Afternoon tea at The Willard's Peacock Alley gets our vote for most luxurious tea in Washington D.C.

The Willard Hotel in Washington D.C., home to famous lobby and tea spot, Peacock Alley

It's a big election year and my vote for the most luxurious afternoon tea venue in Washington D.C. -filled with marble, crystal and an impressive history - goes to the Willard Intercontinental hotel and its beautiful Peacock Alley.

Last September, my husband and I visited our nation's capital and I made a short mention of our tea at the hotel in last year's blog  Afternoon Tea and More! in Washington D.C. But, as promised then, there's more to the story of this historic landmark, more commonly referred to as "The Willard". 

The Willard is only two block from the White House

Visit to the White House, walk to tea

Just two blocks from the White House, "The Willard" began as a small converted row house hotel in 1818, growing in size and  luxury over the years until its final grand remodel in the "Beau-Arts" style in 1901. It has hosted almost every president since Franklin Pierce.

The Willard lobby, marble columns and gilded chandeliers 

In the lobby, with stairs to  Peacock Alley 

The Willard's lobby is opulently decorated, housing marble columns and floors and gilded chandeliers.  It's no surprise it attracted the jet set (or "barouche set" in its day).  It was also a magnet for politicians and influencers, therefore providing us with the term "lobbyist".

Chris ready for afternoon tea in The Willard's Peacock Alley

Aside from the elegant lobby,  afternoon tea in its adjacent "Peacock Alley" is an amazing event, offering both a scrumptious setting and menu. Our afternoon tea fare included incredible twists on traditional tea time savories, such as a blue cheese and grape tart, mini pimento BLT sandwiches and a citrus crab salad in puff pastry. The vanilla and blueberry scones were served with the hotel's homemade lemon curd, Devonshire cream, and apricot jam.

A separate tea menu has a variety of tempting blends, but, we selected The Willard's Signature Boutique Blend, a slightly fruitier, but absolutely delicious, take on a standard Earl Grey.

All of this to be enjoyed while a harpist plays in the background. No matter what side of the aisle you sit, you will all agree, you'll lobby for more tea time at The Willard.

The Willard InterContinental hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue