Fairmont Hotel Lobby

The tea selection and quality was average. Nothing special.The food quality was good. The customer service you would expect at afternoon tea and from the Fairmont Hotel was definitely missing.

The first time I went here (around 5 years ago) the service and food were exceptional. Unfortunately, I can't say that any longer. I visited the Fairmont for tea this President's Day weekend and the service was horrible. Once we were seated it took 25 minutes to get our beverages. It took another 20 after that to get our food. We had reservations, so we should've been expected and they should've prepared accordingly. I noticed the other tables around us were getting similar service (if you want to call it that). Our waiter was basically non-existent. Every time we wanted more water, tea, etc. we literally had to flag someone down. The food was mediocre. I expected a lot more from a restaurant of this caliber and reputation.

I don't know what the food and service is like during the rest of the year, but having afternoon tea at the Fairmont is a great thing to do during the Christmas season. The Lobby Lounge area is decorated in elegant style every holiday season, and features live piano music.

The last time I was there, the quality of the food and tea was good, but the variety was limited. There is almost no choice in the menu, and a short list of teas available. Some dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. Reservations required.