Ind. — Seventy-five years after turning out the lights on its last guest, the West Baden Springs Hotel in West Baden, Ind., officially reopens its registry today.

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and other dignitaries are scheduled to speak at a 10 a.m. invitation-only ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The first official guest will be checked in, followed by a reception in the hotel’s famed domed atrium, once hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
“This is truly a momentous day for not only West Baden but for the entire region,” said Dyan Welsh, public relations manager for the resort. “The fact that this grand hotel was built in 1902 and will now serve hotel guests for the first time in 75 years is truly incredible. This day is a dream come true for everyone who believed in the spirit of the West Baden.”
The restored National Historic Landmark has been open since late April on a trial run or “soft opening,” as hotel staff sharpened their skills for invited guests.
But the training is now over as visitors move into the 246 restored rooms and suites outfitted with Egyptian cotton linens and LCD flat-panel televisions. The hotel originally had 508 smaller guest rooms.
Addressing dozens of the hotel’s employees at a mid-afternoon appreciation rally in the hotel lobby Tuesday, French Lick Resort Casino chief operating officer Chris Leininger told his staffers to “take a breath and think about what you’ve accomplished.”
“You are ready,and you have earned the right to be a part of history. You are opening another new chapter in the life if this storied hotel.”
Reconstruction of the natatorium, based on historic photographs of the original, continues. The complex will include a spa, pool and fitness center.
A shuttle service will move guests between West Baden and the French Lick Springs Hotel and French Lick Casino, less than a mile away.
The French Lick Springs Hotel was also completely restored before opening with the new casino last November.

Information from: www.indystar.com

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