French Lick Resort Casino's crowning jewel returns to glory after

multimillion dollar restoration

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    FRENCH LICK, Ind., May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The West Baden Springs Hotel,
 the Indiana landmark once known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World,"
 reopened this morning after being closed to travelers since 1932. Today's
 celebration of the opening of the West Baden Springs Hotel marks the
 complete renovation of the two historic hotels at the French Lick Resort
 Casino destination. The French Lick Springs Hotel reopened last October.
     (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070523/CLW059 )
     "The restored West Baden Springs Hotel represents the best of what
 Indiana has to offer -- unique architecture, history and beautiful
 scenery," said Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman. "The hotel will provide
 thousands of jobs and spur economic growth in the surrounding communities."
     Following this morning's ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by invited
 guests and state dignitaries, the first official guest was checked in --
 Betty Oakley -- daughter of Doc Jones, the former West Baden Springs Hotel
 gardener and current Historic Landmarks of Indiana volunteer.
     "The mineral spring waters and the beautifully manicured gardens are
 what drew people naturally to the area," said Vice President of Hospitality
 Jerry Gleason. "Doc Jones and his team were instrumental in putting West
 Baden on the map as a health resort. We are honored that his family is here
 today to be a part of the re-grand opening"
     The West Baden Springs Hotel is the crown jewel of the $382 million
 resort restoration project which began in earnest in August 2005. It
 features what was once the world's largest free span dome, soaring 110 feet
 above the atrium floor. Six circular stories containing 246 rooms --
 including eight specialty suites, three historic suites decorated with
 period furniture and a lavish Presidential Suite -- surround the atrium.
     "Today is monumental in the history of French Lick Resort Casino," said
 Chris Leininger, Chief Operating Officer. "With the reopening of the
 historic West Baden Springs Hotel today, our resort offerings truly
 represent the most unique resort destination in the Midwest."
     Located less than a mile from the French Lick Springs Hotel and French
 Lick Casino, the West Baden Springs Hotel offers a two-level natatorium
 with dedicated spa, fine dining restaurant and five retail outlets. The
 unique natatorium/spa features a 12,000-square-foot indoor pool and
 8,000-square-foot spa, including treatment rooms, relaxation rooms and a
 state-of-the-art fitness center. West Baden hotel guests will be able to
 take advantage of all of French Lick Resort Casino's amenities, including
 the 42,000-square-foot casino, horseback riding, tennis, bowling and more.
 For golf enthusiasts, the resort features the completely restored Donald
 Ross Course at French Lick, which hosted the 1924 PGA Championship where
 Walter Hagen was victorious, as well as the forthcoming 18-hole
 championship Pete Dye Course slated to open in 2008. The nine-hole Tom
 Bendelow Course at French Lick will open later this summer to supplement
 the property's practice facilities.
 
 

SOURCE French Lick Resort Casino