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The next morning, wake up early and bike off those doughnuts along the scenic Delaware River Towpath. The canal towpath is a local haven for cyclists and hikers, and stretches for 60 miles along the river, running right through town, where you can grab a much-needed coffee after. New Hope is a gem in the rough when it comes to autumn travel destinations, with gorgeous foliage covering the sloping terrain that surrounds it, locally owned boutiques galore, quality antiquing, apple picking and five-star dining. We suggest you plan your weekend escape soon before everyone else finds out about it — this handy guide will help get you started. Art remains a central part of New Hope's character and is embraced in the town's art galleries, antique shops, and an active playhouse that has the notable history of being a workshopping site for shows to be tested and fine-tuned before they opened on Broadway.
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But River House at Odette’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is deeper than Pride month. Last March they partnered with Equal Dignity Pop Up Nuptials and offered free wedding ceremonies to same-sex couples who wished to tie the knot. Vendors were on hand offering free bouquets while the River House also offered complimentary champagne toasts for the newlyweds. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, eggs or unpasteurized milk may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
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During the summer you can pick berries and cherries and cut your own bouquet of flowers. New Hope also has a surprising number of upscale bistros to choose from once dinner time rolls around, like gastropub The Salt House, which occupies a stone building built way back in 1751. There, a charming yet laid back vibe is well-complemented by their famed burger and curated cocktails. Ask any local for an indication that you’re in a town in the middle of an evolution and they’ll point you toward the Ferry Market, a historic building that was renovated a few years ago and now houses 13 independent vendors. The businesses within the Ferry Market run the gamut, so you can sip on coffee and eat a slice of pizza, then grab a bottle of wine and artisanal chocolates to enjoy later.
Stroll through the town of New Hope to get a feel for the impressive arts scene.
But the transportation of coal shifted from river to railroad, and the establishment eventually shuttered its doors. The hotel knows its roots, and aside from the name, River House also features a chandelier from the original building that dates back to the early 1900s, as well as a piano bar and mementos including sheet music and menus. The hotel combines the comfort and sophistication that luxury travelers seek, while still remaining a comfortable and cozy local spot that embraces its past and the surrounding area.
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River House at Odette’s slates opening - The Bucks County Herald
River House at Odette’s slates opening.
Posted: Thu, 03 Sep 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Ride the elevator to Roof using your special access key and step back in time in a vibrant, 1970’s inspired bar & lounge scene capturing the glamorous art influences of New Hope’s hey-day in its unique design. High above the rolling river, reverie awaits Roof Members and Registered Hotel Guests with spectacular views, signature cocktails, and seasonal menus – an ideal place to relax and unwind, entertain friends, or spark some romance. Step into New Hope’s latest addition to the local music scene, a vibrant lounge with two-story lofted ceilings and a stunning stone fireplace ideal for late outdoor evenings & after-supper sips. Settle into one of the plush, jewel-toned armchairs or bar stools as sonatas sing out from the black & white keys.
In the early 1900s the riverside town of New Hope became a popular retreat for artists and actors escaping big city life (Philadelphia is just an hour away, New York City less than two). The site of the River House became the town’s first hotel, which was eventually purchased by the former silver screen star Odette Myrtil Logan who renamed it Chez Odette, and transformed it into a French bistro with a cabaret and piano bar. The rooms are decorated in a neutral tan, grey, green and purple color palette, with ecru leather paneling and comfy velvet chairs, while the suites are a touch less modern, with stacked-stone fireplaces and wooden accent tables. River House is adding two new keys this year, though, as the hotel is finishing up work on the two Residences, which are much larger accommodations situated in a separate building. If you’re contemplating a trip to River House this spring, rates for rooms range from $419 all the way to $1,900. The River House at Odette’s became Bucks County’s first luxury boutique hotel when it opened last fall.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars to stop by during your stay, if you need help narrowing the choices down, Matthew Hoffer, concierge at the River House is happy to lend a hand. He recommended Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, located just across the river in Lambertville, NJ, where the award-winning menu is served in a converted 19th century train station. You'll also enjoyed the Salt House, a colonial tavern that was repurposed into a gastropub and has an impressive cocktail selection to fit your taste, whether you prefer old-fashioned classics or modern inventions. Although the River House at Odette’s just opened last fall, the luxury boutique hotel that overlooks the Delaware River is endowed with the substance of a rich history. The original building was first erected in 1794 as a place for boatmen on the Delaware River to drink and gamble before a night’s rest. It continued to thrive 50 years later as the Delaware Canal opened and the River House served as a stopover for barges hauling coal to New York City.
New Hope is always charming, but we recommend heading there when it’s warm enough out that you can stroll through the town and make the most of the historic spots, and that includes the all-important ghost tour. We suggest signing up for a tour courtesy of Adele Gamble’s Ghost Tours of New Hope; she’s a true expert, and has been leading the tours since the early 1980s. You can join one of the group tours for just $10 from June through mid-November, or you can opt for a private tour (which we definitely recommend) so you can get the VIP ghost tour treatment. It’s the perfect just-spooky-enough experience, complete with lanterns, tales of the friendly phantom hitchhiking ghost and a little history lesson, too.
Biking along the Delaware Canal Towpath trail in particular, is a fun and memorable experience. The only places where you need a car is to tour nearby wineries, but ride shares are plentiful and getting an Uber, means you can just focus on enjoying the wine, and not worry about the potential impact on your ability to drive. Capacity at River House is 200 guests for a seated dinner, with services priced at $169 per person. Weddings can be booked for as early as September 2020, and dates are already going fast. Scroll down for renderings of the event spaces, as well as a look inside the guest rooms, bars and lounges.
Inspired by French actress Odette Myrtil Logan, the River House sits on the same location as the original Chez Odette — a now-moved stone building in which Odette once entertained her well-heeled guests. Besides their cozy lobby and Piano Lounge, 38 modern, art-forward rooms and suites are the highlight of the property, especially if you can nab one with a balcony that looks over the stunning Delaware River. As an ode to Odette, musical artists make regular appearances, and you don’t even have to be a hotel guest to watch them perform.
(Pretty good symbolism, right?) For cocktail hour, guests will gather in a pre-reception space outfitted with trendy furnishings, striking murals, and layered antique architectural elements. Dinner and dancing takes place in the 3,000-square-foot ballroom, which features hardwood floors, airy chandeliers tucked into the ceiling, and a wall of glass doors that opens to a private terrace. The hotel also offers a rooftop bar that can be made available for post-wedding brunches. The main restaurant is the aptly named Odette’s; it’s an ode to the erstwhile cabaret owner, but with a modern twist.
French actress Odette Myrtil opened Chez Odette, a cabaret and piano bar, in 1961, and garnered a very loyal following of both locals and out-of-towners. In later years, however, Chez Odette was repeatedly due to its proximity to the Delaware River, and eventually shuttered its doors in 2006. The new hotel is situated right on the waterfront, so all the public spaces and rooms have river views. River House opened its doors September, and even though it’s a brand-new construction, the stylish hotel still recognizes its predecessor, Chez Odette. Experience stunning views of the Delaware River complemented by truly genuine hospitality, and indulge ina meticulously designed menu of prime cuts of steak, the freshest seafood and lively spirits. For the perfect fall activity, you can head just a couple miles out of town to Solebury Orchards — an impossibly charming family-run farm — for apple picking, totally bangin’ apple cider doughnuts and fresh-pressed cider.
You do, however, need to be a guest (or a member) to hit the “R” button in the elevator and spend your evening at ROOF, the property’s exclusive restaurant and lounge. A boldly designed hallway bearing the names of the original members of the hotel — including celebs like Yolanda Hadid — leads you to the spacious rooftop. There, post up by the fireplace and enjoy a tasty cocktail that would probably be twice as expensive in NYC.
The eatery is furnished with gem-toned turquoise velvet banquettes and bar stools, as well as leather dining chairs and modern light fixtures. The wood-beamed ceilings and exposed brick accent walls give the space a cozy, loft-y vibe, all of which you can take in while tasting a seasonal menu with dishes that range from escargot to cherry-glazed duck breast to gigli pasta, though we recommend considering one of the many types of steak offered. There’s also the option to dine outside, on the patio at Odette’s Overlook, which offers an impressive view fo the water and is outfitted with many a heat lamp and an outdoor fireplace, making it ideal for the current social distancing restaurant scenario. If you’re interested in more of a cocktail bar atmosphere for smaller bites and drinks, settle into a cushy leather couch in the Piano Lounge, which features a massive stone fireplace, cow-print accent stools and, of course, a large piano, so you can listen to live music while sipping on your drink of choice. From your romantic riverfront ceremony, immerse guests in a highly stylized cocktail hour with plush, curated furnishings, bold murals, layered antique architectural elements, and full-length glass doors offering breathtaking views. Guests at River House also get access to the exclusive Prohibition-inspired member’s-only club, Roof, which is located on the very top floor of the hotel and reached via a special access key.
New Hope is an amazing town to visit, and with all of its hospitality, comfort, charm, and luxury, The River House at Odette’s is the place to stay while exploring the region. Close enough to Philly and NYC to be a weekend retreat, it is the perfect setting to relax and recharge. After soaking up the ambiance and stunning views you'll understand why the River House has drawn travelers since 1794. Welcome to River House, where edgy, yet elegant, urban-inspired design elements are seamlessly married with flowing fabrics, bold fixtures, and reclaimed architectural features for an unparalleled riverfront experience. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, our residentially-inspired guestrooms offer a perfect place to rest your head, as the gentle sounds of the river soothe you.
