"With roots dating to 1926, this grand hotel has long served the capital’s political and social elite, boasting a palatial lobby with Florentine gold ceilings and crystal chandeliers and a fireplace-lit bar favored for historic charm. A recent refresh has modernized 182 rooms and suites into a soothing palette of blues, grays, and golds with marble-bench bathrooms, and suite guests can access dedicated butler services for tasks ranging from packing to evening turndown rituals." - Laura Dannen Redman, Nicholas DeRenzo
"Open near the White House since 1926, the St. Regis hosts afternoon tea service in its opulent lobby with Dammann Frères teas, exquisite sandwiches, sweets, scones, and optional bubbly pairings (Thursday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.). Reservations are required ($109 per person)." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky
"For those with a real penchant for opulence, make plans for the St. Regis holiday afternoon tea. Available Wednesdays through Sundays until January 5 for $119 a person, tea is served in the hotel’s lobby and Nutcracker-themed treats include sugar plum fairy cupcakes, sugar cookies, and Clara’s finger sandwiches. Make reservations here." - Vinciane Ngomsi
"The St. Regis, just down the street from the White House, serves afternoon tea in its busy, bustling lobby, where studying who’s coming in and out of the hotel’s front door is DC’s version of big game hunting. Watching it all from the comfort of a fancy couch, cup of tea in hand, is what this is all about. It’s one of the most extravagant tea services in the city ($109 without Champagne, and $135 and up with), and snacks and sweets are served on giant seasonal displays of faux cherry trees or Ferris wheels." - madeline weinfield
"The St. Regis, just down the street from the White House, serves afternoon tea in its busy, bustling lobby, where studying who’s coming in and out of the hotel’s front door is DC’s version of big game hunting. Watching it all from the comfort of a fancy couch, cup of tea in hand, is what this is all about. It’s one of the most extravagant tea services in the city ($109 without Champagne, and $135 and up with), and snacks and sweets are served on giant seasonal displays of faux cherry trees or Ferris wheels." - Madeline Weinfield