Behind the Scenes Tour: West Baden Springs Hotel

✘ West Baden Springs, Indiana • August 22, 2024

⌖ A Living Monument of Innovation and Elegance

① West Baden Springs Hotel

The Restoration Efforts

Our journey through the West Baden Springs Hotel began in the museum, an area rich in history that set the tone for the entire tour. The museum’s walls were lined with photographs and artifacts that documented the meticulous restoration of the hotel, which had once fallen into complete disrepair. We learned that this grand hotel was saved from potential collapse, especially after a significant portion of the outer ring crumbled in 1991. Thanks to the efforts of Indiana Landmarks and the financial support of Bill and Gayle Cook, the hotel was brought back to life and preserved as a national treasure.

The Grand Dome

Leaving the museum, we stepped into the heart of the hotel and were immediately struck by the awe-inspiring grand dome towering above us. Completed in 1902, the dome spans an impressive 200 feet in diameter, making it one of the largest free-standing domes in the world at the time. This architectural marvel, supported by 24 steel trusses, each weighing four and a half tons, was designed to adapt to Indiana’s fluctuating climate. The engineers ingeniously incorporated a system that allows the dome to expand and contract with temperature changes, ensuring the structure’s stability and longevity.

The Atrium’s Transformation

Beneath this magnificent dome lies the atrium, a breathtaking circular space that exudes the opulence of the hotel’s early days. Originally a simple, elegant area, the atrium was later reimagined by Lillian Sinclair, the daughter of the hotel’s original builder, Lee W. Sinclair, after a fire destroyed the original gardens in 1916. In 1917, Italian artisans installed intricate marble mosaic tiles throughout the main floorspace, bringing Lillian’s vision of a grand Pompeian court to life. Notably, the seal fountain, once a central feature of the atrium, was relocated outside during this transformation, where it continues to enhance the hotel’s gardens.

The Grand Lobby

Our next stop was the lobby, a space that captures the grandeur and elegance of early 20th-century design. With marble floors, grand columns, and intricate plasterwork, the lobby served as the grand entryway for guests, leading them into the heart of the hotel beneath the impressive dome. It was here that guests would check in, mingle, and prepare to experience the luxurious amenities that the hotel offered.

Sinclair’s Business Offices

From the lobby, we explored the adjacent rooms historically used as the business offices of Lee Sinclair, the visionary behind the hotel. These small alcoves were where Sinclair managed the daily operations of the hotel and made critical decisions that shaped its future. The offices are adorned with preserved historical details, including original wall sconces. Above these offices was Sinclair’s private suite, which was remarkably designed without any support columns—a significant engineering challenge for the time. The solution involved a sophisticated system of massive steel beams and chains, cleverly integrated into the building’s structure to transfer the load and maintain the integrity of the open space.

A Legacy of Evolution

As we continued our tour, we learned about the hotel’s evolution over the years. Originally boasting 500 guest rooms, the hotel has been reconfigured into 243 guest suites, each designed to offer luxury while preserving the historic ambiance. The hotel’s bedding, exclusively made by Bowles Mattress Company for West Baden and French Lick, reflects this commitment to comfort and luxury. We also explored the hotel’s rich history, including its vibrant years during the Roaring 20s, its closure during the Great Depression, and its period as a Jesuit seminary from 1934 to 1964.

Sinclair’s Restaurant

Our next destination was the main dining room, now known as Sinclair’s Restaurant. This room has preserved much of its original grandeur and continues to serve as a symbol of the hotel’s dedication to fine dining. It was once a central hub where guests gathered to enjoy elaborate meals, and it continues to reflect the hotel’s storied past. The dining area, complete with elegant chandeliers and intricate woodwork, has been restored to its original splendor, providing a timeless dining experience that honors both the history and the present.

Table One

Within Sinclair’s Restaurant, we visited a unique and exclusive dining experience known as Table One. This private room offers a bespoke dining experience for up to ten guests. A fascinating feature of Table One is the ability to make the kitchen visible at the flip of a switch. By activating a switch on the wall, glass panels that normally obscure the kitchen turn transparent, allowing guests to watch their meals being prepared in real time. This interactive element adds to the intimate and engaging nature of the dining experience.

Historical Guest Room – Room 4226

As we continued our tour, we had the opportunity to step into one of the hotel’s meticulously preserved historical rooms—Room 4226. This room, adorned with antique furnishings and period decor, offers a rare glimpse into the past, capturing the style and ambiance of the early 1900s. Every detail in Room 4226, from the wallpaper to the brass light switches, has been carefully curated to maintain historical authenticity, providing guests with a true sense of what it was like to stay at West Baden Springs during its heyday.

The Movie Room – Room 3017

Among the more modern yet historically significant stops on our tour was Room 3017, famously known as the Movie Room. This room gained recognition for its role in the 2022 film So Cold the River, where its carefully curated atmosphere played a crucial part in setting the tone for the movie’s darker scenes. Despite its adaptation for cinematic purposes, Room 3017 retains the charm and elegance characteristic of West Baden Springs. The room’s somber tones and unique wallpaper, shelving paper designed to mimic traditional wallpaper, add to its historical authenticity while simultaneously serving the film’s visual demands.

The Presidential Suite

The highlight of our tour was undoubtedly the visit to the Presidential Suite. As we stood in the suite’s bedroom, we observed large chains visible through the windows, part of the ingenious system that supports Sinclair’s private suite below. The suite itself includes multiple rooms, each richly decorated with high-end antiques and custom furnishings. The suite’s design reflects the grandeur of the hotel while offering a secluded retreat for those seeking the ultimate in luxury.

A Living Piece of History

As our tour concluded, it became clear that the West Baden Springs Hotel is much more than a historic building; it is a living piece of history, meticulously preserved and celebrated. From the grand dome and atrium to the lobby, dining room, historical room, and Presidential Suite, every aspect of the hotel tells a story of innovation, resilience, and timeless beauty. This behind-the-scenes tour offered a rare and detailed glimpse into the spaces that make this hotel a true gem.

☑ Who Is This Tour Best For?

• Architecture Enthusiasts: One of the largest free-standing domes in the world.
• History Buffs: A hotel reborn through restoration and resilience.
• Luxury Travelers: Preserved suites and fine dining experiences.
• Film Fans: See the setting from So Cold the River.
• Cultural Explorers: Italian mosaic artistry and early 20th-century grandeur.

⊞ Tour Summary

• Tour Name: Behind the Scenes at West Baden Springs Hotel
• Offered By: Indiana Landmarks
• Total Duration: 2 hours
• Main Stops: Museum, Dome, Atrium, Lobby, Sinclair’s Offices, Sinclair’s Restaurant, Table One, Historical Room, Movie Room, Presidential Suite
• Walk-By Highlights: Hotel gardens and seal fountain

▣ Activity Summary

• Walking Distance: 2,000 steps
• Terrain: Indoors, flat surfaces
• Accessibility: Fully accessible
• Meals Included: None included

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