The Biltmore Hotel is on many ""must see landmark"" lists and it deserves it even more than other famous hotels such as the Beverly Hills Hotel. The impressive architecture and interior design of this building are a timeless classic full of extraordinary elegant details like the beautifully done ceilings and the rare rose marble fountains and marble trims and columns. You have to see it several times to fully absorb everything, including gorgeous metalwork everywhere. The center of the court is a gorgeous rose marble fountain surrounded by gilded tables, chairs and little sofas even. The Royal Albert tea sets are not standard restraurant china either. You honestly forget that you are in busy Downtown Los Angeles not in Rome or Paris somewhere. I think the hotel remains a hidden gem despite its rich history, and it's quiet and peaceful. The Court is sort of an extension of the attached restaurant and there is lunch and dinner service as well. The interior of the restaurant itself is a bit strange, so the Court is definitely the place to be. There are 3 price categories of tea, we chose the $30 service which gives you the most tea sandwiches, tarts, and tea cookies, (3 of each) and a kettle of tea per person. Each item is about 2 1/2 bites. Everything was delicious, unique, and the ingrediants are high quality like caviar, smoked salmon, etc. The tea was the most delicious tea I have tasted and I drink a lot of tea. It seems like not so much food, but you barely finish everything if you do at all. Everything is labor intensive from making the little food to the waiter refilling your tea cup with a tea strainer everytime it's half full. This is a unique experience that you must try at least once, and a great place to go to impress someone. It's so close to Downtown LA concert venues, just perfect if you don't want a full meal before a concert. We were also 30min. late for our reservation and they had the table waiting for us with no attitude.
Pros: Tea Food Service Elegance Ambience Wow Factor
Cons: You may not want to leave.
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