French Lick's Hidden Gem: Valley Inn & Suites - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into French Lick’s… well, let’s just say “Hidden Gem” for now: Valley Inn & Suites - Unforgettable Stay! Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs. This is real talk, straight from yours truly, who just spent a few days there.
(Disclaimer: I paid for my stay, no freebies here. This is my honest, unvarnished opinion. Prepare for a bumpy ride, emotionally speaking!)
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the… Stairs. (Ahem)
Alright, so the “Hidden Gem” part? Yeah, it’s true. Valley Inn isn’t smack-dab in the middle of the resort hustle, which is kinda nice. It's tucked away a bit, which gave me this feeling of…escape. But! Okay, so getting there. Accessibility. They say it's accessible. Let’s be honest, “accessible” is a spectrum. There’s an elevator, which is a massive win. BUT, and this is a big but, the entrance… uh, well, let’s just say my grandma wouldn’t be thrilled about the little ramp situation. It's not awful, but it could be better. They get points for the elevator, definitely.
- Accessibility: This is where I need to get specific. They do have an elevator (yay!), and I think they've got some accessible rooms. Important suggestion: Before you book, CALL THEM. Seriously. Ask about the specifics. Get them to really describe the room's layout, the bathroom situation. Don't just take my word for it! This is crucial for anyone with mobility issues.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized and… Smelling Fresh?
Okay, so I’m a germaphobe. Sue me. COVID’s got me paranoid. But I have to say, Valley Inn seemed to take cleanliness seriously. They were REALLY aggressive with the cleaning products. The smell… was… well, “clinical”. You know when you walk into a hospital? Like that. They offered anti-viral cleaning products, and the whole suite felt fresh. Points earned there. They proudly stated that they sanitized rooms between guests.
- Cleanliness and safety: They followed the basics, I'll give them that - Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays. They provided Hand sanitizer. Staff trained in safety protocol. This is all great and made me feel secure enough to breathe some fresh air.
Rooms: Comfy, Cozy, and… That Alarm Clock Though
The rooms? Pretty standard. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly functional. Clean, definitely. I actually went for a "High Floor" room, hoping for some good views, but my window looked straight out at a… parking lot. Meh. But the Blackout curtains were a lifesaver – I slept like a baby. The bed? Super comfy! I actually liked the sofa, too, which became my personal lounging spot.
They also had the usual suspects: Air conditioning, Alarm clock (which I promptly turned off – snooze is my superpower), Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (thank heavens!), Ironing facilities (useful), Mini bar (I didn’t touch it), Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free] (finally, some good stuff!).
I also found this little reading light by the bed that I loved.
Internet: Bless the Wi-Fi Gods
I NEED internet. I'm a digital nomad, a freelancer, a general online junkie. They gave me Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!). The internet worked, which is a huge win. Internet access – wireless to the world!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Breakfast Blues and… the Unexpected Happy Hour!
Okay, so the food situation. Restaurants, plural. They offer restaurants. I went for a Buffet in restaurant breakfast. Oh my god, it was breakfast [buffet]. It was… fine. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, the works. I wasn't exactly blown away by it, but hey it was free. They breakfast service was something.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: They didn't have an ideal breakfast, but hey, at least they offered free ones.
Things to Do: Beyond the Buffet
French Lick is all about those Spa/sauna experiences and Swimming pool [outdoor]. I didn’t get a chance to explore all the Spa options, but I did see some of the other options, like a Fitness center.
Services & Conveniences: Everything You Could Possibly Need (and a Few You Didn't Know You Did)
- Services and conveniences: This place is loaded! Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and Terrace. They got it all.
Now, for the BIG question: Would I stay again?
Honestly? Maybe. Maybe. It's not perfect, but it's a solid option. It's a quiet, functional place to crash. I think it's perfect for a romantic getaway for couples.
The Unforgettable OFFER!
So, here's the deal, to tempt you…
Book your stay at Valley Inn & Suites within the next [Insert timeframe - e.g., 30 days] and get:
- A guaranteed upgrade to a room with a View (subject to availability!)
- Free breakfast (even the buffet)
- Early Check-in (if you're lucky!)
- A $25 food and beverage credit at the bar
- Free Wi-Fi
Why you should book NOW:
- Cleanliness is a priority: Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Convenient: Car park [free of charge]
- Peaceful: Non-smoking rooms
Book your stay at Valley Inn & Suites today! (And remember, call ahead and ask about accessibility!)
Final score: 7.5/10. Could be better, but definitely not bad.
Toulon's BEST Fully Equipped Air-Conditioned Studio #13! 🔥
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re headed to French Lick, Indiana, and let me tell you – it's less "glamourous spa retreat" and more "charming, slightly-worn grandmother's house after Thanksgiving." (And I mean that in the best way possible.) This isn't going to be your slick, Instagram-perfect travel guide. This is real life, baby. Prepare for the ride.
Valley Inn and Suites, French Lick: A Mess of Moments and Misadventures
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and Ah, The Rooms!
1:00 PM - Arrive at Valley Inn & Suites: The First Impression Shuffle. Okay, so, the GPS promised a scenic route. Turns out, "scenic" in Southern Indiana means "winding roads and the faint smell of manure." We pull up to the Valley Inn, and… it's not exactly the Ritz. But hey, the red brick is kind of cute, in a "remember when brick was the pinnacle of design?" kinda way. The parking lot? Well, let's just say my bumper almost met its maker.
1:15 PM - Check-In: The Warm Welcome (and the Slightly Less Warm Room). The front desk lady (bless her heart; she was clearly running the entire operation) was lovely, all smiles and "Welcome to French Lick!" She even gave us a complimentary cookie! Score! The room… well, it had a certain character. Think slightly-musty smell, furniture that’s seen better decades, and a TV the size of a postage stamp. But clean towels? Check. Decent water pressure? Double check. And that cookie? Still delicious.
2:00 PM - Exploratory Mission: Downtown French Lick. (My First Impression is… Undecided) Walked into the "downtown" area. It's cute, mind you. Think a movie set of a small town that time forgot. (And not in a pretentious, "vintage charm" way. More like, "This place still has a five-and-dime.") I'm not sure what I was expecting. Maybe a bustling metropolis of artisanal cheese and overpriced coffee? It was so, so quiet. But in the best way.
- Attempted Coffee Break FAIL: Found a quaint-looking cafe. Cute exterior. Inside? Closed. Next I saw a place called "The Nostalgic Bean." Okay, here we go! Except, they had a line out the door! And the espresso machine was making all sorts of weird noises. I opted for a convenience store coffee. A little bitter, but needed a pick-me-up.
3:30 PM - The French Lick Resort: Glimpses of Grandeur. Okay, now we're talking. The French Lick Resort. That's what everyone comes to French Lick for. I walked around staring agape, soaking in the beautiful views. The lobby is like a time capsule – chandeliers, marble floors, and people dressed like they just stepped out of a Gatsby party (or maybe they live like that, I haven't quite figured it out yet). The casino? Tempting, but I'm not a gambler. (Except, you know, with things like "Can I walk into traffic without getting hit?")
5:00 PM - Dinner: The 1875 Steakhouse – A Delicious Indulgence. Yes, I had a delicious steak. Yes, it cost a small fortune. But you know what? Sometimes, a perfectly cooked piece of meat is worth every penny. The cocktails were divine too. I felt like a fancy lady. (Or a lady pretending to be fancy.)
7:30 PM - Evening Stroll: A Little Ghost Hunting? Okay, I know French Lick is old, and I heard there are ghosts haunting the place. Didn't see any, but walking the the halls of the resort late at night was creepy. I think the only ghostly figure that haunted me was the price of that steak.
9:00 PM - Back to the Room: TV, Snacks, and the Glorious Sound of Silence. Bliss. Exhausted, content. The postage stamp TV feels perfect now.
Day 2: Adventure, Disappointment, and the Unexpected Gem.
8:00 AM - Breakfast: The Complimentary Buffet – A Battle of the Bowls. Valley Inn offers a complimentary breakfast which is an epic adventure of its own. Not exactly a culinary masterpiece, I'll be honest. Think lukewarm scrambled eggs, rubbery sausage, and industrial-strength coffee. But, hey, it's free. I did manage to snag a waffle, which, with enough syrup, was almost edible.
9:00 AM - French Lick West Baden Museum: I love museums, but the exhibits were a bit underwhelming. I spent most of the time staring at the ceiling.
10:00 AM - The West Baden Springs Hotel: The Eighth Wonder of the World (Apparently). Oh. My. God. This place. It's the sister hotel to French Lick, a short drive away. Seriously, this is where you have to go. The atrium is massive, a circular wonder of architectural genius. I walked in, jaw agape, for at least ten minutes. Stood in silence, just soaking it in. It's that good. Felt the need to touch the walls. Just to prove it was real. Pictures don't do it justice. Run, don't walk, to West Baden.
12:00 PM - Lunch: The Local's Choice – A Culinary Revelation. Followed a local's recommendation (the kind woman who almost ran me over trying to park) and ate at a small diner. The food was simple, classic. I devoured the best burger I've had in ages. Pure comfort food.
1:30 PM - Driving Through the Hoosier National Forest: A Wild Ride. I'd heard there were some scenic drives nearby. So, I followed directions, and within minutes, I was lost in a sea of trees. And the roads didn't help either. The forest was stunning, the air was fresh, and I was terrified of running out of gas in the middle of nowhere.
3:00 PM - A Bit of Shopping: Souvenirs I Don’t Want (But Bought Anyway). Tourist shops. You know the drill. "French Lick" t-shirts in garish colors. Keychains. I caved. One stuffed animal later and my wallet feels lighter, but my heart is full.
5:00 PM - Back to the Room, Nap time: Nothing beats the peace of my room.
7:00 PM - Dinner: Back at the 1875 Steakhouse (Yes, Again!). Because, hello, steak. And I am not immune to a good cocktail…
9:00 PM - Packing and Preparation: The Realization of Departure. I am not ready to leave.
Day 3: Farewell, French Lick!
8:00 AM - Breakfast: Buffet Redux. Another round of eggs, sausage, and a waffle.
9:00 AM - Last Walk Around West Baden: One last look at the wonder. This place still blows my mind.
10:00 AM - Check Out: Goodbye, Valley Inn & Suites (and its Quirks). The hotel was still standing, the front desk lady still smiling. I handed over my key.
11:00 AM - Departure: Driving Home (Thinking About Steak). French Lick, you were weird, wonderful, and surprisingly awesome.
So, what *is* this whole "life" thing, anyway? And why do I feel so… confused?
Ugh, right? The BIG question. Honestly, if I had a definitive answer, I'd be sipping Mai Tais on a private island, not hunched over a keyboard. But here’s the thing: confusion? It’s *the* human condition. I once spent a week convinced my toaster was judging me. (It wasn't. Probably.) It’s a rollercoaster, a clown show, a never-ending buffet of choices. And sometimes, you just pick the celery. Seriously, if you weren’t confused, I’d be worried. We're all just winging it, trying to figure out which fork to use and hoping the existential dread doesn't win. My advice? Embrace the chaos. Learn to love the celery.
Why do people feel so… fake sometimes? Like they’re all playing a part.
Oh, buddy, I *feel* this one. It's not just "sometimes"; it's most of the time! We're all performing, aren't we? A little "me" for work, a little "me" for the family, the "cool me" for the coffee shop. It's exhausting. You have to learn to pick your battles. I'm pretty sure my "grocery store me" is the most… *dull* version. Just silent acknowledgment and careful selection of avocados. The truth is, vulnerability? It's scary! So, we build walls, we practice our lines, and we hope the curtain never falls. But then, sometimes, you have a moment of raw honesty with someone… and that’s the good stuff. Like, *really* good. That’s when you remember there are people out there with the same worries.
What's the deal with relationships? Are they worth the effort?
Effort? Oh, honey, relationships are a full-time job with no health benefits and a boss who occasionally yells. But are they worth it? (Takes a deep breath and sighs, "ohhhh yes")… It's complicated. I had a relationship that ended… explosively. Public displays of 'affection', screaming accusations, and then… silence. It was months later, I saw them at the grocery store. We made awkward eye contact while fighting over the last box of Captain Crunch. I realized… I missed the fight. Even the screaming. The point is, relationships are messy. They're beautiful and terrifying. They'll break your heart (probably more than once). But they’ll also give you the best belly laughs, the most support, and remind you that *someone* knows your weird obsession with collecting novelty spoons. Maybe they're worth more than all the effort.
Okay, fine. But what about just... being alone? Is that a thing? And is it okay if I like it?
HELL YES! Seriously, YES! Being alone is not only a thing, it's a *necessary* thing. I had a friend who practically lived at the bar (I love them!). He was *never* alone. And you know what? He was miserable. Turns out, he didn’t know himself. So, is it okay? It’s vital! Embrace the quiet. Embrace the solitude. Bake a cake, watch terrible reality TV, and talk to your cat. (My cat, Mr. Whiskers, judges *everyone*.. but I love him). Learn to love your own company, because let's face it, you're stuck with yourself for the long haul. And bonus? When you're comfortable alone, you’re less likely to settle for relationships that are… less than stellar. (Again, just ask my friend from the bar).
How do I deal with failure? Because, let's be honest, I'm *really* good at it.
Oh, failure. My old friend. Let me tell you a story…I once applied for a job I *knew* I was perfect for. Nailed the interview. Felt amazing. Didn’t get it. (The universe laughs at me). I. Was. Devastated. I spent a week in my pajamas, eating ice cream, and questioning all my life choices. Then, I had to laugh or cry, so I chose… laughing. Because, honestly, how could I even get a job? I didn’t know what I wanted! The truth? Failure is part of the deal. It stings, sometimes it crushes. But it’s also a chance to learn. To grow. To dust yourself off and try (again, and again, and again). It is a reminder that you are alive. So, get back up, maybe brush yourself off, and… learn from it. And then go eat ice cream. It helps. (A lot).
Is there a "right" way to… anything? Like, is there a cheat sheet for life?
God, I wish! I would have saved myself a lot of tears (and bad haircuts). No. There isn't. There are guidelines, cultural norms, blah blah blah. But the "right" way is… the way that feels right *to you*. Embrace your weirdness! Follow your gut (even if your gut is telling you to eat an entire pizza by yourself). It's gonna be messy, and you'll probably make mistakes, and someone *will* judge you. (Hi, Karen!) BUT. It's your life. So, live it. (And maybe buy a bigger pizza).
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
Don't take yourself so seriously. Seriously. Life is a comedy, and you're the main character. So, laugh more, worry less, and for the love of all that is holy, stop overthinking every single decision. Oh, and invest in Google. Seriously. I'm still kicking myself.
