>I disagree. It is probably more an issue of personal taste. Not all things in America are garish and tacky so how can it be a case of the 'pot calling the kettle black?'

Sure. But the US does have a reputation for garishness and tackiness. Of course, the garish things are probably well made. In the case of the Royal Pavilion (did you look at the site, btw?), it IS garish, and reflects the Prince Regent's decadent, dilletante life-style, but its construction and the quality of the decor is top-notch. If there's gold then it IS gold and not gold paint. More than £10 million of our local taxes went into its repair and refurbishment

All I was saying to Alex was it's novel to hear an American saying that of something British. I mean, Las Vegas ... c'm'on! (although it's no doubt a quality build), Disneyland, cheerleader displays, pageants, infomercials, Humvees. GB rarely goes over the top in decor, uniform (look at the amount of shiny metal you guys carry on your dress uniforms - plaques to hold the medals, etc.).

As for a matter of personal taste, there are those that would argue that an American's taste is just in his mouth (not me, mind) :-)