The Tea Around Town Tour Bus: A Pink Ride Through San Antonio
The idea of gliding through San Antonio in a pink, rhinestone-covered double-decker bus, sipping on hot tea and enjoying pastries, sounds like a dream. The Tea Around Town tour promises exactly that, with live jazz, floral decorations, and a whimsical atmosphere. However, the experience has sparked controversy among local influencers, leading to questions about its value and reliability.
What the Experience Entails
Our trip began at 11 a.m. from the Shops at Rivercenter, departing just seven minutes late. Upon boarding, guests are greeted with a pink carpet and a welcoming ambiance. Inside, the bus is adorned with flowers, a rhinestone ceiling, and elegant place settings. Depending on the ticket type—Petite or Luxe—guests receive a selection of finger sandwiches, snacks, and sweets on a three-tier stand. The food was well-received, with fresh lobster rolls, cucumber sandwiches, and a variety of desserts like lemon meringue and cake pops.
Throughout the ride, passengers can enjoy a range of teas, including peppermint, white tea, and watermelon, served in branded tumblers. Each guest also receives a bottle of Fiji water. The route takes in several notable landmarks, such as the Torch of Friendship statue, San Fernando Cathedral, and the Tower of the Americas. While some influencers criticized the route for being unglamorous, it’s important to note that this is a 75-minute journey, not a curated scenic tour.
Issues Encountered During the Ride
Despite the overall enjoyable experience, there were some mechanical issues. At times, the bus stalled, and the lights flickered. The air conditioning would occasionally shut off, and the soft jazz music would cut out. According to a spokesperson, these were minor issues caused by heavy traffic, and they have since adjusted maintenance checks to prevent future occurrences.
Another significant problem was the speaker system, which produced a loud screech during the first part of the trip. This disrupted the experience and caused confusion among passengers. The spokesperson attributed the issue to a new audio system and stated that they are working to rewire and diagnose the problem to ensure smooth audio in future trips.
Is It Worth the Price?
The cost of the tour starts at $69 per person for the Petite menu and goes up to $89 for the Luxe menu. Whether it’s worth the price depends on individual preferences. If you’re looking for a fun, unique experience with good food and a chance to see parts of San Antonio, it could be worth it. However, if you’re expecting a flawless, high-end tour, you may find some aspects disappointing.
Practical Information
Location:In front of Fogo de Chão at 849 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Tickets:Start at $69 per person for the Petite menu and increase to $89 per person for the Luxe menu.
Duration:Expect the trip to take 90 minutes, with about an hour and 15 minutes for sightseeing.
Accessibility:A wheelchair ramp is available upon request.
Food and Drink:Finger sandwiches, pastries, sweets, and a variety of teas and lemonades. Most items contain gluten, though vegetarian options are also available. The Petite menu includes 15 items, while the Luxe menu offers 24 plus a seasonal, non-alcoholic cocktail.
Dress Code:As frilly and pink as possible (if you want!)
For those who enjoy a relaxed, casual experience and don’t mind the occasional hiccup, the Tea Around Town tour might be a memorable way to explore San Antonio. Just be sure to bring a flexible attitude and a camera.
