West Baden Springs Hotel opens

The West Baden Springs Hotel is now open after 75 years of vacancy, An historic landmark near french lick has reopened after being closed to guests for 75-years. In the early 1900s, it was one of Indianas crown jewels, but the Depression shut down the West Baden Springs Hotel, and years of neglect left it in ruins. But thanks to a hand-full of visionaries, and a whole lot of money, thats all changed. From its grand atrium, to lavish furnishings, the 246 room hotel, once dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World is ready to accommodate guests once again. The first guest to check in was Betty Oakley and her sister Alma. Their father, Doc Jones had been the hotel gardener during its years of operation. This hotel is rich in history, boxers like Joe Lewis trained here, aristocrats like the Vanderbilts stayed here, but one of the most infamous guests to stayed in these rooms was Al Capone. Stories like this were one reason, its investors didnt let the hotel fall. For Steve Ferguson, it was a project of the heart. And for that, Betty Oakley and Alma-Jean Royar are grateful. The gardens their father once kept beautiful, are that way, once again. Some of the hotels amenities include horseback riding, an eight-thousand square foot spa, fine dining, and retail outlets. An 18-hole Pete Dye golf course is slated to open in 2008. Reviving the hotel was part of the French Lick Springs Hotel and Casino restoration effort. The entire project cost 382-million dollars