Sin City is known for many things—”sins,” like gambling, nightlife, pool parties and partying. I’m a native Angeleno, born and raised in Los Angeles, which is only to say that I have spent many vacations from childhood into adulthood in Las Vegas. Throughout the city’s storied past, its high-fueled energy hasn’t stopped, especially in recent years with F1 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix revving things up on the Strip each fall. Yet there is a little Vegas revolution happening with gambling- and smoking-free properties paired with an emphasis on wellness and spa offerings. And Sin City has never been known for tea time—until now. That’s why I was so intrigued by the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas’ new Peacock Alley.
As part of the hotel’s full multi-million-dollar renovation, the 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria was transformed from the former check-in lobby (now located on the ground floor near the entrance) to a breathtaking setting that houses Peacock Alley and Hard Shake, the adjacent bar and lounge. With massive floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the dazzling Las Vegas skyline and streets below, the airy Peacock Alley space is bathed in natural light. There is a feather-shaped bar, inspired by an actual peacock, adorned with a sculptural glass canopy and custom mosaic tile floor. The serene space is outfitted with contemporary light blue and grey-hued decor and white seating throughout. Hard Shake, on the other hand, is dark, sleek and sexy with lounge seating and sweeping views from the oversized floor-to-ceiling windows.
Designed by the award-winning global architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, the contrasting Peacock Alley and Hard Shake spaces take inspiration from Vegas’ timeless glamour. The lounge is a tribute to New York City’s iconic Peacock Alley—a lavish alleyway that once linked the Waldorf and Astoria Hotels. The name, coined by the New York press, is a nod to the fashionable guests who strolled through the corridor flaunting their elegance like peacocks in full display.
We snagged a table closest to the windows for the traditional high tea experience. Given that it was only the afternoon, I was eager to come back at night to see the Strip in its fully lit-up glory. The property is one of the few gambling-free hotels in town, as part of the trend in Las Vegas to accommodate a sober-minded, read: wellness-focused, crowd. Don’t get me wrong, the Peacock Alley menu did have plenty of tea-spiked alcoholic cocktails (all named for iconic old-Hollywood films), among pages with wine and Champagne offerings, plus, of course, a selection of specialty teas from around the world.
It being Vegas, it was no surprise that the table next to ours was enjoying bottle service—Champagne, of course—at three in the afternoon.
From the extensive menu, I tried two signature (and playfully named) teas—The Showgirl, a vibrant black tea with passionfruit and vanilla notes, plus marigold, rose petals, and jasmine flowers; and The Meadows, an organic green tea infused with lemongrass, inspired by the quiet nature that surrounds Las Vegas. The duality of the teas pays homage to the city with high-energy intensity and its more peaceful surroundings.
With the teas came all the classic pairings: freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream and homemade berry jam, tea sandwiches (French ham and swiss, smoked salmon, roast beef, and egg salad with Kaluga caviar) and dainty pastries (Banoffee tart, Thai tea mousse, strawberry basil petit choux, and lavender blueberry macarons) in an elegant tiered stand. I had just arrived from the airport, and while the sandwiches were lovely, they weren’t filling enough, so I ordered a few of the heartier specialty menu items. The global-inspired dishes included wagyu sliders with horseradish aioli, honey-curry fried shrimp, and oxtail empanadas. Per my waitress, I also had to try the bananas Foster and star anise crème brûlée. I was surprised to see that they even had a children’s tea menu along with a different tower of delectable finger foods (think: mini Nutella sandwiches and turkey and cheese roll-ups).
In Las Vegas, time is not just measured, but redefined.
Given that so much of the city is notoriously fueled by drugs or alcohol, I assumed Peacock Alley’s afternoon tea would draw a more sober crowd. However, it being Vegas, it was no surprise that the table next to ours was enjoying bottle service—Champagne, of course—at three in the afternoon.
Perched high above Las Vegas Boulevard, Peacock Alley was a much-welcomed escape and vibe change. All in all, the experience was one I would recommend and want to do again with various friends.
As I soaked in the serene atmosphere, I noticed that every detail of Peacock Alley seemed designed to transport people. For instance, there are two elevators, one for hotel guests coming from their rooms and the other for the general public, straight to the 23rd floor. Upon arriving, guests are greeted with a massive clock inspired by desert sundials, a subtle reminder that in Las Vegas, time is not just measured, but redefined. I realized the space is attempting to do just that—redefine Las Vegas. While most visitors are chasing parties and concerts, Peacock Alley’s high tea made for a perfect escape, a reprieve from the busy streets 23 stories below.