Looking for a luxury boutique hotel in New Hope, PA with river views, exceptional dining, and a rooftop bar? Our River House at Odette’s review covers everything: the rooms, Odette’s steakhouse, the exclusive ROOF lounge, and the best things to do in New Hope and beyond.

Our Stay at River House at Odette’s

Picture this: You’re on your own private balcony overlooking the Delaware River at a luxury boutique hotel in New Hope, PA. The morning light is golden on the water. Herons and cormorants fly past. You’ve got a velvety cappuccino from the in-room espresso machine in your hand and nowhere you have to be.

That’s River House at Odette’s, and it delivers on that promise completely.

River House at Odette’s is a luxury lifestyle riverfront hotel in New Hope, Pennsylvania, recently voted the #1 Resort Hotel in the Mid-Atlantic by Travel + Leisure readers. Nothing about this modern, chic property hints at its history stretching back to 1784, when it served as a tavern, general store, and hotel for boatmen along the Delaware Canal.

The property’s more recent chapter is just as compelling. French-born actress, singer, and violinist Odette Myrtil bought it in 1960, renamed it Chez Odette’s, and turned it into the home of her beloved cabaret and restaurant for over two decades. After a massive renovation in 2020, River House at Odette’s was reborn as a luxury boutique hotel. Her influence is unmistakable in every glamorous corner of the design.

In addition to 38 luxurious guest rooms and suites, the hotel is home to Odette’s Restaurant, a piano bar and cabaret just off the lobby, and ROOF, an exclusive members-only rooftop lounge that hotel guests get access to automatically. It’s not hard to see why this property captivated voters.

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway from Philadelphia or the wider Mid-Atlantic region, River House deserves to be at the top of your list. Here’s everything you need to know.

Get Luxuriously Comfy in the Guest Rooms at River House

The guest rooms at River House are a harmonious blend of thoughtful, eclectic furnishings and modern conveniences, accented with happy pops of modern art, rich colors, and tasteful patterns.

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 separate master bedroom with plush king pillowtop bed was draped in crisp Frette sheets, delivering some of the best sleep I’ve had on any trip. The modern tulip wallpaper in the bedroom was a lovely touch, especially since we were lucky enough to visit while the real ones were in bloom outside.

The sleek glass spa-inspired shower with Malin & Goetz bath products left us luxuriously refreshed. All in all, the perfect place to settle in and stay 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 you can adjust to suit your mood. Complimentary bikes you can hop on to explore the historic towpaths along the river. Free books you’re welcome to take home. An in-house digital library with an extensive list of ebooks, audiobooks, meditations, and more.

And one of my favorite touches? The “In-room Un-Wine-d” service that lets you enjoy a bottle of wine and a charcuterie plate from the comfort of your private balcony. Our charcuterie arrived with an array of cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, and accoutrements. A perfect late afternoon pick-me-up before heading to dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at Odette’s Steakhouse

Odette’s recently unveiled a fresh, elevated menu under the direction of renowned restaurateur Alex Mastoris, whose vision marries the refined elegance of a classic steakhouse with the flair of the original cabaret run by Odette Myrtil herself.

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 is an A+ move if you’re keeping things light. The rolled omelet stuffed with fresh mushrooms, ham, and creamy gruyere served with crispy breakfast potatoes was equally outstanding. It’s worth eating here for the river views alone.

The dinner menu at Odette’s steakhouse is a seafood and steak lover’s dream, with fresh options from the raw bar, bold starters, and showstopping mains.

For dinner I started 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 came the Maple Bourbon Wings, glazed in a sweet and smoky sauce with just the right hint of heat, taken to another level with candied pecans and fresh chives.

Odette’s spin on baked oysters was lovely too. Plump and fresh, with a rich champagne butter sauce, topped with Italian cheese blend, artichokes, and fresh herbs.

For dessert, the gold-crusted NY-style cheesecake. Rich, creamy, with a shimmering splash of edible gold and a presentation that was genuinely stunning. Overall the plates here are gorgeous and the service is impeccable. Odette’s steakhouse is worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Head to ROOF: The Exclusive Rooftop Bar at River House

One of the most coveted perks of staying at River House is access to ROOF, the hotel’s members-only exclusive rooftop lounge. As a hotel guest, you get in automatically. As a non-guest, you need a membership. It’s one of the details that makes booking a room here feel like a genuinely smart decision.

This chic open-air space feels like stumbling into a glamorous cocktail party. Twinkling lights strung overhead, a blazing outdoor fireplace, and breezy cabana seating. Festive yet romantic. With indoor and outdoor seating, ROOF offers sweeping views of the Delaware River valley, expertly crafted cocktails, and creative small plates. My ahi tuna nacho dish was a fresh blend of flavors with bright, punchy notes from the wakame, sesame, and creamy spicy mayo.

At sunset, a tall glass of Odette’s Sangria made with Grand Marnier, peach and blackberry Combier liqueur, OJ, and Pinot Grigio is non-negotiable. A refreshing end to a perfect night.

Things to Do Around River House and in New Hope

You’ve experienced the riverside luxury of River House, the excellent food at Odette’s steakhouse, and the exclusivity of the rooftop lounge. But the hotel’s surroundings offer plenty more to explore.

First on the list: Wander the vibrant, historic riverside town of New Hope. Over 200 years old and known for outdoor festivals, an artsy vibe, and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, New Hope is one of Bucks County’s most beloved destinations. It’s only a 5 to 10 minute scenic stroll from 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 ahead. Uber and Lyft are also an option and only cost around $7 each way, though wait times can stretch to 15 to 20 minutes or more on busy weekends.

Why not just drive in? Parking in New Hope is notoriously frustrating: overpriced lots, confusing kiosk systems, and limited spots on busy weekends. Being within walking distance is one of River House’s most underrated perks.

New Hope has earned its reputation as an arts and cultural hub. It’s brimming with art galleries, boutiques, artisan shops, antiques, restaurants, and a lively local spirit.

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 it here. Heart of the Home (28 S. Main Street) and Savioni Designer Boutique (6 W Bridge St) are local favorites.

Take some time for the historic sights too. The iconic New Hope-Lambertville Bridge spanning the Delaware into New Jersey, and the renowned Bucks County Playhouse (70 S Main St), recently revived as a cultural hub for live theater, music, and comedy year-round. Walk behind the playhouse and stroll along the river, or relax in one of the Adirondack chairs with sweeping views.

When you work up an appetite, pop into Ferry Market (32 S Main St) for an eclectic collection of artisan food vendors. Made-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads, gyros, French macarons, Peruvian fare, pizza, chocolate, local wine, fresh-roasted coffee, and more under one roof. An absolute must-visit in New Hope.

Cross the Bridge into Lambertville

When you’re done with New Hope, walk across the bridge into Lambertville, New Jersey. This historic town’s beautifully preserved Victorian architecture will transport you to another era. Antique and vintage lovers will be in heaven on Union and Bridge streets. Antiques Center at the People’s Store (28 N Union St) has over 50 dealers and artists in a building dating back to 1839. Panoply Books (48 N Union St) is the spot for unusual, rare, and out-of-print used books. For local wine tasting, Tomasello Winery Tasting Room (1 N Union Street) has you covered.

For a deeper dive into the area, our guide to Hunterdon County, NJ covers luxury inns, dining, wineries, and hidden gems on the New Jersey side of the river.

For a fun day trip, consider exploring Hunterdon County with its picturesque rolling landscapes, winding backroads, charming historic villages, local wineries, farmers markets, and incredible farm-to-table dining. It’s an under-the-radar destination and one of New Jersey’s best kept secrets.

Discover Nearby Peddler’s Village

Peddler’s Village
100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
peddlersvillage.com

Does immersing yourself in a real-life storybook village for a day sound good? Then Peddler’s Village should be on your list. Just a quick 10-minute drive from River House, this historic hamlet is overflowing with Americana charm. Parking is free and plentiful. Plan to spend the day.

Shop more than sixty boutiques, galleries, and eateries along winding brick walkways. Duck into Greenology to make a terrarium, Pine Wreath & Candle where it’s Christmas every day, or Mama Hawk’s for coffee and their famous cinnamon bun.

For lunch, grab a table at Buttonwood Grill or Earl’s New American. Bookend your day with tastings at Hewn Spirits Distillery, a craft beer flight at Free Will Brewing, or wine at Nissley Vineyards.

We’ve covered Peddler’s Village across all seasons. See our guides to fall at Peddler’s Village and Christmas at Peddler’s Village for the full picture.

The Verdict on River House at Odette’s

River House at Odette’s is more than a place to rest your head. It’s a luxury experience of sophisticated comfort, culinary excellence, and genuine riverside magic. By the end of my stay I felt thoroughly relaxed and rejuvenated in the way that only the best hotels manage to deliver.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a restorative break from the daily grind, River House delivers on all fronts. The plush accommodations, divine dining at Odette’s steakhouse, the exclusive ROOF rooftop lounge, and the distinctive Odette-inspired ambiance all add up to a riverside escape that lingers long after you’ve checked out.

However you choose to spend your days in and around New Hope, River House at Odette’s is the perfect home base. With so much to experience within a short radius: New Hope, Lambertville, Peddler’s Village, and the beautiful Delaware River Valley, it would be a shame not to book a room here and experience it properly.

This slice of luxury on the Delaware River is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s best kept secrets. For now.

To book your stay, visit riverhousenewhope.com

Frequently Asked Questions About River House at Odette’s