St. Regis Hotel was no doubt a landmark in Manhattan. John Jacob Astor opened it in 1904. It was absolute luxury as a hotel. Astor Court located on the lobby level was considered by many the most elegant place to have lunch or afternoon tea in NYC.
It wasn't quite the same impression I have had.
We arrived at St. Regis at 4:30 for our afternoon tea. It was almost the end of tea time, but obviously someone wasn't doing their cleaning job - most of the tables were a mess with half empty glasses and plates. We waited till they cleaned up one table.
The hotel lobby was well ventilated and air conditioned. But Astor Court was like a toaster. We couldn't stand any more and eventually had to ask for iced water to cool ourselves down.
Tea was $48 per person, with finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, and of course choice of tea. Not bad price at all. Sandwiches were very ordinary, sweets tasted like taking from any neighborhood bakery. Scones were good at least. Service was soso.
I missed tea at Dorchester in London.
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