I recently had the pleasure of attending an opening evening and tour of the highly anticipated River House at Odette’s and was captivated by the beauty and atmosphere of the new luxury lifestyle hotel. I hope to be able to describe all that I experienced in enough detail that you can enjoy it even a fraction as much as I did.
As we have all begun to adjust to days and nights out during Covid, the social distancing, the masks, and the unnatural flow of events often leave us with the feeling that we wish we would have waited until things “get back to normal”. Well this night was anything but disappointing! The staff at River House at Odette’s made even these trying times feel festive and comfortable. We were set up in small groups for the tour and were required to wear masks as we moved through the building. We were able to eat and drink while maintaining distance in the most luxurious and openly spacious areas of the River House. Moving from the Odette’s bar, to the ballroom, to the guestrooms and penthouse, and finally to Roof, a member’s only club, was easy and relaxing as the fresh air from the floor to ceiling glass doors that were open throughout, flowed through. At the same time, each area offered something breathtaking and amazing. Everything was so well orchestrated that I felt less restricted than I have felt since March, and yet still felt completely safe and responsible.
For those that don’t know the background of The River House at Odette’s, the venue has a long history. It was originally called the River House in the 1700s. In fact, it wasn’t until 1961 that it took on the “Odette’s” name when a French-American vaudeville actress by the name of Odette Myrtil purchased the River House. While Odette only owned the tavern/inn for about 15 years, subsequent owners carried her name until it finally closed down approximately 15 years ago.
In 2013, Refined Hospitality started to develop what we can finally see today at the River House at Odette’s. Ron Gorodesky, CEO of Refined Hospitality, sat down to talk with me about that vision. He told me there were 3 main objectives for the property. They wanted to embrace New Hope’s natural surroundings, the rich art and culture of the community, and most importantly the history when clientele came to drink, dine or to stay. He enlisted Stokes Architecture and Balongue Designs to bring that vision to life and I have to say, they nailed it!
All of the spaces in the River House have easy access to the outside. As a guest of the bar, the restaurant, an event or the guestrooms, you can freely flow from inside to outside to enjoy the beautiful riverside setting. The Odette’s dining room extends out to a covered outdoor patio with a bar, fireplace and soft seating named Odette’s Overlook. The romantically inspired ballroom, that can accommodate up to 200 guests in non-Covid conditions, flows out to a second story veranda. Most guestrooms and suites offer private balconies, and then of course there is the gorgeous Roof. This rooftop bar is a beautiful gathering place that offers spectacular views of the entire natural surroundings of the property. This area is available only to those who have membership or those who are staying in one of the guest rooms at the property.
The pieces of art found throughout the property are stunning, but I found myself taking just as many pictures of tile and doors and even faucets! Every detail of the entire site was simply outstanding. Each design choice from the shower door in a guestroom, or a portrait in a hall, to the chairs at Roof seemed selectively and precisely perfect. I only stopped looking at one incredible thing to look at the next. At a time when luxury usually means pristine in design, River House at Odette’s adds a shot of ‘Wow’ in every single space. History is also important in both the implementation of their vision at Refined Hospitality and in the ongoing experience for the patrons. Ron Gorodesky said he wanted to create an experience that reminded him of the boldness of the New Hope of his childhood, and I’d say, mission accomplished.
While we drifted from the Odette’s Piano Lounge to the ballroom, guestrooms and finally to Roof, we were served graciously with some of the best food I have ever tasted. Everything that night spoke of elegance, and the food was no exception. We were treated to duck and cauliflower and corn. The presentation was so pretty, that I almost didn’t want to eat it, but I’m glad I did! We also had some signature cocktails and mocktails that were perfect to pair with the appetizers and samplers of great tasting food.
The River House at Odette’s is a brand new gem in Bucks County. From the unique Mill-like design of the building to the picturesque surroundings, the location is spot on. Once inside prepare to be blown away by the hospitality, the luxury, the whimsy and the absolute fabulousness of every inch of the space and every taste, sight and smell. I feel lucky to have gotten to be a part of their grand opening and am thrilled that I get to live in Bucks County to easily take advantage of this wonderful new addition to our restaurant and hotel offerings.
RECIPE
Boatman Break – a signature cocktail at ROOF
1 oz Dewar’s 12 years
¾ oz Antica Sweet Vermouth
¾ oz Cherry Herring
¼ oz Lagavulin 16yr
½ oz Orange Juice
In a mixing glass add all of the ingredients.
Fill the glass ½ way with ice and stir until chilled. About 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled COUPE GLASS
Garnish: Orange Peel