If you’re looking for a unique, luxurious getaway, look no further than Indiana’s French Lick Resort. Nestled in the beautiful Hoosier National Forest, French Lick Resort offers a variety of accommodations, activities, and amenities that will ensure an unforgettable experience.
From the charming French Lick Hotel to the elegant West Baden Springs Hotel, plenty of options suit any traveler’s needs. And with a casino, spa, event center, and countless outdoor activities, there is never a dull moment at this Indiana hidden treasure.
Thanks for French Lick Resort and Visit French Lick West Baden and for hosting my accommodations on this familiarization trip. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
French Lick Accommodations
French Lick Resort, established in 1845 as a mineral springs, offers three hotel options: French Lick Springs, Valley Tower (rooms in the casino building), and West Baden Springs. I stayed at the French Lick Springs Hotel, a historic landmark built in 1901 that has been renovated to preserve its old-world charm. The property offers 443 rooms and suites.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with beautiful views of the surrounding French Lick (the town) and hotel property. Our room had a mini-fridge, which I always appreciate, a desk area, and a large bathroom. I thought the classic pineapple poster bed, custom draperies, marble bathroom, and dreamy, thick towels were great examples of property’s luxury factors.
West Baden Hotel is a masterpiece of architecture and design, with a stunning atrium that will take your breath away. The elegant rooms are on the larger side, and many have balconies overlooking the pristine grounds. I could have spent hours sitting in West Baden’s atrium lobby admiring the scenery or enjoying a good book.
It’s definitely a place you’ll want to spend some time at.
Pet Parents: French Lick is a pet-friendly resort; there is a $150 non-refundable deposit for each stay. Pets must be crated when left alone in the room, and are limited to 60 pounds maximum, per pet.
French Lick Springs Hotel Dining Options
At French Lick Resort, dining is an experience in itself. There are several restaurants to choose from, each offering a unique culinary experience. 1875: The Steakhouse is perfect for a romantic dinner, with its classic steakhouse menu (premium aged Midwest Angus beef) and distinguished atmosphere.
The Power Plant Bar & Grill is a more relaxed option, with comfort food and craft beer on tap. I loved the Reuben and fries. If you’re in the mood for something quick and easy, stop by French Lick Resort’s famous Pluto’s Pizzeria beside the bowling alley. You might skip the pizza altogether and go for their Stromboli and calzones, which are tasty, filling, and affordable.
Breakfast is served buffet-style at the Grand Colonnade Restaurant and runs smooth as silk. Enter the all-you-can-eat buffet from either side for all your favorite morning classics, fresh fruit, waffles, and a made-to-order omelet bar.
The breakfast buffet is $21 for adults and half for kids 6 to 12. Children five and under eat free. Breakfast is served daily from 7 to 11 AM.
West Baden Restaurants
West Baden has as many impressive eats as French Lick, but I only tried one restaurant: Cafe Sinclair’s. Breakfast is a real treat, with farm-to-table cuisine plated as beautiful as it is delicious. I had a fantastic rolled omelet with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, bacon, ham, peppers, and two kinds of cheeses. It was incredible!
My friend chose Strudel’s Choice, a classic plate with eggs, bacon or sausage, and toast. Both breakfasts came with fresh fruit or breakfast potato casserole; one would be foolish to skip the luscious latter option.
Other dining options are Xanadu Coffee & Creamy, The Mansion at Pete Dye (exclusively for golfers), Ballard’s in the Atrium, Table One (exclusive chef’s table), and Sinclair’s Restaurant, the sophisticated fine dining option in a gorgeous setting.
Dinner at Sinclair’s features seafood, steaks, and desserts prepared table-side. Reservations are recommended, but they are closed Sunday through Wednesday.
In-room dining is available at all three properties.
The big miss of my trip was that I wasn’t there long enough to experience afternoon tea at West Baden. It looks superb, and I’ve heard from many of my followers that it is a memorable and wonderful experience.
Hotel Activities and Amenities
French Lick Springs Hotel has many things to see and do. My favorite things about the resort were the outdoor hot tub, stately and lively indoor pool (with retractable sides that open to enjoy the weather), and superb French Lick Casino.
I live outside Las Vegas and have casinos two minutes from my house. The French Lick Casino was equally impressive and one of the best casinos I’ve visited in the country — and it’s nonsmoking! There were plenty of table games and slots (over 700), an awesome Sportsbook, complimentary soda fountains, and a fun atmosphere. The French Lick Casino is the premier gaming destination in the Midwest.
There is a shopping arcade between the main part of the hotel and the casino wing, featuring a handful of upscale shops like Allie Mae (boujee pet store), Siebert’s (high-end third-generation men’s clothing), Indiana Artisan Originals, and Chastain’s (designer women’s wear and shoes).
Golf is premium at French Lick, perhaps the best in Indiana, with Donald Ross and Pete Dye (18 holes each) courses.
Kids will love the Activities Center, which has crafts and activities for all ages, while adults may prefer the 24/7 fitness center with Matrix equipment. Both will enjoy Pluto’s Alley, an arcade with loads of fun games, plus a six-lane bowling alley.
French Lick’s walking trails & tours are always a big draw. Stop by the concierge desk for a self-guided scavenger hunt map, a fun activity with the whole family. French Lick Resort also has an Exhibition Hall and Meeting & Event Center. Both properties have seasonal outdoor pools.
West Baden has the ultimate relaxation with “a menu of world-class spa services” at the spa. There is even a special pool area for guests to take their day of relaxing and pampering to another level.
Other recreation includes the stables (home to 27 horses), sporting clays, archery range, and Lucy’s Bark Park, for your pet companions.
Seasonal French Lick Activities
Daily activities at West Baden and French Lick Springs Hotels can be found on the sheet given upon check-in. They range from kids’ craft time (which has a nominal fee) to bingo, yard games, and bike/Surrey rentals.
A highlight for French Lick Resort guests and townsfolk is 50 Days of Lights. During this spectacular holiday event, two grand tree lightings, a half-million lights decorating the property, photo ops, enormous gingerbread displays, and a dazzling light show on the front of the French Lick Springs Hotel. The list goes on and on.
I had the pleasure of enjoying the elegant Thanksgiving Day buffet in the ballroom at French Lick Resort. The spacing between tables was appreciated, as were the food sections scattered throughout for crowd control. The prime beef and turkey were moist and juicy, while the dozens of side items were great accompaniments.
A separate dessert area featured individually plated sweet options. The charcuterie table was my favorite, with gourmet cheeses, meats, oysters, and excellent jumbo shrimp. Our service was impeccable.
French Lick Resort’s Grounds and Shuttle Service
The grounds of French Lick Resort are absolutely stunning, with scenic walking paths, gardens, and a lake. The resort also offers a complimentary shuttle service to take guests from one hotel to the next and around town. This is especially convenient for those who want to explore the charming town of French Lick, which has plenty of shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Or, jump on the restored 1903 rail trolley during certain times to get between the resorts one mile apart.
One of the most unique things I found about this resort is that parking, even valet parking, is free for hotel guests. That’s unheard of in the industry. It is also a member of Historic Hotels of America (and Worldwide), an organization I’m always proud to see represented as it shows the integrity of the property to retain its history and heritage.
Pro Tip: Drop a few bucks in the tip jar for the driver; they will greatly appreciate it.
My Takeaway
Visiting French Lick Resort is an experience like no other. Whether traveling with family or friends or on your own, there is something for everyone to enjoy, hence the multitude of families celebrating their Thanksgiving holiday there. Seeing everyone having such a great time and soaking in the holiday decor was a happy feeling. I really loved my stay.
From the beautiful accommodations to the carefully curated resort amenities and activities, you will won’t need to worry about running out of things to do and see.
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