By: Life with Alegria
In Niagara, Popular Places in Niagara, , , , , ,

Afternoon Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel A Place for Friends

There is something divine and decadent in the ritual of afternoon tea. Experiencing it in the lavish Drawing Room at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake certainly elevates the affair of afternoon tea, especially in the company of good friends.

Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake
Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake

Afternoon tea was something I grew up with. Not as resplendent as the lush offerings in luxurious hotels, but still it is a nostalgic reminder of after school relaxation that included copious amounts of tea, delicious pastries and a sandwich or two, not the delicate kind however.

I keenly remember the ritual, sitting on the verandah with my siblings, my mother, and my grandmother, bits of easy conversation, the tinkling of tea cups, and a true feeling of lounge-worthy relaxation heighted by dappled afternoon sunlight that filtered through the large leafy mayflower trees that fronted our home.

Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake
Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake

All these memories flooded back as I lounged in the comfortable cushioned arm chairs at the Prince of Wales Hotel tea room, which is called The Drawing Room. A perfect name!

Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake

The room is decorated in typical Victorian style, which perfectly fits with the hotel’s history. The Prince of Wales was established by the Long family in 1864 and has since changed hands over the centuries, and been expanded. Every scene offers an eyegasm of Victorian era decor, with fresh roses and crystal chandeliers defining this elegant English style.

Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake

It is said that every one of its 110 luxe rooms is decorated differently in exquisite florals and sumptuous beddings. Though I’d love to stay there, I never have, even though it is close to home. It is one of five luxurious Vintage Hotels. Four of which are in the Niagara Region.

Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake

I have however walked by The Prince of Wales many many times, and noticed the sign inviting me in to Afternoon Tea. I have long dreamed of going and finally did. And how grateful I am to have settled into such a sublime afternoon.

Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake

Midwinter means tourists are much fewer and The Drawing Room was not at all busy. Other small groups spread far apart meant we felt we had the place to ourselves, allowing us to enjoy the unrushed decadent ambiance of a slow travel experience, offered with supreme service.

There are several options for the type of tea service you prefer as well there are plenty of tea selections. I opted for the Prince of Wales Afternoon Tea service which included a selection of Canadian cheeses. It all blended perfectly with my choice of Heavenly Cream tea.

Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake
Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake

Delicate sandwiches, pastries and scones were absolutely divine and are also offered as gluten-free and vegetarian options. Our course of lovely Canadian cheeses was a sublime example of the goodness available close to home.

Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake

As I sat and absorbed all the sounds, sights and sensations of this beautiful afternoon my thoughts turned to friendship and the joy it brings to our life. Reconnecting with good friends over Afternoon Tea adds to the sweetness of life.

Afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake

The sweetness of Afternoon Tea is enhanced by good friends. Click the video link below to chat about the meaning of friendship and to see the beautiful surroundings of The Drawing Room and the Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Join me won’t you?

Good to Know if you Go:

Reservations are always recommended. Summer is always extremely busy.

Pricing ranges between $48 and $68 per person for Afternoon Tea Service, which includes a large pot of tea (your selection) and three tiered tea service that includes finger sandwiches, assorted pastries, and of course sconces with jam and cream.

The price range increases with additional options such as cheese, mimosas or sparkling wine.

There is also a choice for children under 12 priced at $23 per child.

Book 24 hours ahead for gluten-free and vegetarian options. Gluten-Free options are priced at an additional $5.

Location: 6 Picton St. The corner of Picton and King St.

Links:

Vintage Hotels : https://www.vintage-hotels.com/special-offers-niagara-on-the-lake/

Prince of Wales Hotel: https://www.vintage-hotels.com/prince-of-wales/

Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room and Reservations: https://www.vintage-hotels.com/prince-of-wales/the-drawing-room/