West Baden Springs Trip report
Dec 7th, 2008, 02:06 PM
#1
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West Baden Springs Trip report
A wonderful weekend getaway in the midwest!!
We left St Louis mid day Friday and the drive was about 4 hours. This hotel is magnificent, opulent and extravagant. It was built in 1902 and dubbed the 8th wonder of the world! The 6 story dome is amazing. It has a Kaleidescope fixture at the top that turns colors. I enjoyed sitting in one of the many comfortable couches just gazing up with my after dinner drink! Every inch of this hotel has been renovated meticulously. Most of the mosaic floor has been resotred to its original beauty!
It was decorated for Holiday season! In the middle of the dome was a huge lit Christmas Tree - at least 50 feet high. There were poinsettia's and tasteful arrangments all over. A pianist played festive songs in the atrium.
We opted for a "country view" instead of an atrium view. When we woke up Saturday am we overlooked a cobblestone drive with old fashioned street lights and a hill of woods covered in fresh snow - it was a winterwonderland!
The restaurants are all very good.
For dinner I had the most delicious scallops with butternut squash risotto and spinach. DH had a very good filet.
It offers a world class spa. I opted for the hot stone massage. A great way to relax and rejuvenate!!
Afterwards, I enjoyed the grand old library and read.
In warmer weather they offer horse back riding, hayrides and cookouts. There are also carriage rides to enjoy the property.
In spring 2009 a Donald Ross 18 hole course will open. we drove up to the top of ridge to see this and it is supposed to be the best golf in the midwest - It was a clear day so we could see for miles.
French Lick is nearby and there is a free shuttle to get there - a matter of minutes! I do not care for casino's but we spent $20 in the slot machine and I was finished! The lobby at this renovated hotel is very impressive as well. we had a drink at the bar and came back to our room.
The rooms are furnished beautifully - the linens, fabrics and furniture all just impeccable. There are antiques to enjoy throughout as well.
I look forward to go back in the summer and enjoy more outdoor activities - biking, hiking, swimming, etc...
I recommend it highly!!
We left St Louis mid day Friday and the drive was about 4 hours. This hotel is magnificent, opulent and extravagant. It was built in 1902 and dubbed the 8th wonder of the world! The 6 story dome is amazing. It has a Kaleidescope fixture at the top that turns colors. I enjoyed sitting in one of the many comfortable couches just gazing up with my after dinner drink! Every inch of this hotel has been renovated meticulously. Most of the mosaic floor has been resotred to its original beauty!
It was decorated for Holiday season! In the middle of the dome was a huge lit Christmas Tree - at least 50 feet high. There were poinsettia's and tasteful arrangments all over. A pianist played festive songs in the atrium.
We opted for a "country view" instead of an atrium view. When we woke up Saturday am we overlooked a cobblestone drive with old fashioned street lights and a hill of woods covered in fresh snow - it was a winterwonderland!
The restaurants are all very good.
For dinner I had the most delicious scallops with butternut squash risotto and spinach. DH had a very good filet.
It offers a world class spa. I opted for the hot stone massage. A great way to relax and rejuvenate!!
Afterwards, I enjoyed the grand old library and read.
In warmer weather they offer horse back riding, hayrides and cookouts. There are also carriage rides to enjoy the property.
In spring 2009 a Donald Ross 18 hole course will open. we drove up to the top of ridge to see this and it is supposed to be the best golf in the midwest - It was a clear day so we could see for miles.
French Lick is nearby and there is a free shuttle to get there - a matter of minutes! I do not care for casino's but we spent $20 in the slot machine and I was finished! The lobby at this renovated hotel is very impressive as well. we had a drink at the bar and came back to our room.
The rooms are furnished beautifully - the linens, fabrics and furniture all just impeccable. There are antiques to enjoy throughout as well.
I look forward to go back in the summer and enjoy more outdoor activities - biking, hiking, swimming, etc...
I recommend it highly!!
Jan 9th, 2009, 09:46 AM
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Annesherrod,
Would you prefer West Baden over French Lick? Am debating which one to stay at with my husband for our anniversary. We do want to go to the casino so thought of staying at French Lick, but you make West Baden sound so nice! I would appreciate your feedback, thanks.
Would you prefer West Baden over French Lick? Am debating which one to stay at with my husband for our anniversary. We do want to go to the casino so thought of staying at French Lick, but you make West Baden sound so nice! I would appreciate your feedback, thanks.
Jan 20th, 2009, 02:40 AM
#6
Hi January, I believe the hotels offer a shuttle between the two of them. When I did some checking, I recall them telling me they run a shuttle between the two hotels.
Maybe that info will help you make your choice?? good luck
Maybe that info will help you make your choice?? good luck
Jan 21st, 2009, 04:44 AM
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Sorry I did not see this earlier...
I preferred West Baden Springs over French Lick by far. It was fun to spend one evening at French Lick for the casino- however I am not a casino person - it was smoky, no live entertainment and just don't really care for it. There was a little shuttle that took us there- I believe it ran until 2am? About 5 min ride!
Since West Baden Springs was completely renovated recently we chose that. It was quieter too.
Try the Spa and if you both are golfers the course will be completed soon - and it was absolutely Amazing!!
Please let me know if you have other questions - we can't wait to go back someday!!!
I preferred West Baden Springs over French Lick by far. It was fun to spend one evening at French Lick for the casino- however I am not a casino person - it was smoky, no live entertainment and just don't really care for it. There was a little shuttle that took us there- I believe it ran until 2am? About 5 min ride!
Since West Baden Springs was completely renovated recently we chose that. It was quieter too.
Try the Spa and if you both are golfers the course will be completed soon - and it was absolutely Amazing!!
Please let me know if you have other questions - we can't wait to go back someday!!!
