While it’s always great to earn hotel points by staying at a major property, I must admit that I love a good boutique hotel. They tend to be smaller and more charming, with little custom touches that you just can’t find at a chain.

Before I make travel arrangements, particularly when I am planning a trip to a place I don’t know well, I search for my destination on Pinterest to see what comes up. This usually helps me find an assortment of hotels, restaurants, shops, museums and other interesting places to explore.

Last fall, as we prepared to visit family in New Jersey, I stumbled across a real gem: The George Montclair. Located in a historic Georgian Inn in the heart of Montclair, NJ, it is owned by makeup maven Bobbi Brown, who purchased and renovated the property after she sold her makeup brand.

The hotel offers 32 rooms, each decorated in a style that is unique to the space, yet cohesive with the rest of the hotel. They offered family suites, which was perfect for our needs. We selected a suite on the top floor that included a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom.

The living room featured with a sofa (which folded out into a bed), a coffee table, a television, a desk and desk chair, an open closet and a kitchenette that included a coffee maker, a mini fridge and a sink. Original exposed brick walls were covered in celebrity photographs.

The adjoining bedroom was very large, and included two full-size beds with wool plaid headboards, two suede chairs and a large tufted ottoman, as well as a dresser and a television.

The space was flooded with natural light, including large windows above each bed. There was also a fun porthole window that our little one enjoyed.

While our room was lovely, the real standout of the property was the wonderful library. Located on the main floor, just off the lobby, the library served complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day.

We were there in December when it was very cold, so sitting in front of the fire was very appealing. The space included two large seating areas, including one in front of the fire, and another near the windows facing the rear of the property.

We loved this space so much that we gathered here in the late afternoon for tea, and again each night before heading out for dinner. There was even a fun candy closet located behind a hidden panel.

In addition to the lovely library, the hotel included a special treat in the basement: a fun breakfast room that offered a complimentary breakfast each morning.

The buffet offered something for everyone, including an assortment of pastries, cereals, fruit, eggs, meats, cheeses and more, plus coffee, tea, milk and juice.

It was a great stay, and we will definitely return the next time we visit our family there in New Jersey.

Until next time!

Stephanie