Where: Braselton, Georgia Style: Modern elegance Tea Selection: 12 loose leaf teas Teatimes: Friday to Sunday, 2 to 4 Reservations: 24-hour notice Contact:Reserve here Cost: $75 Royal Tea; $55 Versailles Afternoon Tea Destination Tea Tips: Upon entering the resort, follow signs to The Inn, go through the lobby and down the double staircase to Versailles Restaurant where afternoon tea is served. Thoughts to think upon: why not stay at the resort overnight and make it a weekend of tea and wine-tasting?
Destination Tea Notes: Coming to afternoon tea at Château Élan has been an exercise in patience, and that patience has finally been rewarded! Years ago, just as Destination Tea was forming, Château Élan discontinued its well-known afternoon tea service. Then in 2020, after The Inn’s renovation, my friends in The Atlanta Tea Society discovered afternoon tea had returned to Château Élan, but before we could reserve our teatime, the pandemic arrived. Patience, Angela, patience! In June, Versailles reopened for afternoon tea, and we were at the ready.
The Versailles restaurant offers an array of seating options from intimate to open, in a collection of sleek peacock leather upholstered round booths and wall-length banquettes, traditional tables and lounge seating with low tables, accent lamps and potted plants. [Because of how the high ceiling affects the acoustics, guests who are hearing impaired may want to request a high-backed booth].
You feel as if you are in a grand museum hall, under an iron-paned glass ceiling softly lit by a glowing wave of hundreds of single globes in varying opacity. A harpist plays beautifully near a fountain that centers the space, but the real show begins when the natural light clouds over and rain begins to pour over the glass roof. It is at once romantic and sophisticated, the spell only slightly broken as the resort’s pool-goers traverse the space, peering at our elegant teatime. We smile at their curiosity and recommend the experience to them, which we find includes dedicated service, high quality teas and one of the best egg salad sandwiches we’ve had yet.
On Friday, December 15, 2023 I wanted to soil my friend to celebrate her birthday with high tea! The only high thing about it was the price! We walked into the atrium at Chateaux Elan. No one was around! No one! Finally someone greeted us and found the person serving tea. She escorted us to a group of chairs, wrap around couches and a very low table in the middle. The table had many scratches and gouges along with white ring stains. The table was set with white cups ( not tea cups) with gold, sugar, a small dab of jam and honey. Not at all like the pictures. Not enough for 3 people! No clotted cream. Then came the tea. Several teas were not available even though reservations were made weeks ago! The tea sandwiches and small desserts were good but the scones were a disappointment! Very dry. Champagne was a disappointment. I had explained to the person that had taken the reservation that it was an important birthday for my friend! Other than happy birthday nothing more to make it special. Price $95 times three for me and each of my 2 guests! Luckily the valet was very nice- cost $20 to park plus $10 tip!
We love comments! Destination Tea's comment policy shares a guiding principle with afternoon tea etiquette: please be gracious. We welcome honest comments that are not rude or scathing.
You should try Fergusson’s On The Square in Hoschton near Chateau Elan. Delightful!
Thank you, yes! It’s one of our favorites in Georgia and the owners are lovely. Here are the pics from our visits: https://destinationtea.com/destination-tea-fergussons-on-the-square/.
On Friday, December 15, 2023 I wanted to soil my friend to celebrate her birthday with high tea! The only high thing about it was the price! We walked into the atrium at Chateaux Elan. No one was around! No one! Finally someone greeted us and found the person serving tea. She escorted us to a group of chairs, wrap around couches and a very low table in the middle. The table had many scratches and gouges along with white ring stains. The table was set with white cups ( not tea cups) with gold, sugar, a small dab of jam and honey. Not at all like the pictures. Not enough for 3 people! No clotted cream. Then came the tea. Several teas were not available even though reservations were made weeks ago! The tea sandwiches and small desserts were good but the scones were a disappointment! Very dry. Champagne was a disappointment. I had explained to the person that had taken the reservation that it was an important birthday for my friend! Other than happy birthday nothing more to make it special. Price $95 times three for me and each of my 2 guests! Luckily the valet was very nice- cost $20 to park plus $10 tip!