ROCKY MOUNTAIN AFTERNOON TEA — Restaurant in Banff

I find myself quite disappointed in the vast majority of reviews for high tea at Fairmont Banff Springs. I for one, had an absolutely exquisite time and LOVED every second of this unique afternoon tradition. In my book it’s a bucket list item! Like what the hell people?! Who could say no to spending a few hours in an ungodly fortress surrounded by massive, looming rock giants shrouded in soft pine trees? Where your actual seat overlooks a vast canyon worn away by a vast, sleeping, frozen river; as you clutch a delicate, warm tea cup?! Now I may be more inclined to rate higher than others for a few reasons: I’ve never had tea in England, I’m not picky in the slightest, and I’m honestly just an Average Joe. I wouldn’t say I eat out a lot, wouldn’t say I own a lot of nice/pricy things, and I certainly don’t get to visit castles very often. But come on! The views I got from this experience were absolutely impecable! I’ve never seen mountains so beautiful, nor do I get many opportunities to enjoy such ridiculous pots of tea! The silver needle was heaven and the creamy earl grey was a work of art! It’s so good I ordered some off their website. The interior was also extremely classy and fancy. I felt like a princess - thin and fragile tea cups, dainty silverware, elegant marble table tops, feminine tea timers, linen menus, intricately decorated morsels. Honestly, I walked in and felt like walking right out; 🤣 my first thoughts were something like: "I shouldn’t be here… too fancy for me." So I’m confused with the reviews. It’s up to the reader to decide if they want to take the chance, but I’m telling you it’s great! 🙌 If one decides to go, I strongly recommend the orange drink offered with the tea. It was divine!

I did have one minor detail to be improved upon. As everyone knows it’s very expensive; so what’s with the packet sugar? I once had a far less expensive service that offered little sugar cubes with their tea; these cute cubes made that whole experience. So consequently, I thought the sugar bags didn’t quite match the aesthetic of Fairmont...

We came to this Fairmont for Afternoon Tea on our way to Lake Louise. Parking was a breeze as there's a lot on site, but be forewarned it is expensive. The hotel is amazing to look at, it indeed looks like a castle. It's a little confusing on how to get to the Rundle Bar, so I had to call and ask. Once we got there we were sat in the corner with a fantatic view of the valley, we were greeted by our server Sandy. She was polite and attentive and friendly. We had added to our reservation that we were celebrating a birthday and 3/4 of us were vegetarian and she asked to confirm. I was given a separate tower with a "happy birthday" celebratory chocolate in the brownie. We had ordered Creamy Earl Grey, Ontario Icewine, Goddess Oolong, and Madam Butterfly teas. The reason I dropped a star is because all the teas but the Earl Grey were extremely bland. We have had tea at Fairmont Vancouver and the teas have been much more flavourful; quite disappointing for spending over $400. Also, the decor is not how they've advertise with the...

I have been coming to the Banff springs for 10 years, and have watched the quality of high tea decrease time after time. today, it look over 30 mins from being seated for tea to be brought out. There was than an additional wait for food after this. It took a long time for the bill to be brought to us and to be seated upon arrival. Staff seemed busy and distracted despite few tables occupied. it is clear that effort is put into the creation of each dish, hence the 2 star review instead of 1. high tea is no longer served in an isolated location - rather you are seated in the rundle bar, among other hotel guests. This just really takes away from the high tea experience. parking is very expensive and inconvenient. —— all in all, for a minimum of 100$ per person, I would hope for much more attentive service and a catered experience. For half the price, this is attainable in Calgary at the...