West Baden Springs/French Lick

We stayed in the hotel at French Lick many years ago somewhere around 1991. At that time West Baden was in ruins and they were conducting tours to show you what they intended to do with it. We had a nice weekend and I would like to go back and see what all they have done to both hotels. However, I remember that there was NOTHING to do in the town. We walked a bit and determined that no wonder Larry Bird was so good at basketball (he's from French Lick) cause he had nothing else to do except practice.

I have not been since the restoration, but have heard that they did a very good job. Indiana passed the casino permission for French Lick so there is now a casino that is fueling all the renovation. there are basically two hotels in the valley, the West Baden Springs and the French Lick Springs Hotel. The hotels are spectacular throw backs to another era, when folks would come to the springs to "take the cure" in their private railcars. There is a golf course, tennis, horse back riding etc. The hotels have spas as well.

We used to go a lot many years ago when my kids were small but as cd said there's not a lot to do but relax. There used to be a few antique shops. But I think you'll find the main attraction now is either gambling or relaxing.

If that would appeal to you I would highly suggest it. I think before the Astro dome was built West Baden was the largest free standing dome.

When we went in the summer our schedule was usually breakfast, pool, lunch by the pool, more pool time, sitting on the veranda watching the thunderstorms come in, dinner and more veranda time with ice cream.

Thanks!!

WE might check it out! I wonder if we brought our bikes if there are decent trails nearby. We are thinking of going in Nov so the outdoor pool is out.

The webiste said there are Historical tours offered nearby - not sure of what though!!

Thanks again!!

Just checking in again to see if anyone has visited the newly renovated hotle yet????

My parents are headed to that area next week. I'll get a trip report out of them when they return!

I have visited West Baden Springs since the renovation and it is AMAZING!!!! - truly a testimonial to what can be done in renovating historic landmarks. The front porch (lined with lawn/rocking chairs)is like a throw-back to the past, the atrium/dome is incredible! - it truly is an architectural (and structural) wonder. I didn't stay there (nor see any of the rooms), but the cafe where we had lunch was lovely and the fancier restaurant for dinner looked excellent. I spent well over a half a day there - and enjoyed every minute. The grounds/outbuildings/gardens too are exquisite. They have a spa as well as an indoor pool - it all looked most inviting (for winter visits). You're right - not much going on 'in town', but nearby Paoli is kind of 'glance to the past' type of town and I actually enjoyed cruising through. Nearby French Lick (hotel & cassino) were nice too, but nothing on the order of West Baden. (I'm also not in the least into casinos, so that was irrelevant to me). Having said all this, I highly recommend a visit to West Baden Springs - either for the day or an overnight - I don't believe you'll be disappointed.

Great info StuDudley!!

xrae - If you get a trip report form them please post back!!!


Thanks!

xrae - Just curious what your parents thought of this place?

I booked the trip! Heck buy one night get one free!!!

Hi! We were there in Feb to tour and we saw Air Supply at French Lick. The hotel is amazing. Stunning! The wallcoverings are decadent. They have a nice boutique for ladies in both hotels. It's very enjoyable to sit in the dome and sip some wine and watch people. They usually have a duo playing around happy hour...the acoustics in there are BRIGHT. It's hard to describe how amazing it is. We are having our company sales meeting there the first week of October! - in two weeks! There are walking trails all over and very good golf courses. The indoor pool is huge and they have an impressive gym and full service spa. You are right, it's still pretty quiet around there, but it's changing. They are building a huge water park across the road. The hotel concierge said that there will be more boutique type shops built this year. There's also a winery with a little Italian restaurant. I'll write a review when I return October 3.

LlindaC - Thanks - I will look forward to your next post!!!

I am looking forward to it!!!

Hi Anne and all. I am back from an amazing 3 days at the West Baden Springs Hotel. What a gorgeous place! The staff were the nicest group of people I've ever dealt with....every single one of them. My husband is president of a company and we had our biannual sales meeting here and included the wives. The guys were generous and gave us gift certificates which we used for shopping and spa services. Though I don't "spa" the others said the facials and massages were great. There's a nice pool and workout room, but I mostly enjoyed hiking to the other hotel and up the Adventure Trail rhrough the woods. I even ventured off the trail into some lovely countryside. West Baden's grounds and gardens were so beautiful and peaceful...much nicer then French Lick Hotel, IMO. The lobby is a great place to relax with a drink or book. We had a sixth floor atrium view room which was HUGE! (ask for a VIP room) The rooms are immaculate and beautifully furnished. Starbucks coffee in room and downstairs. Breakfast and dinner at Sinclair's was good...also reasonable for breakfast at a resort, I thought. We also enjoyed a very good dinner at 1875 steakhouse in the FL Hotel. Plenty to eat even for non meat eaters and a really romantic atmosphere. No, there's not much at all to do in the area unless you drive to Patoka Lake, the Hoosier Forest or Marengo Cave. I don't even gamble, but I was happy working out, visiting with friends, strolling with my hubby, rocking on the huge porch, dining and shopping in the boutiques. next summer, a huge water park opens across the street. This is truly a first class resort hotel to kick back and relax and dream about how the other half lived in bygone days. It is very quiet during the week. However, on weekends, they have entertainment in lobby , free yoga seminars and various other activities. There aren't many trails for bikes, just the paths between the hotels. However, there's plenty of good walking and nature viewing. The guys said the golf course was really tough, but they loved it. There are easier courses and a training center for the less experienced golfers.

LLindac - Thanks so much for the info. It sounds fabulous! I can't wait to see it!!
The hiking sounds wonderful! Did I read they have horses that you can ride???

Anne

Anne...one of our guests brought her children and they went horseback riding. She said it was very tame and they rode in circles around a rink. Of course, they were 5 and 8...but I doubt the riding is anything great. Pack your hiking shoes!

LLinda
Thanks for the update. As I stated above West Baden was in ruins when we visited. We wondered at the time if it would ever be what they wanted it to be as it was way in the country with nothing to do. It's good to know of it's success! Guess that dollar we put in the jar did the trick!

I am from the area, the new resort is absolutely gorgeous and fronts a fabulous eatery as well. If you like golf, it is fabulous too. It also has a casino. Not much else to do in town unless you like to drive through small towns. But the hotel itself is worth the visit.

Was wondering if you ever did go?