NEW HOPE, Pa. – The famous Chez Odette restaurant on River Road is one step closer to being reborn as a luxury 36-room hotel, thanks to a lease that will allow public access to the land-locked property.
The hotel, to be called Riverhouse at Odette’s, could open as early as next year, according to Tanya Scalisi of J Public Relations.
A lease signed in late January for a half-acre piece of land owned by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, gives the hotel’s owners use of the public land for 35 years. The lease was needed to allow public access to the new hotel.
“This is a noteworthy development in a process that has taken two years,” said Ron Gorodesky, managing director of the development project. “The signed lease indicates the support of Pennsylvania’s government and leadership, who are advocating for successful completion of the project that will bring jobs, tourism, and business growth to the region.”
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Part of the existing restaurant was a tavern dating to 1794, and, having been donated to the state, will be moved and serve as a public information-center, according to philly.com. The lease also requires the hotel’s developers to repair canal walls and other work on the public land.
“DCNR and its Bureau of State Parks are proud to see the collaborative spirit prevail in charting the future course of a historic structure that has been a source of community recognition and pride,” said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.
“DCNR is committed to preserving and protecting dated and historic buildings and other structures in its 121 state parks. Odette’s was the subject of long-term commitment and planning, and its future should hearten New Hope residents and visitors, alike.”
The famous Chez Odette restaurant on River Road is one step closer to being reborn as Riverhouse at Odette’s, a luxury 36-room hotel, thanks to a lease that will allow public access to the land-locked property. (courtesy photo)
The English-style tavern is named after Odette Myrtil, a colorful Parisian innkeeper who was a star in the original Broadway production of “South Pacific,” according to NJ Advance Media archives. She attracted guests from New York and Philadelphia to Odette’s, but sold it a few months before she died in 1978.
It passed to an area chef, Rocky Balbone. After he died, Balbone’s family operated the facility, and the tavern became nationally known for cabaret programs produced by local music entrepreneur Bob Egan.
It was closed about 10 years ago after three consecutive floods damaged the property.
The Riverhouse will include both guest rooms and suites, a ballroom and wedding facilities and rooftop bar and lounge. It is a sister property to The Reeds at Shelter Haven located in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, according to Scalisi.
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