxation time, but whadda ya gonna do?  Now, I’ve always been a firm believer that sitting down with a great cup of tea can be a relaxing mini getaway in itself, and as this belief grows with Los Angeles’s social elite, some of the swankiest accommodations in L.A. are catching on.  Hotels in general have become not only a getaway for out-of-towners, but also a comforting local escape from the daily grind.  Some of Los Angeles’s classiest urban havens are now offering high tea for guests and locals alike.

Over on San Vicente Blvd. between Sunset Blvd. and Harratt Street sits the fantastic London West Hollywood Hotel where the infamous Hell’s Kitchen chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant resides.  Aside from his creative and delectable full meal menus, Ramsay, being the established Brit that he is, includes a daily afternoon tea.  Served from 3 to 5pm, the set menu of scones, pastries and cream, and perfect tea sandwiches, are more reasonably priced than one may expect, just $28 per person compared to many other local tea rooms.  The tea selection is wide and includes anything from the classic English Earl Gray to fruity tangerine.  Reservations are recommended for any party size, and it’s no doubt the gorgeously designed ambience will provide a relaxing afternoon experience.

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, a real urban retreat stands tall on Grand Avenue, The Millennium Biltmore Hotel.  The Biltmore is home to a handful of restaurants including the famed Rendezvous Court, where afternoon tea is a staple.  Served only Wednesday through Sunday from 2 to 5pm, several menus with increasing price points give patrons more options.  Rates range from just $22 for the “Princess Tea” to $45 for a traditional “Victorian” Tea, complete with champagne.  The sophisticated and relaxing setting is perfect for an afternoon meeting or a personal escape, and reservations are recommended.  With a multitude of different teas to choose from, the Biltmore is a definite haven from the busy streets of downtown.

If you’re looking for a complete escape you can still drive home from afterwards, retreat into the hills of Bel-Air up on Stone Canyon Road just slightly Northeast of UCLA in Westwood.  There you’ll find the lovely Hotel Bel-Air Los Angeles, home to the acclaimed Restaurant and Terrace, where high tea is served six days a week.  Monday through Saturday with just one seating hour from3 to 4pm, one can enjoy a very traditional afternoon tea in an extremely lush and relaxing environment.  For $48 per person you receive champagne, fruits, scones and cream, sandwiches, and of course pastries and your choice of teas.  With a substantial selection to please just about anyone, take your tea on the Restaurant’s Terrace overlooking the beautiful Swan Lake.  Reservations for The Restaurant’s Afternoon Tea are recommended but not necessary.

Whatever your time or budget limitations, it is likely that you can find an afternoon tea escape that works for you.  Hotels are a great getaway not just for visitors, but for locals who need a break, so do not hesitate to let one of these great L.A. establishments provide you with the easy relaxation you’ve been looking for. Check out the “L.A. Tea Trends” links list to the right for more information on all three of these great local afternoon tea spots!