The George

The George in Montclair, United States, stands out as a "Michelin Key Selected" property, lauded for its unique blend of historic charm and sophisticated modern design. Owned and operated by beauty icon Bobbi Brown and her husband Steven Plofker, the hotel is frequently praised for its distinctive style, thoughtful amenities, and exceptional service, earning consistently high guest ratings.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The George is overwhelmingly positive, often described as "superb" and "exceptional." Guests frequently highlight its unique boutique feel and design-conscious atmosphere, setting it apart in the New Jersey township of Montclair. Review scores are consistently high across various platforms, with ratings like 9.4/10 on Expedia, 9.7 on Agoda, and 18.3/20 on Tablet Hotels, reflecting strong guest satisfaction.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of The George:

• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel beautifully marries modern aesthetics with its historic "Georgian Inn" bones, preserving features like exposed brick and a stunning stairwell. Creative director Bobbi Brown's influence is evident in the eclectic and assured decoration, which blends a downtown industrial style with an English country-house vibe. Each of the 31 rooms is uniquely designed and themed.
• Amenities: The George offers a wealth of complimentary amenities, including a European-style continental breakfast, a "not-so-secret candy closet" with full-size candy bars, and a complimentary glass of wine in the library each evening. Guests also appreciate the 24-hour fitness center equipped with Peloton and Precor machines, yoga mats, and free weights, as well as free on-site parking and WiFi. The hotel is also notably dog-friendly, offering VIP treatment, a dog bed, and treats for a fee.
• Service: The staff consistently receives accolades for being "warm and helpful," "accommodating," and having a "positive and helpful attitude," without being overbearing.
• Location: Its prime downtown Montclair location places guests "just steps away" from local shops, gardens (like Van Vleck Gardens), fantastic restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.

3. Room Quality

The George boasts 31 individually decorated guest rooms, each with a distinct look, feel, and often a unique theme or name (e.g., the "Olivia Room" or "Mike Room"). Rooms are described as "exceedingly comfortable" and feature luxurious touches.

• Comfort: Guests frequently praise the comfort, with Casper mattresses contributing to a good night's sleep.
• Design: Rooms showcase sophisticated and chic designs, often incorporating preserved original structures and unique artworks.
• Amenities: High-end amenities are standard, including Nespresso machines, Audio Pro sound systems, Dyson hair dryers, iPod docking stations, Smart TVs with premium channels, and EO Products toiletries.
• Variety: Room types range from Standard Queen and King to Deluxe King, Junior Suites, Family Rooms, and "The Apartment," with "The George Suite" offering an outdoor hot tub and garden.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at The George primarily centers around its well-regarded breakfast and a curated local dining guide:

• Breakfast: A complimentary European-style continental breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, featuring fresh local pastries, seasonal fruits, juices, and a variety of hot and cold dishes. While complimentary for guests, it may be an additional charge for non-Tablet Plus members or if not included in the room rate.
• Other Dining: While some sources mention an "elegant restaurant" and a "cozy café" on-site, the hotel also encourages guests to explore Montclair's vibrant culinary scene. The reception staff are happy to provide a list of recommended restaurants in the neighborhood.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The George is a consistent highlight in guest reviews. Staff members are repeatedly commended for their "warm and helpful" demeanor, their accommodating nature, and their overall positive and professional attitude. They are noted for being attentive to detail and providing a "seamless and enjoyable experience." Reception staff are multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and French.

6. Location & Accessibility

The George is strategically located in downtown Montclair, a vibrant and "super hip spot" in New Jersey.

• Neighborhood: Guests appreciate being within walking distance of numerous local shops, restaurants, coffee establishments, and the area's cultural attractions.
• Attractions: It's "just steps away" from the serene Van Vleck Gardens and within a 5-minute drive of the Montclair Art Museum. Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street, central to Montclair's downtown, are easily accessible by foot.
• Transport: The hotel is approximately 12 miles west of New York City. For air travel, Teterboro Airport is about 11-13 miles away, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the preferred airport, located about 18.3 miles distant. Complimentary on-site parking is a significant advantage for guests traveling by car.

7. Value & Pricing

The George is generally perceived as offering "affordable luxury" and "exceptional value for money" within its category.

• Pricing: The average room price hovers around $358, which is comparable to the average hotel room price in Montclair. Recent search results showed room prices ranging from approximately $277 to $392.
• Value: The array of complimentary amenities, including breakfast, evening wine, fitness center access, and free parking and WiFi, significantly enhances its perceived value, making it a competitive option for those seeking a high-quality boutique experience.

8. Common Complaints

While specific "common complaints" are not prominently featured in available reviews, indicating a high level of guest satisfaction, some potential considerations include:

• Pet Fee: There is a $75 per stay fee for guests bringing dogs.
• Breakfast Cost (for some): While generally complimentary, breakfast may incur an additional charge for certain bookings or if not a Tablet Plus member.
• Premium Gym Access: Although a complimentary fitness center is available, a "premium fitness center" is offered at an additional charge.
• Smoking Policy: A significant fee of $250.00 is charged for smoking in guest rooms.

Overall, The George, Montclair, is a highly recommended Michelin Key Selected property that consistently delivers a luxurious, stylish, and comfortable experience with attentive service and thoughtful amenities in a vibrant downtown setting.

Sources

1. newjerseyisntboring.com
2. tablethotels.com
3. michelin.com
4. agoda.com
5. flyandbed.com
6. trip.com
7. michelin.com
8. themontclairgirl.com
9. thegeorgemontclair.com
10. rehlat.de
11. thegeorgemontclair.com
12. booking.com
13. kayak.com