Picture this: You’re nestled in a cozy and sophisticated boutique hotel along the banks of the Delaware River on your own private balcony. Taking in the warm golden morning light you sip a velvety cappuccino you made from your in-room espresso machine. The sun is just peeking over the water and nearby, herons and cormorants fly over the rolling river. The gentle sounds of the river soothes you.
Morning coffee on your private balcony at River House at Odette’s in New Hope, PA | Photo: Better Living
Our Stay at River House at Odette’s
This dreamy morning routine is just a taste of what’s in store at River House at Odette’s, a new luxury lifestyle riverfront hotel in New Hope, PA – a popular destination known for its arts, eclectic shops, historic homes, and riverfront setting.
Recently voted the #1 Resort Hotel in the Mid-Atlantic by the readers of Travel + Leisure, nothing at this modern and chic property hints it has a history dating back over two centuries. Beginning in 1784, River House served as a tavern, general store and hotel for boatmen working along the Delaware Canal and Delaware River.
The cozy and inviting lobby at River House at Odette’s | Photo: Better Living
More recently the property was owned by the enchanting Odette Myrtil. A French-born American actress, singer and musician starring in over 25 movies, Odette bought the property in 1960 named it Chez Odette’s, and made it the home of her cabaret and restaurant. It was a beloved gathering place for over 2 decades.
After a massive renovation in 2020, River House at Odette’s was transformed into a luxury boutique. Welcoming guests into a world of tranquility and bold modern elegance, Odette’s influence is obvious in the new hotel’s glamorous design.
In addition to 38 luxurious guest rooms and suites, the hotel is also home to its famous signature dining spot, Odette’s Restaurant. Guests can also enjoy live music at the Odette-inspired piano bar and cabaret just off the lobby.
Ride the elevator to the top floor, and you can feel like a celeb at the hotel’s exclusive rooftop bar set high above the river.
It’s not hard to see why this gem of a property captivated voters.
Get Luxuriously Comfy in The Guest Rooms at River House
The guest rooms at River House are a harmonious blend of thoughtful and eclectic furnishings and modern conveniences, accented with happy pops of modern art, rich colors and tasteful patterns.
Relaxing in the River View Suite at River House at Odette’s | Photo: Better Living
My river view suite featured a cozy contemporary sitting area with a gas fireplace, a reading chair, flat-screen LED TVs, a kitchenette with Nespresso machine and of course, a private balcony overlooking the shimmering Delaware River and surrounding mountains.
The bedroom of the River View King Suite at River House | Photo: Better Living
The separate master bedroom with plush king pillowtop bed was draped in crisp Frette sheets, and had us sleeping in serious comfort. The modern and bold tulip wallpaper in the bedroom was a lovely touch. Especially since we were lucky enough to visit while they were in bloom.
The living area of the River View King Suite at River House | Photo: Better Living
The sleek glass spa-inspired shower decked out with Malin & Goetz bath products left us luxuriously refreshed.
All in all, it was the perfect place to relax for a while.
River House Has Unique Amenities That Will Elevate Your Stay
It’s the details that make River House so remarkable. The rainfall showerhead. The in-room lighting that can be adjusted to suit your mood. The complimentary bikes you can hop on and explore historic towpaths make for an exciting riverside adventure. Free books you’re welcome to take home. There’s also an in house digital library with an extensive list of ebooks, audiobooks, mediations and more.
“In-room Un-Wine-d” charcuterie on your private balcony at River House at Odette’s | Photo: Better Living
And one of my favorite touches? The “In-room Un-Wine-d” service that allows you to enjoy a bottle of vino and charcuterie plate from the comfort of your private balcony. Genius!
Our charcuterie was delightful, with an array of cured meats, cheeses, fruit and accouterments. A perfect late afternoon pick-me-up before heading to dinner.
Enjoy Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Odette’s Restaurant with the Backdrop of Stunning River Views
Odette’s recently unveiled a fresh, elevated menu under the direction of renowned restaurateur Alex Mastoris. His vision marries the refined elegance of a classic steakhouse with the flair of the onsite cabaret run by 1920s ingénue Odette Myrtil herself.
The dining room and bar at Odette’s in New Hope, PA | Photo: Better Living
Offering a delightful culinary journey from morning until evening, the food here is a home run.
Sitting on Odette’s outdoor riverfront patio with a cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast was the perfect way to ease into the day. The rich whipped Greek yogurt with fresh berries, local honey, and toasted coconut granola for crunch is an A+ move if you’re trying to keep things light.
Of course, they’ve got all the staple breakfast options covered too. I opted for the rolled omelet, stuffed with fresh mushrooms, ham and creamy gruyere served with a side of crispy breakfast potatoes. Delicious. It’s worth eating here for river views alone.
Their new dinner menu is a seafood and steak lover’s dream, with fresh options from the raw bar, bold and flavorful starters, and showstopping mains.
Yellowfin Tuna Wonton Tacos at Odette’s | Photo: Better Living
For dinner I kicked things off with the Yellowfin Tuna Wonton Tacos – wonton shells cradled fresh tuna, napa cabbage, wakame, cucumber, and an addictive kung pao sauce with a kick of sriracha aioli. A perfect blend of bright, punchy flavors that had me craving another round.
Next up were Odette’s Maple Bourbon Wings glazed in a sweet and smoky sauce which had the right hint of heat. The crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside wings were taken to another level with the addition of candied pecans and fresh chives.
Odette’s spin on baked oysters was lovely too. Plump and fresh, these oysters featured a rich champagne butter sauce and were topped with an Italian cheese blend, artichokes, and fresh herbs.
Gold Crusted NY Style Cheesecake at Odette’s | Photo: Better Living
For dessert, I chose a luxurious twist on a classic favorite: the gold crusted NY style cheesecake. With a shimmering splash of edible gold that caught the light beautifully each spoonful of the rich, creamy filling was pure satisfaction. And the presentation was stellar.
Overall the plates here were gorgeous and the service was impeccable. Odette’s is worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Head to ROOF, The Exclusive Rooftop Bar at River House
Another perk at River House? As a guest in the hotel, you get access to their members only exclusive rooftop lounge – ROOF. This chic open-air space felt like stumbling into a glamorous cocktail party.
The vibrant and exclusive Roof lounge at River House | Photo: Better Living
Here you’ll also find twinkling lights strung overhead, a blazing outdoor fireplace, and breezy cabana seating. It’s festive yet romantic.
With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place for lingering over one of their expertly-crafted mixed drinks while taking in sweeping views of the river valley. They offer creative small plates here too.
My ahi tuna nacho dish was a fresh blend of flavors and textures with bright, punchy notes from the wakame, sesame, and creamy spicy mayo cutting the richness.
Odette’s Sangria at Roof lounge atop River House | Photo: Better Living
At sunset, a tall glass of Odette’s Sangria made with Grand Marnier, peach & blackberry Combier liqueur, OJ, and Pinot Grigio is obligatory at a riverside lounge like this.
A refreshing end to a perfect night.
Things to Do Around The River House and in New Hope
The bridge from Lambertville, NJ to New Hope, PA | Photo: Better Living
Alright, you’ve experienced the serene riverside luxury of River House and the deliciousness of Odette’s Restaurant and the exclusivity of their rooftop lounge.
But tucked along the Delaware River, the hotel’s surroundings offer lots to explore during your getaway.
First on the to-do list: Wander the vibrant, eclectic historic riverside town of New Hope. Over 200 years old and known for its outdoor fairs and festivals, artsy vibe and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, New Hope is one of Bucks County, Pennsylvania’s most well-known historic towns.
And it’s only a short and scenic 5-10 minute stroll from your luxurious home base at River House.
My pro tip? Lace up your walking shoes for a breezy waterfront stroll or grab one of the hotel’s courtesy bikes for a ride into New Hope’s lively downtown. Breathing in that fresh river air along the way is a perfect appetite-builder for the culinary adventures that await there. Uber/Lift is also an option and only cost $7 each way when I checked, but the wait times could be 15 to 20 mins (maybe more?) at busier times or on weekends.
“Boomer” greets visitors on their way to New Hope | Photo: Better Living
Why not drive? As beautiful as New Hope is, parking in this charming riverside town isn’t too pretty. Between the overpriced lots, confusing street side kiosk systems, and trying to find a spot – it’s not worth the headache.
Luckily, River House is so close to downtown you don’t have to worry about it. Yet another perk as a guest there.
Shopping and Eating Through New Hope
Once you’ve finally arrived, you’ll quickly see why New Hope has cultivated such a reputation as an arts and cultural hub. It’s brimming with art galleries, boutiques, artisan shops, antiques, restaurants and a lively local spirit.
Enjoy shopping, dining, and snacking in New Hope, PA | Photo: Better Living
Whether you’re hunting for handcrafted pottery, one-of-a-kind jewelry, funky antiques, vintage clothing or the latest fashions from local makers and European designers, you’ll find something to satisfy your retail therapy cravings.
Places like Heart of the Home (28 S. Main Street) and Savioni Designer Boutique (6 W Bridge St)are local favorites for scoring unique housewares or a new wardrobe staple.
The are plenty of places to relax along the Delaware River in New Hope, PA | Photo: Better Living
Take some time to appreciate New Hope’s historical charm by sightseeing along the banks of the Delaware River. Highlights include the iconic New Hope-Lambertville Bridge spanning the river into New Jersey, as well as the historic and renowned Bucks County Playhouse (70 S Main St), recently revived as a cultural hub for live theater, music and comedy shows year-round. Take a walk behind the playhouse and stroll along the river or relax in one of the Adirondack chairs as you take in the sweeping views.
Ferry Market in New Hope, PA | Photo: Better Living
When you work up the need for a snack, pop into Ferry Market (32 S Main St ) for an eclectic collection of artisan food vendors. It’s an absolute must-visit in New Hope. Stock up on small-batch provisions from passionate local makers – think made to order sandwiches, fresh salads, gyros, French macarons, Peruvian fare, pizza, chocolate, local wine, fresh roasted coffee, and so much more.
If you’re not up for shopping, take a leisurely riverside stroll or bike ride along the historic towpath trails near the hotel. It makes for an ideal way to experience the area’s natural splendor.
Cross the Bridge into Lambertville – the “Antique Capital of New Jersey”
The bridge from New Hope, PA to Lambertville, NJ | Photo: Better Living
When you’re done exploring New Hope, venture over the bridge (you can walk) to the opposite side of the river, Lambertville, New Jersey. It’s another easy excursion from the River House. This historic town’s amazingly preserved Victorian architecture will transport you to another era as you wander its streets.
Antiques and vintage clothing lovers will be in heaven here hitting the shops along Union and Bridge streets. Antiques Center at the People’s Store (28 N Union St) is one of the most notable shops on “antique row” where you can shop from over 50 dealers and artists in a building that dates back to 1839. Bookworms will enjoy Panoply Books (48 N Union St) for unusual, rare and out-of-print quality used books.
For local wine tasting, Lambertville has you covered at the Tomasello Winery Tasting Room (1 N Union Street).
The Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton, NJ | Photo: Better Living
For a fun day, consider exploring the surrounding area of Hunterdon County, with its picturesque rolling landscapes, winding backroads, charming historic villages, local wineries, farmers markets and incredible farm to table dining. It’s still and under the radar destination, and one of New Jersey’s best kept secrets.
Discover Nearby Peddlers Village
Tulips in bloom at Peddler’s Village | Photo: Better Living
Peddler’s Village100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA 18931https://peddlersvillage.com
Does immersing yourself in a real-life storybook village for a day sound good to you? Then Peddler’s Village should be at the top of your must-visit list. Just a quick 10-minute country road drive from River House transports you to a historic hamlet that’s overflowing with Americana charm and hospitality.
💡 Parking at Peddler’s Village is free, and there’s plenty of it. Definitely plan to spend the day here.
Here you can shop more than sixty boutiques, galleries and eateries peppered along winding brick walkways past flowery gardens, footbridges, and whimsical details.
The shops at Peddler’s Village | Photo: Better Living
Duck into places like Greenology to make a terrarium or Pine Wreath & Candle where it’s Christmas every single day. I’d also suggest stopping into Mama Hawk’s for coffee and their famous cinnamon bun.
When it’s time for a shopping break, grab a table on one of Peddler’s Village’s many dining patios to enjoy lunch at spots like Buttonwood Grill or Earl’s New American – one of the area’s top dining destinations. Between the elevated seasonal fare and huge selection of dishes to choose from, you won’t want to leave this foodie destination!
To experience Peddler’s Village to the fullest, bookend your shopping and dining with a stop at Hewn Spirits Distillery where they offer cozy indoor/outdoor tastings of their locally-crafted small-batch whiskeys and liquors. Or at a craft beer flight at Free Will Brewing. For wine, Nissley Vineyards has a tasting room here as well.
Checking Out
A beautiful night at River House at Odette’s | Photo: Better Living
River House at Odette’s is more than just a place to rest your head – it’s a luxurious experience of sophisticated comfort and culinary delights. By the end of my stay at River House, I felt thoroughly relaxed and rejuvenated.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a restorative respite from the daily grind, River House delivers on all fronts. The plush accommodations, divine dining, and distinctive ambiance all add up to create a blissful riverside escape that lingers long after you’ve departed.
However you choose to spend your days around New Hope, River House at Odette’s is a perfect home base. With so much to experience within a short radius, it’d be a shame not to book a room here to experience it just once.
This slice of luxury in the heart of charming New Hope is truly one of the Mid-Atlantic’s best kept secrets… for now.
➡ To book, visit riverhousenewhope.com
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