French Lick Springs Villas

Furniture dated, but clean and quiet area. Nice place to go to relax, with many things to see nearby.

Superb getaway with many amenities. There is a new casino,golf course and soon to be finished indoor water park. One of the more spacious condos with flat screen tv's in most units. Jacuzzi and sauna in each unit There is also a new indoor pool with retractable roof and exercise room on the villa grounds.

My husband and I were looking to purchase a condo at this resort. So, we called down to French Lick Springs today to see if we could come and tour a condo and the resort to see what they were like and were very rudely told no. We asked if we were expected to purchase a condo sight unseen. Again, very rudely she said "basically, yes". We asked how the exchange program works since we have never owned a condo before and were told that it wasn't up to the staff there to explain this to us. Rest assured we will not be purchasing a condo at this resort. Amazing that if they treat prospective buyers like this, how badly do they treat actual owners?

Things have changed dramatically in the past year at French Lick. The resort itself is unchanged although an ongoing renovation of all rooms is done on a 5yr rotating basis. This keeps all units looking pretty good. The main changes have occured at the adjacent French Lick Hotel. All the amenties available at the resort are located at the hotel. There are 2 new swimming pools, one indoor and one outside for summer use. There is a new world class spa, 2 new golf courses, and a brand new vegas-style casino. The hotel also has a bowling alley/game room and an exercise room on the lower level. There is also a theatre at the hotel, check their website for shows planned during your visit.There is a $10 per day/per timeshare unit to use the pools and exercise room at the hotel. This isn't too bad since most of the units sleeep 8. If there are only 2 people in your unit try hooking up with another couple at the Monday morning meeting to share the cost of the pool using one unit#. Don't miss touring the West Baden Hotel down the road it is a phenominal site. Both hotels have been fully renovated to their original state over 100 years ago. For an inexpensive great meal try Miguel's Mexican Restaurant next to the Jay C grocery store. A trip to the French Lick Winery is also worthwhile. If you prefer the beach in the summer try the beach at Lake Patoka a short drive away.

Allow plenty of extra time to arrive due to highway construction in and around French Lick. The Villa management is unwilling to accommodate any delay after 7 PM check in.

We stayed in a two bedroom unit. It was spacious, clean and comfortable. However, access requires hauling your belongings up a couple flights of stairs and some distance for most of the units. The units are on a hillside in a wooded area which no doubt is beautiful in October. There are no visitor parking spaces near units.

Our unit included a spacious kitchen with many cupboards, microwave and electric grill. There is a fireplace, TV, VCR, but no DVD, radio or wireless laptop service. The second story included a master bedroom with king size bed and TV. The other bedroom had twin beds with both bedrooms sharing a bathroom. The second bathroom was on the first floor near the front entrance and included a Jacuzzi and sauna. Movies rented for $2.12 with an equal next day late charge.

Presently there is no meet and greet program or effort to sell units. There is no swimming pool or planned children’s activities and no on site or nearby recreational facilities except a 10 mile trip to Patoka Lake and an additional 10 miles to the beach and hiking trails. The only nearby 18 hole golf course was closed for repairs and has fees of $45-$65. The principal local attraction is an old train museum offering about a 2 hour train ride which we enjoyed. Bus tours to distant attractions have been suspended during construction of an adjacent gambling casino due to open November 2006. Presently there are few local restaurants or grocery stores.

Certainly those people attracted to gambling will find pleasure in staying here in the near future. The area is anticipating much construction and development over the next few years.