When it comes to historic Indiana hotels, it doesn't get a whole lot better - or more lavishly beautiful - than West Baden Springs Hotel. This incredible accommodation, with architecture that would blow the mind of even the most sophisticated visitor, was once called "the 8th wonder of the world", and its unreal beauty is only matched by its intriguing history. Check it out, and consider a stay next time you need a place to relax!
The (original) West Baden Springs Hotel was built in 1852. Unfortunately, it wouldn't last.
On June 14, 1901, the hotel met a fiery end. Famed architect Harrison Albright was tasked with redesigning and rebuilding the hotel, and he did so - in less than a year.
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West Baden Springs Hotel re-opened in 1902, and it quickly became a favorite spot of celebrities, socialites, and even gangsters of the early 1900s.
It was routinely called "the 8th wonder of the world", and up until the Astrodome was built in Houston in the 1960s, West Baden Springs Hotel was home to the largest free-span dome atrium, measuring 200 feet across and 100 feet tall.
Back in the early days of the new-and-improved West Baden Springs Hotel, it was claimed that the aforementioned springs contained water that could heal - or nearly heal - almost any ailment. Of course, this wasn't true, but it certainly seemed to be effective marketing.
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The glory days inevitably came to an end, however, following the stock market crash of 1929.
West Baden Springs Hotel dragged itself on for a couple more years following the crash, but it was to no avail. The mighty giant, too, would eventually fall. They closed their doors in 1932, and the property was subsequently donated to a religious group.
It remained a seminary until 1964, and then it was converted yet again to a private college.
For 15 years, the college occupied the space, but it, too, failed to last. Eventually, the property was abandoned and left vacant for more than a decade.
However, in the early 1990s, whisperings about new life began circling the property and, in 1996, renovations and a complete overhaul began.
Slowly but surely, life began to return to the halls of West Baden Springs Hotel. Tours of the facilities began while renovations were being completed, and today, they are still offered to visitors who hope to be blown away by the beauty of the alive-once-more hotel and all its luxury.
Nowadays, the hotel has 243 luxurious rooms and suites to choose from.
It's incredible that a place so extravagant and lovely can go from booming to derelict, to useful and then back to derelict again, but it's even more impressive when it can bounce back once more and return stronger than it ever was, which West Baden Springs Hotel most certainly has done.
Interested in other stays that will fascinate and intrigue you? Check out some of our other legendary getaways in Indiana! Have you ever visited West Baden Hotel or its sister, French Lick Resort? Do you have any pictures to share? Make sure to do so in the comments!
There's a hotel or resort for just about any type of vacation. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend, a family reunion, or a solo trip. there are so many choices, sometimes too many choices. We compiled a list of places to stay if you're looking for a memorable getaway. Take a look at these beautiful resorts and best hotels in Indiana and book your stay!
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Best Unique Hotels to Stay in Indiana
Why stay in a boring hotel that looks like any other hotel when there are so many unique options out there? Each of these places is one of the best hotels in Indiana and will ensure you'll have a memorable stay.
With its 19th-century industrial design, numerous amenities, and luxury, Ironworks Hotel Indy is one of the top hotels in Indiana. You'll fall in love with all the design elements like exposed brick walls and the location just north of Downtown Indianapolis where you'll find high-end restaurants and shops. But you may want to spend more time relaxing at this exceptional hotel with its on-site restaurants, bars, and more. Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Address: 210 E Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN, 47408
Price: $189/night
Amenities: Pet-friendly, free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant and coffee shop, fitness center
Ratings: 9.4/10 stars
Located close to Indiana University Bloomington, the Graduate Bloomington is in a great location as a "Hoosier hangout right on Kirkwood Ave." A stay here means you'll be within walking distance of Courthouse Square and all the best of the city. The rooms are comfortable, inviting, and uniquely decorated. There's just so much to see at this hotel alone! Book your stay on Hotels.com.
The Brewery Lodge & Supper Club in Michigan City offers 12 well-appointed suites. Set on 40 acres, you'll be surrounded by woods, streams ponds, and plenty of wildlife. On-site is a craft beer and wine bar as well as a spa. It's a great place to drink, dine, and relax for a while. Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Best Hotel Pools in Indiana
Some amenities are a must for some people. Whether it's a spa, a hot tub, or a pool, there are ways that some like to relax on a getaway. If you're the type who enjoys a hotel with a pool, here are the best hotel pools in Indiana.
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4. Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort, French Lick
Address: 8505 W State Road 56, French Lick, IN, 47432
Price: $174/night
Amenities: Free breakfast, 2 restaurants, bar/lounge, room service, water park, mini golf, gym
Ratings: 7.6/10 stars
Need a family-friendly getaway? How about a hotel with its very own waterpark? Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort is located in Southern Indiana and has a pretty epic 40,000-square-foot waterpark that all family members can enjoy. With slides, a lazy river, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and play structures, this could be quite a memorable vacation destination! Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Address: SR 46 East, Brown County State Park, Nashville, IN 47448
Price: $142/night
Amenities: On-site eatery, game room/arcade, hot tub, indoor aquatic center
Ratings: 3.5/5 stars
Located in Brown County State Park, the largest state park in Indiana, Abe Martin Lodge offers 84 guest rooms as well as numerous cabins. You can enjoy spending time outdoors or have some fun indoors at the lodge's aquatic park with waterslides and lazy rivers. It's fun for the whole family! Book your stay on TripAdvisor.com.
Best Luxury Hotels in Indiana
Looking for a bit of luxury in your life? We all deserve to be pampered in a five-star hotel at times. Check out these stunning luxury hotels in Indiana:
Looking for a bit of luxury in your life in Indianapolis? Then look no further than the Bottleworks Hotel! This used to be the Coca-Cola Bottling Company which closed its doors back in 1964 but has since gotten a grand makeover to become the boutique luxury hotel it is today. Here at Bottleworks Hotel, guests can appreciate the historical details from the building's past as they enjoy modern-day amenities. Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Amenities: Pet-friendly, continental breakfast, 2 on-site restaurants, fitness center
Ratings: 9.4/10 stars
Hotel Carmichael is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Carmel by the Arts & Design District. While you'll love the walkability of the location, there are so many amenities in this hotel to enjoy as well. Stay in or go out, you'll have options while staying at Hotel Carmichael! Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Located in downtown Indy, JW Marriott Indianapolis has a skywalk to the Convention Center and is walkable to plenty of places in the area. Whether you're here for a game at Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts) or to explore nearby White River State Park, you can come back to your luxury hotel room for a restful night's sleep. Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Best Boutique Hotels in Indiana
Boutique hotels are normally in centralized areas close to all that a city or a town has to offer. They are also normally smaller and more unique than most larger hotels. Here are some of the best hotels in Indiana:
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9. Brickhouse Loft - A Boutique Hotel, Martinsville
Brickhouse loft is a small boutique hotel that can accommodate up to 30 guests. Each guest room is a suite so you can expect plenty of room and privacy. The property has contactless check-in and you'll use an access code to get into the building and your room, so there's no staff on-site. From this boutique hotel, you can walk to shops and restaurants. And just a quick drive from Brickhouse Loft will get you to Downtown Indy, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the airport. Book your stay on TripAdvisor.com.
With just 19 rooms, Hotel Broad Ripple provides plenty of privacy and quiet. Each room has its own private bathroom and some even have a balcony overlooking the White River. Guests can enjoy hanging out at the on-site bar as well as exceptional service. Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Best Resorts in Indiana
How would you like to stay in a resort in Indiana? Resorts normally offer an array of amenities that hotels may not like a pool, a spa, activities, and more. Some resorts are also family-friendly. Check out these best resorts in Indiana:
Address: 702 East Lake View Road, Syracuse, IN, 46567
Price: $145/night
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly, free continental breakfast, 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, playground, on the beach, fitness center, garden, terrace
Ratings: 9.2/10 stars
Located at Lake Wawasee, Oakwood Resort offers gorgeous views, walking paths, kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating. If you prefer the great indoors to the outdoors, there's plenty to experience at this resort such as a fitness center, a restaurant, and a shop. This is one resort that's perfect for a family getaway! Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Amenities: Full-service spa, golf course, events, casino, on-site restaurants, bars/lounges, fitness center, seasonal outdoor swimming pool with cabanas
Ratings: 8.4/10 stars
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With everything you'll need at your fingertips, there's no excuse to leave the property of Belterra Casino Resort. There are so many amenities to enjoy from the casino to the spa to the outdoor pool, poolside bar, restaurants, and more. What more could you ask for? Book your stay on Hotels.com.
So, which of these exceptional resorts and best hotels in Indiana will you book first? Do you have another favorite hotel? Please tell us about it in the comments!
Looking for hotels for a winter vacation? Check out these one-of-a-kind Indiana hotels that you'll want to hibernate in.
Every now and again, it's nice to get away. You want to escape the pressures and boredom of everyday life and do something else, even if it means spending a little bit to do so or going off the beaten path. Well, in this case, have we got the ultimate escape for you! Cabins & Candlelight offers remote cabins in Indiana that specialize in romantic escapes and the kind of trip where you relax, unplug, and find solace from the outside world. It's quiet, out of the way, and the perfect chance to unwind in a stunning natural setting with someone you love.
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There are two beautiful cabins at this retreat; they are the mirror images of one another, and no matter which one you get, you're in for a treat.
This little getaway is located between the cities of Indy and Lafayette, on the Montgomery/Boone County Line. It's surrounded by breathtaking forest, and on the southern border of the property is beautiful Sugar Creek.
Out here, in this little bubble of paradise, there is no Wi-Fi.
There is hardly any cell service, either, so you'll be able to kick back, put your feet up, and do whatever it is you want to do without interruptions from modern technology.
You can select an option in which all the fixings for a delicious dinner - steak or chicken with plenty of delicious sides - are waiting for you at the cabin upon arrival.
You'll also have all the ingredients for a delicious breakfast, too... what's more down-to-earth than cooking up an amazing meal and then enjoying it riverside in the quiet respite of Indiana's forestland?
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Outside, there is also a fire pit, and just enough seating for you and your person to enjoy.
We're not sure what the best part here even is; the location is equal parts romantic and relaxing, and it's perfect for escaping real life for a little while. Perhaps one of our favorite features, though, is just how quiet it is out here.
Once you've had your fill of listening to the woodlands around the cabin (if that's even possible), you can retreat indoors for a soak in the hot tub and then a delightful movie night.
We cannot overexpress how much we love these quaint, but perfectly peaceful, cabins in the woods. Looking for the perfect retreat in Indiana? You found it.
Every time of year is a good time of year to book your stay (remember to do it in advance), but we personally love morel season most.
Winter is magical, spring is amazing... but morel season is the best. There are lots that grow on the property - you're welcome to grab a basket and hunt for them!
To learn more about the cabins, your hosts, and to find out how to book your stay, check out the official Cabins and Candlelight website. We bet you'll be packing your bags in no time!
