Afternoon Tea at the Royal Park Hotel

When I began planning the itinerary for the Michigan Tea Tour I wanted the best venue for Afternoon Tea that my area had to offer, and that is the Royal Park Hotel.  My choice was confirmed when I received my copy of Taking Tea, a newly released book by Hoffman Media, and saw the hotel featured in their publication. Only 9 hotels in the entire United States were selected, so it's quite an honor for the Royal Park to be among the select group.

The English manor-style boutique hotel opened in September 2004, and Afternoon Tea is served in the Gallery Wednesday - Sunday beginning at 2:00 p.m.  The Royalty Tea is $41 per person and includes tax and gratuity.

Below are the ten Michigan Tea Tour Participants from Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Canada, and Southeastern Michigan.

[L-R front row:  Linda J., Teresa, Joanie, Me, and Linda P.

Back Row:  Nancy, Lori, Gloria, Barb, and Judith]

~ Main Lobby ~

With reservations made months in advance, we arrived promptly at 2:00 p.m., and Mary Kuhn, the hotel's Tea Hostess, greeted us and took us to the Gallery.  My girlfriend, Sandy [not pictured], opted not to be a part of the tea tour because of another commitment, but joined us for Afternoon Tea at the hotel.  

~ The table was ready for our arrival and was a visual delight. ~

Mary explained their nine loose-leaf tea offerings from the Mighty Leaf Tea chest, and we chose three.

Because four of us are tea bloggers, and three are scrapbookers, we were like paparazzi giving Mary a glimpse of what it's like to be a celebrity! ;-)

Below is my place setting.  In all my years of going to Afternoon Tea at many U.S., Canadian, and British hotels, this is the first time I've seen beautiful Shelley teacups used for serving. Only the best will do at the Royal Park!

~ With sparkling cider we made a toast to friendship and the tea tour. ~

~ Delicious three-tiered tea tray. ~

There were six savories/sandwiches: Roast Beef on a Rosemary Puff Pastry with Cheddar and Horseradish Cream; Smoked Salmon BLT on Rye; Egg Salad Tomato Bruschetta; Cucumber with Herb Cream Cheese; Aged Cheddar Cheese Crème Brulee with Orange and Date; and Hickory Smoked Chicken with Pear Chutney in a Phyllo Cup.

The tea was brought to the table in marked, china teapots of varying styles.

~ My favorite tea throughout the meal was Pear Caramel. ~

Lemon was provided for those who wanted it for their tea.

Freshly baked English Fruit Scones served with Clotted Cream and Lemon Curd.

~ Hot hors d'Oeuvres were Pear-Almond Brie En-Croute and Spanakopita. ~

Six desserts included: Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Raspberry Tart, Shortbread Cookie; Cranberry Orange Bread; Orange Cheesecake Pop and Dark Chocolate Decadence.

It is said a good Afternoon Tea will delight all the senses, and the Royal Park definitely delivered. Special thanks to Mary and the Royal Park Hotel for the wonderful tea experience, and for making Michigan proud! Our group was in complete agreement - it was the highlight of our day!

Our group was too large for the private room below that seats 4-6, but I thought you'd enjoy seeing it.

I snapped the photo of the hotel's beautiful conservatory as we were leaving.

If you've never been to the Royal Park Hotel for Afternoon Tea, do give them a try.  You won't be disappointed.

Tea tour participant, Linda J., blogged about the Afternoon Tea experience on her blog today too. Pop over to Friendship Tea blog to see what she wrote.  Thank you, Linda, for allowing me to use some of your photos in this post.