Those of you who have been around for a while may remember our mini honeymoon after our wedding two years ago. I wrote a post about it here. Since we had such a great time on our mini-moon, we decided to head back to West Baden Springs Hotel to celebrate our second wedding anniversary.
A little background: West Baden Springs Hotel is located in West Baden Springs, Indiana (about 2.5 hours southwest of Indianapolis). The hotel is part of the French Lick Resort, which also includes the French Lick Springs Hotel, French Lick Casino, two golf courses, and more. The two hotels are less than a mile from each other.
West Baden Springs Hotel was built in 1902, and, at the time, the amenities included a casino, theater, opera, concerts, movies, bowling and billiards, natatorium, golf courses, bicycling on the oval double-decked track, horseback riding, and baseball. Before the Great Depression it was a happenin’ place for the wealthy and famous. Al Capone used to party there, and some professional baseball teams held their spring training in the area. The hotel has a crazy history– read all about it here.
One of the reasons why we love the hotel so much is because it’s like you’re transported back into the early 1920s, well with the added luxuries of air conditioning, king size beds, and private bathrooms.
We stayed in a beautiful atrium balcony room. When we stayed for our mini-moon we had a garden view room so it was nice to experience a room that overlooked the massive atrium.
The view from our 4th story balcony was awesome. They have live music throughout the day and evening so it was nice to open the balcony door and listen to the harpist or pianist. It was also convenient for one of my favorite pastimes– people watching.
The 200-foot domed atrium is the most notable feature of the hotel. It was the largest free-standing dome in the world from 1902 to 1913. And it’s absolutely breathtaking. Pictures don’t do it justice. Check out the video I took of the atrium here.
Pictures definitely do it justice at night. The chandelier in the center of the dome changes colors, and the glass on the dome gets darker blue as day turns to night. Watch the dome change colors here.
The hotel is just as gorgeous outside as it is inside.
I took this photo when we visited West Baden for our mini-moon. I tried multiple times to get a photo during our most recent stay but I couldn’t get a photo without people in it. Obviously these rocking chairs are popular.
The gardens on the hotel property are beautiful.
The structure in the photo below was the former billiards and bowling building.
Though it’s not the most comfortable ride, I love the original brick roads leading into the hotel.
The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, indoor pool, and hot tub. We took a dip in the outdoor pool and hot tub our last night there.
So what did we do during our weekend stay? We went out to eat (here, here, and here), did a little wine tasting, hit up some antique shops, drove out to Patoka Lake, explored the hotel grounds, swam, had a little picnic, caught a movie at the local theater, got in a game of putt-putt (ahem, I won), ate ice cream, and napped. It was a nice, relaxing weekend.
Have you been to West Baden Springs Hotel or French Lick Springs Hotel?
Do you have any historical hotels in your neck of the woods?
Big thanks to French Lick Resort for providing us with a complimentary 2-night stay.
kelly says
July 2, 2013 at 8:16 AMSounds like you had a great weekend and did lots of fun things! Getting away for a little breather in the summer is the best–it makes me appreciate my house and ready to tackle some projects!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
July 2, 2013 at 7:43 PMI totally agree! I busted my booty cleaning the house before we left so we could come home to a clean house too.
[email protected] the Manor says
July 2, 2013 at 9:12 AMWhat an beautiful place! We have a historic hotel in our downtown area, but nothing like this. The closet “big” thing to us is the Biltmore House. It’s just an hour north of us, and although they have lodging, we only ever go for day trips. We tour the house, the gardens, ride around the property, and of course visit the shops and the winery for wine tastings. Talk about an incredible property!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
July 2, 2013 at 7:45 PMI’d love to visit the Biltmore! It’s gorgeous! A day trip sounds perfect, especially since it’s only an hour away from you. Lucky.
Kimberley says
July 2, 2013 at 9:40 AMAwesome!! I love historical places and this looks like no exception! My husband has been to Indianapolis for work and he loved the city so I am sure the country is even better!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
July 2, 2013 at 7:48 PMAren’t historical places the best? Although I must admit that I’m not the best at standing still and reading all the informational plaques. That’s Brad’s job, and then he fills me in. This area of Indiana is a little more exciting because there are hills. The northern half of Indiana is mostly flat farmland.
[email protected] Stirring Place says
July 2, 2013 at 10:06 AMWhat a gorgeous place!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
July 2, 2013 at 7:49 PMIsn’t it? I’ve never seen anything like it in the states.
[email protected] says
July 2, 2013 at 10:20 AMGoooooorgeous! Love all the photos and that atrium is amazing.
And seriously? A free two-night stay? That’s amazing in itself. You’ve hit the big time, friend.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
July 2, 2013 at 7:53 PMIt truly is an Indiana treasure. I told Brad I want an atrium in our next house. Doubtful that will happen. The people at the resort were super sweet to invite us back after reading my mini-moon post.
Sara says
July 2, 2013 at 12:38 PMBeautiful photos! Before moving to Indy, I grew up near the French Lick area. While in high school I did a lengthy research project on the West Baden hotel. Its history is amazing and we are lucky someone swooped in and saved it from the wrecking ball. It was a disaster before the renovation.
Happy anniversary!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
July 2, 2013 at 7:58 PMThanks, Sara! That’s so awesome that you were able to do a research project on the hotel. The history is amazing. It was very interesting to see all the old photos, especially the photos of how it looked before the restoration.
Betty Fentz says
December 14, 2018 at 1:41 PMSara, I am 79 years old and I can remember a movie that was made at French Lick and it had the Glass long narrow building that was on the lower level of the property close to the main street. In your research did that exist. I think it might have been in the 40’s or 50’s?????? I think it was when it was a monestary.
Erin @ How to Nest for Less says
July 2, 2013 at 4:10 PMWow, absolutely gorgeous!!!! I think I might need to plan something there… Love that it’s just a few hours from where I live in St. Louis!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
July 2, 2013 at 8:00 PMIsn’t it? You should definitely plan a visit… and I’ll meet you there.
[email protected] says
July 2, 2013 at 4:22 PMSounds like a great vacation! That place looks absolutely breath-taking!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
July 2, 2013 at 9:03 PMIt was a great little getaway!
Britt @ Creating Space for Five says
July 3, 2013 at 2:08 PMI love that place! Absolutely beautiful, and happy anniversary to you!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
July 4, 2013 at 2:37 PMLooks so gorgeous! What a relaxing vacation! Glad y’all could get away and celebrate!
Marie @ snow-leopards says
January 8, 2014 at 7:28 AMDefinitely beautiful. West Baden Springs Hotel is an awesome Hotel For Staying with family . Hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to go before something happens. and Thank you for the relaxing and beautiful Idea for My Vocation …