THE GEORGE

"Boutique…the type of hotel that is charming, intimate, and often smaller in size. Unlike traditional hotels, which can feel impersonal or standardized, boutique hotels aim to create a more authentic and personalized experience.” – Swiss Hotel Management School.

When the husband and wife team of Steven Plofker and make-up mogul Bobbi Brown decided to re-make the neglected Georgian Inn in their hometown of Montclair, NJ, they created the quintessential “boutique hotel.” The George, a stylish 31-room hotel in the heart of Montclair, reflects the creative flair that Bobbi brought to her cosmetic empire and the entrepreneurial genius of Steven’s eye for development.

A LANDMARK BUILDING
Approaching the front of The George, one can’t help but be impressed with the stately feel of this historic building. Originally built in 1902 as a private home for Charles Van Vleck, a Master architect for many Rockefeller properties and New York department store buildings, it later became The Georgian Inn, a residential hotel for short-term stays. Granted landmark status in 2008, the building was purchased in 2010. Then in 2012 began its metamorphosis into the upscale, chic retreat that the owners like to describe as “modern style with historic bones.”

Following a full-scale renovation, owing much of the stylistic design and unique touches to Bobbi’s imaginative eye, The George opened in 2018. Many original features were thankfully preserved – stained glass windows, exposed brick, grand fireplaces, and artistic woodwork are just some of the “historic bones.” 

UNIQUE ROOMS
At check-in, it’s hard to miss one of the property’s unique central themes – a collection of framed photos and art pieces reflecting a particular room’s name. The walls of both the Lobby - originally the grand main hall of the estate - and the adjoining Library – with its comfy chairs and blazing fireplace – are adorned with all things “George.” There’s George Washington, of course, and George Harrison, George Foreman, Boy George, and even a “racy” picture of George Costanza.

None of The George’s rooms are numbered: they are named. We had the pleasure of staying in the Dylan suite with its pictures of Bob Dylan, his son Jacob, Matt Dillon, Dylan Thomas, Dylan McDermott, and others.

Each of the guest rooms is uniquely designed and configured, but all have the signature amenities of The George’s partners. Some of the guestroom amenities include dreamy Casper mattresses and bedding, Nespresso machines, Audio Pro Bluetooth speakers, and EO bath products.

AMENITIES GALORE
Guests will enjoy the complimentary European-style continental breakfast of fresh local pastries, fresh fruit, charcuterie, and juices. Kick start your evening with the complimentary wine service in the Library each day from 5:00 to 7:00. Relax in front of the fire with a glass of wine and your choice of book from the curated collection of coffee table books.

Got a sweet tooth? Satisfy it with a treat from the complimentary candy closet or ice cream freezer. A plate of fresh- baked cookies is offered in the afternoons. Work out in the nicely equipped gym (appropriately named Jim). Relax around the outdoor firepit when weather permits. Bring your pet along, as The George is dog friendly.  

GREAT DINING CHOICES
The George does not serve lunch or dinner, but it does have an excellent relationship with a myriad of local restaurants. Montclair is a mecca for foodies with a superb collection of dining choices in a variety of cuisines and price ranges. Reception can provide a list of recommended restaurants.  

Our choice? Definitely Faubourg, a modern French brasserie with a great vibe. Located in an inviting bi-level venue with a great indoor-outdoor setting, Faubourg Montclair offers French-inspired fare, a thoughtful wine list, and inspired craft cocktails. In no way is the venue presumptuous – rather the service is attentive, helpful, and friendly. The fare was nothing short of exquisite. Many of the items are casual and hearty, typical of a brasserie.  

Opened in 2019, Faubourg’s Montclair location was named as one of “North Jersey’s Best New Restaurants” of the year by NorthJersey.com. Suburban Essex Magazine has it on its “Best of Essex” list, and NJ Monthly annually lists it among “The Best Restaurants in New Jersey. 

A DIVERSE TOWN
Located 12 miles from Manhattan, Montclair is a diverse, progressive suburb, often referred to as “New Jersey’s Brooklyn.” A vibrant arts & culture scene, the result of the town’s history as an artist’s retreat from Manhattan, is thriving in Montclair. Browse the many boutique shops and art galleries, sit in on a set of live music at the Montclair Brewery, the Outpost in the Burbs, or one of the many cafes and coffee shops. Or check out a major act on the schedule at the Wellmont Theater. The city has numerous special events, including its nationally recognized Montclair Film Festival, the Montclair Jazz Festival, Food and Wine Festival, and Literary Festival.

Other attractions include the Van Vleck Gardens and the Montclair Art Museum. Brookdale Park was designed by Olmstead Firm, the same architects who created Central Park and Brooklyn’s own Prospect Park. Montclair has enough of the right vibe that celebrities such Stephen Colbert and actor Patrick Wilson, in addition to the aforementioned Bobbi Brown, have made it their home. With six NJ Transit train stops in town, getting here from NYC is a snap.

For more information on The George, please visit thegeorgemontclair.com
For more on Montclair and its and what it has to offer, please visit experiencemontclair.org