Balongue Design have been Shortlisted for Restaurant Within A Hotel – Global Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2021.

Situated along the Delaware River, the hotel is the cornerstone of the hospitality revival in the artistic town of New Hope. The hotel features an edgy, yet elegant design; inspired by the site’s previous life as actress-musician Odette Myrtil’s cabaret, Chez Odette, a social hub for over two decades. The interior boasts a romantic soul with delicate, airy colours and dreamlike sophistication. It is soft and indulgent; simultaneously minimalistic and luxurious. The design elements are deeply rooted in its heritage yet evoke a universal appeal. This upscale venue pays a modern homage to Odette’s entertaining, big, bold personality.

The River House captures and exudes the essence of its historically significant location and the quirky village personality of the New Hope artist colony it now lives in. The exterior encapsulates the stone clad former Odette’s Bed and Breakfast with a brick façade emulating the local areas plethora of textile mills. Odette’s romantic vivacious spirit is showcased throughout the interior; Plush textiles, Leather Sofas and vintage lighting speak to her French flair and the boisterous cabarets she hosted in the location for decades prior. Today’s visitor is drawn an edgy, yet elegant, urban inspired environment. A brilliant kaleidoscope of rich colour and finish materials coupled with vintage reclaimed architectural features and bold fixtures offers an unparalleled riverfront experience.

The goal of the design was to celebrate art sourced from the local community and region. Vintage sepia photographs of Odette Myrtil grace the ballroom area. New Hope’s Lorenzo Bianca penned and painted the Chez Odette Love letters and musical score that became the ballroom wallcovering. An antique wrought iron light fixture from the original Odette’s Tavern was salvaged and used to fabricate a three-dimensional sculpture that hangs above the fireplace in the piano lobby. Guest corridors and dining venues are thoughtfully covered with original and reproduced oil paintings curated from local artists, most notably Gordon Haas, as well as from renowned former New Hope Artist Colony’s most talented. 

Balongue Design

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