The Driskill

The Driskill

Austin's original and iconic hotel features late-nineteenth-century Romanesque architecture. With its marble floors, stained-glass dome, and corridors filled with museum-quality artwork, a grand entrance into the opulent lobby transports you to a historical era.

Ascend the grand staircase to the most authentic Texas bar in downtown Austin, complete with live music and happy hour every day.

Texas bar scene Austin's top attractions

About The Driskill

The Driskill, a Romanesque-style structure completed in 1886, is Austin's oldest operating hotel and one of Texas' most well-known hotels in general.

Col. Jesse Driskill, a cattleman who spent his fortune building "the finest hotel south of St. Louis," designed and built the Driskill.

The Driskill remains one of Austin's premier hotels today, with lavish bridal suites, two restaurants, and a grand ballroom. Hyatt Hotels Corporation has managed Driskill since 2013.

On November 25, 1969, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Hotel amenities guide

Architecture

The Driskill is made up of two interconnected buildings: the original four-story Romanesque Revival structure built in 1886 and a 13-story annex built in 1930.

The original structure was built with over six million pressed bricks and white limestone accents by Austin architect Jasper N. Preston. On the southern and eastern facades of the building, there are two porticos with large Richardsonian-style arches that were said to be the largest in Texas.

J.W. "Bud" Driskill faces Brazos Street, A.W. "Tobe" Driskill faces a west-side alley, and Jesse Driskill faces Sixth Street, which is surrounded by decorative carvings.

The hotel had 60 rooms when it first opened, including 12 corner rooms with attached baths, which were unusual in the region at the time. The structure was built with separate entrances for men and women.

• A saloon, billiard room, cigar shop, newsstand, and barbershop with baths flanked two entrances for men, one on Sixth Street and the other facing the alleyway on the west side of the building.
• The Brazos Street women's entrance allowed female guests to bypass the lobby's cigar smoke and rough talk and go straight.

The second floor housed the main dining room and ballroom, as well as men's and women's parlors, a children's dining room, and bridal suites. An electric bell system, steam heating, and gas lighting were among the other features.

Trost & Trost, an El Paso architecture firm, designed the 13-story annex, which opened in 1930. The bungalow penthouse in the 180-room annex is only accessible from the building's roof.

• The bungalow has two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, as well as a living room and a fully equipped kitchen.

The bungalow was originally used as a private residence for Southern Pacific Railroad superintendents, but it was later rented to celebrities such as Jack Dempsey, Bob Hope, and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The hotel manager restored the bungalow in 1979 to use as his personal residence.

Texas Shuttle Services

Texas Shuttle will help you plan your rides to these fun and exciting visits to The Driskill in Austin, Texas. We will pick and drop you off at your exact locations. Almost all rides are non-stop in nice cars, SUVs, or shuttles.

• We are available 24/7.
• You can change the time or date with us without being charged.

There's less hassle, and you save more money with us. The Texas Shuttle is safer, affordable, flexible, and more convenient than any other ride. Book a ride with us this weekend to experience a fun and productive weekend.

Christmas Events Transportation

Plan your visit to these wonderful Christmas events with the Texas Shuttle service. You can book Dallas to Houston shuttle service.

• We will pick you up and drop you off at your exact locations.
• Almost all rides are non-stop in nice cars, SUVs, or shuttles.
• We are available 24/7.
• You can change the time or date with us without being charged.

It even reduces the unwanted cost incurred on the fair of taxis and buses to reach home. There's less hassle, and you can save more money with us. The Texas Shuttle is safer, affordable, flexible, and more convenient than any other ride. Book a ride with us this season to experience that warm and stress-free holiday vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the history of The Driskill and when was it added to the National Register of Historic Places?

The Driskill, built in 1886 by Col. Jesse Driskill, is Austin's oldest operating hotel. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 25, 1969.

Can I visit The Driskill without staying overnight?

Yes, you can visit The Driskill for tours or dining in their restaurants without staying overnight.

What unique architectural features does The Driskill have?

The Driskill features Romanesque Revival architecture with over six million pressed bricks and white limestone accents, including two porticos with large Richardsonian-style arches.

How can I get to The Driskill from the airport using Texas Shuttle?

You can contact Texas Shuttle at (817) 403-6196 for transportation services from the airport to The Driskill.

Guest Rooms and Suites at The Driskill

With 189 individually styled guestrooms, The Driskill offers accommodations that blend 19th-century grandeur with modern comfort. Each space reflects the hotel's commitment to preserving its historic character while meeting contemporary expectations. The Johnson Suite, named after President Lyndon B. Johnson who once stayed in the bungalow penthouse, represents the pinnacle of Driskill luxury.

Guests entering these rooms step into a space where Texas heritage is felt in every detail. Original architectural elements complement updated amenities, creating an atmosphere that honors the past while serving today's travelers. Corner rooms, a feature dating to the hotel's 1886 opening, remain popular for their abundant natural light and expanded views of downtown Austin.

Dining at The Driskill

The Driskill Grill

Reimagined by MML Hospitality in 2026, The Driskill Grill returns as a classic American steakhouse worthy of the hotel's legendary legacy. This reopening marks a new chapter for the property's culinary offerings, bringing refined dining back to a space that has hosted presidents, celebrities, and local luminaries for over 135 years.

1886 Café & Bakery

For more casual fare, the 1886 Café & Bakery serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch seven days a week. Stocked with recipes from the hotel's own archives, this popular local spot has earned recognition as one of the best brunch destinations in Austin. The menu balances savory and sweet selections with Texas-inspired familiar favorites, making it a favorite among both hotel guests and downtown Austin residents.

Location: Downtown Austin's Historic Core

The Driskill sits at the corner of Sixth Street and Brazos Street in downtown Austin, placing visitors within walking distance of the city's most iconic attractions. Congress Avenue, which runs north-south through the heart of Austin from the Texas State Capitol grounds to Lady Bird Lake, passes just east of the hotel. The famous Sixth Street entertainment district, known for live music venues and vibrant nightlife, extends west from the Driskill's doorstep.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) lies approximately 0.5 miles south of the property. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail circles the lake, offering a scenic 10-mile loop popular with joggers, cyclists, and walkers. Zilker Park, home to the Zilker Botanical Garden and Barton Springs Pool, sits just across the lake from downtown.

Major highways serving the area include Interstate 35 (I-35), which runs north-south through Austin, and US-183, which provides a northern bypass around the city. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is located approximately 8 miles south of downtown.

The Driskill's Celebrity and Presidential Legacy

Beyond serving travelers, The Driskill has welcomed a distinguished roster of guests since opening in 1886. Presidents, patrons, artists, and influencers have all chosen this historic property for social gatherings, defining events, and restful stays. The 1930 annex bungalow, originally designed as a private residence for Southern Pacific Railroad superintendents, became a glamorous retreat for visiting celebrities.

Boxing champion Jack Dempsey, entertainer Bob Hope, and President Lyndon B. Johnson all stayed in the rooftop bungalow during visits to Austin. This tradition of hosting notable figures continued throughout the 20th century, cementing The Driskill's reputation as Texas hospitality's premier address. Today, the hotel continues this legacy, offering guests an opportunity to experience accommodations once reserved for the era's most celebrated names.

Comparing The Driskill to Other Austin Historic Hotels

Special Packages and Offers

The Driskill offers curated packages designed to showcase the hotel's unique amenities. The Reimagined Luxury package allows guests to experience newly restored guest rooms while enjoying a $100 food and beverage credit, complimentary valet parking, welcome amenity, nightly turndown service, and 2pm late check-out. This offering appeals to travelers seeking an elevated Austin experience with historic charm.

The Legendary Suite Escape provides another option for those looking to indulge. This package includes accommodations in a grand Driskill suite, welcome amenity, $50 daily food and beverage credit, complimentary valet parking, and nightly turndown service. Both packages represent the hotel's commitment to delivering exceptional value while highlighting its dining venues and historic character.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Driskill

Can I visit The Driskill without staying overnight?

Yes, The Driskill welcomes visitors who aren't hotel guests. You can explore the historic lobby with its marble floors and stained-glass dome, dine at The Driskill Grill or 1886 Café & Bakery, and enjoy a drink at the grand staircase bar. The lobby remains one of downtown Austin's most impressive public spaces.

What makes The Driskill historically significant?

Built in 1886 by Colonel Jesse Driskill, a cattle baron who invested his fortune in creating "the finest hotel south of St. Louis," The Driskill holds dual historic designations. The National Register of Historic Places listed the property on November 25, 1969 (Reference No. 69000212), and it received Recorded Texas Historic Landmark status in 1966 (Reference No. 13931). These designations recognize its role as Austin's oldest operating hotel and an architectural landmark.

How far is The Driskill from Congress Avenue and Lady Bird Lake?

The Driskill sits just one block east of Congress Avenue, which runs from the Texas State Capitol north of downtown down to Lady Bird Lake to the south. Lady Bird Lake is approximately 0.5 miles south of the hotel. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail circles the lake and connects to Zilker Park via the Lamar Boulevard bridge.

What dining options are available at the hotel?

The Driskill features two primary dining venues. The Driskill Grill, reopened in 2026 following reimagination by MML Hospitality, serves classic American steakhouse cuisine. The 1886 Café & Bakery, open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, offers Texas-inspired dishes alongside archived recipes from the hotel's history.

Is The Driskill within walking distance of Sixth Street music venues?

Absolutely. The hotel's address at 701 Brazos Street places it at the eastern edge of Austin's Sixth Street Historic District. World-famous music venues along this corridor are reachable within a few blocks. The Driskill's own bar at the top of the grand staircase also offers live music in what is considered the most authentic Texas bar in downtown Austin.

What transportation options connect the hotel to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport?

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport lies approximately 8 miles south of downtown. Ground transportation options include rideshare services, taxi services, and shuttle companies. The hotel's location near I-35 provides direct access to the airport via Highway 71 west. Many visitors also choose to fly into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and use shuttle services connecting Dallas to Houston, with stops in Austin.

Are there special packages for honeymoons or anniversaries?

The hotel's bridal suites, a feature dating to its 1886 opening, cater to couples celebrating special occasions. The Reimagined Luxury and Legendary Suite Escape packages offer elevated amenities including food and beverage credits, complimentary valet parking, and turndown service. Contact the hotel directly for customized arrangements for honeymoons, anniversaries, or other milestone celebrations.