West Baden Springs Hotel Augments French Lick Casino Development

FRENCH LICK, Indiana -- A new era is dawning at the West Baden Springs Hotel. Seventy-five years after it last served as a hotel, the majestic beauty is set to reopen on Wednesday, May 23. Following
West Baden Springs Resort to open ahead of schedule.  completion of its soft opening this month, the West Baden Springs Hotel, part of the French Lick Resort Casino development, will once again stand tall and greet visitors to The Valley.

A press conference and ribbon cutting is planned for 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 23. Dignitaries will gather to celebrate the hotel's storied past and amazing rebirth. A reception will immediately follow in the grand Atrium and complimentary tours will be offered.

The new hotel staff has been putting their five-star training in practice with specially invited guests throughout the month. Almost all of the 246 guest rooms have been completed, and the hotel's famed domed atrium, once dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World," are getting last-minute touches, once again being adorned in all its glory. Work on the kitchen is complete, and progress continues on the natatorium, stables and Pete Dye 18-hole championship course. The natatorium is scheduled to open mid-June, and the Dye Course will be available in 2008.

The hotel's grand opening culminates on June 23 when the Historic Landmarks Foundation presents Eighth Wonder, a black-tie gala celebrating the grand opening of the West Baden Springs Hotel. During the program, the Foundation will honor Bill and Gayle Cook for applying their resources, vision and expertise to the renaissance of the National Historic Landmark. John and Elaine Mellencamp are honorary co-chairs and project architect George Ridgway is the gala's lead sponsor. Proceeds will benefit Historic Landmarks' statewide grant program.

The West Baden Springs Hotel offers tastefully appointed rooms and suites, complete with lavish, 100 percent 316TC Egyptian cotton linens, plush bathrobes and slippers, LCD flat-panel televisions and Wi-Fi access; 40 rooms have balconies that offer a spectacular view of the atrium, and the two-level natatorium features a dedicated 12-room spa. In addition, guests can linger in the fine-dining restaurant and five retail outlets, including Harley Davidson of Bloomington. The atrium features complete wireless Internet access.

Guests will be able to take advantage of all of French Lick Resort Casino's amenities including golf, indoor tennis, putting green and bowling. Horseback riding, with guided trail rides, and surrey rides will begin later this summer. Daily shuttle service for guests will be available every half hour between the West Baden Springs Hotel and the French Lick Springs Hotel and French Lick Casino, located less than a mile away.

To make reservations beginning May 23 and beyond, call 1-877-4-WEST-BADEN. French Lick Resort Casino is a $382 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the French Lick Springs Hotel, the new French Lick Casino and the West Baden Springs Hotel.