There are many luxury hotels in Manhattan, but The Pierre stands out as a beacon of old-world charm and modern-day luxury.  Opened in 1930 by Charles Pierre, it fell upon economic hard times during the Great Depression and was sold to J. Paul Getty in 1932.  Four Seasons Hotels took over management in 1981, but – as of 2005 – it is now owned and operated by the Taj Hotels and Resorts Group.

Entrance to The Pierre Hotel (image CC-BY-SA-3.0)

This is a picture I took of Central Park before arriving for afternoon tea at The Pierre.  The location is  just across the street (Fifth Avenue) from the hotel at about East 60th Street.

Central Park in Fall outside The Pierre Hotel New York

Entering the Pierre’s lobby …

Hotel Lobby of The Pierre (courtesy of the Pierre Hotel)

Afternoon tea at the Pierre is served in the modern Two E Bar/Lounge – a Neoclassical space that transforms into a hip,  Art Deco bar in the evenings.

Two e Bar/Lounge (courtesy of The Pierre)

The table setting for afternoon tea at The Pierre …

Table setting for afternoon tea at The Pierre Hotel

There were 12 different, loose leaf teas available on the menu.  I asked the server for her recommendation, and she suggested the Taj Spiced Chai, which you see below in a distinctive glass teapot …

Teapot at The Pierre Hotel New York City for Afternoon Tea

And now onto the tea sandwiches.  As you can see, these were quite the work of art and beautifully arranged.  The English Cucumber with Smoked Trout stood out to me, followed closely by the Organic American Caviar (see the buckwheat blini below – right)…

Tea sandwiches for afternoon tea at The Pierre

Next were ginger scones accompanied by lemon curd, preserves, and creme fraiche …

Ginger scones at The Pierre Hotel Afternoon Tea

Last but certainly not least are the sweets and pastries. To me,  the opera cake in the middle was the standout winner, but then again I am partial to anything that even resembles a mille feuille.

Sweets and pastries tier for afternoon tea at The Pierre