12. The Gotham Lounge in The Peninsula Hotel
In the heart of the Fifth Avenue Midtown shopping district, you can find afternoon tea in the Gotham Lounge at the Peninsula Hotel. Located at 700 Fifth Avenue, the Peninsula was constructed in 1905 as the Hotel Gotham, going bankrupt just three years later due to its proximity to the Presbyterian church, and the lack of the ability to sell liquor.
Now a member of the luxurious Peninsula brand, the hotel is one of New York’s finest. Afternoon tea is served on the mezzanine level of the lobby from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are required. Their holiday afternoon tea includes a bottle of Champagne in addition to the usual scones, finger sandwiches, and petit fours. They also have an afternoon tea for children.