French Lick Resort, IN, Welcomes LGBT Guests

August 23, 2015September 7, 2020 by Pamela Dittmer McKuen

Lobby at French Lick, Indiana, Springs Hotel

Despite an earlier legislative ruckus in Indiana earlier this year, French Lick Resort extends a warm welcome to all LGBT travelers.

“We as a company have always been inclusive,” said Joseph Vezzoso Jr., vice president of resort operations. “We want everyone to feel welcome, regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability or class.”

French Lick is a luxury resort community abutting the scenic Hoosier National Forest in South Central Indiana. The property offers two magnificent hotels, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the 443-room French Lick Springs Hotel and the 243-room West Baden Springs Hotel. They were built at the turn of the 20th Century and fully restored to their original grandeur in 2005. The architecture is extraordinary, most notably the six-story atrium at West Baden.

West Baden Springs Hotel at French Lick Resort, Indiana

BACKGROUND: In March, the Indiana legislature passed a law that was largely viewed to allow businesses to turn away gay and lesbian customers on the basis of religious belief. The national backlash and numerous boycotts were loud and fierce. A revised measure clarified that such customers may not be denied goods and services. But questions remain.

French Lick acted quickly by posting a response of Hoosier Hospitality on its website. In part, it reads: “French Lick Resort, a Travel Advocacy Group-Approved facility, respects the privacy, values and rights of all our guests and employees. The new legislation won’t change the way we do business or work with our employees… Our views are ingrained in our culture and are not affected by legislation.”

West Baden Springs King Balcony Guestroom

Lobby at West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick, Indiana

So, how will you spend your time at French Lick? Among the many possibilities are elegant and casual dining, two spas, four golf courses, casino, shopping emporium, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, bowling alley and 26-horse stable.

Over the decades, French Lick has hosted dozens of famous personalities such as Bob Hope, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Diane Sawyer, John Mellencamp, Kenny G, Magic Johnson and Peyton Manning.