Fairmont Miramar

If you want to nibble on scones and watch housewives from the Palisades carry their Pomeranians through the lobby, head to the Fairmont Miramar. This historic hangout in Santa Monica operates like an A-list clubhouse and the intimate sun-filled tea room sits near the main entrance. It offers prime people-watching and the caviar-studded smoked salmon and cucumber mint sandwiches are particularly good. But the biggest highlights are the excellent French pastries at the end of the meal. That’s one of the reasons why you’re going to pay $95 per person for this three-course tea experience (or $180 for bottomless Veuve Clicquot champagne)—but for the premium, you’ll also get two hours of five-star butler service fit for royalty.