The Driskill

Austin, 604 Brazos Street30.267989,-97.741618(Show on Map)

8.0

Very Good

+5 Photos

+ 3 Photos3

Checkin - Checkout datesSun, 05 Jul - Mon, 06 Jul05 Jul - 06 Jul

Info

The Driskill is a historic and luxurious hotel located in downtown Austin, Texas. It offers 189 well-appointed guestrooms and three restaurant and bar options, including The Driskill Bar, named one of the 10 Best Hotel Bars in America. The hotel is located near Austin's entertainment district and is known for its matchless service and storied spaces. The Driskill Grill is an iconic restaurant, known for its excellent service and refined American cuisine. The hotel's 1886 Café & Bakery offers classic Texas comfort food, coffee and fresh pastries, paying homage to the city's heritage.

Summary of reviews

The Driskill, is a historic and luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Austin. While the hotel may have some mixed reviews regarding cleanliness, WiFi and dining options, the exceptional staff, comfortable beds and beautiful decor make it a standout stay. The hotel is pet-friendly and family-friendly, offering amenities that cater to all guests. Additionally, the hotel's location is unbeatable, as it is in walking distance to many attractions and nightlife options. The Driskill's historical charm and elegant style make for an unforgettable experience and while it may not have all the luxury amenities of a five-star hotel, most guests found it exceptional nonetheless.

Categories

Luxury

Austin's oldest hotel, a historic landmark featuring opulent Romanesque architecture, lavishly decorated rooms and suites with timeless Texas touches, acclaimed fine dining, and a legendary bar, offering a unique luxury experience steeped in history.

Historic

The hotel was named, founded and managed by Colonel Driskill himself. It opened in 1886 and was considered as one of the most luxurious and expensive hotels of its time. In the course of a long and vigorous 200 year journey, the hotel went through multiple acquisitions, auctions and renovations. Thanks to its special place in history and in the local's hearts, the property was saved and is now regarded as "one of the finest hotels in Texas".

Sustainability Journey

This historic hotel holds third-party sustainability certifications and is committed to eco-friendly practices. It has implemented waste reduction and recycling programs, uses energy-saving technologies, and focuses on water conservation.

Honeymoon

Built in 1886, The Driskill exudes old-school Texas elegance in downtown Austin with vintage crown molding and calming desert gold and tan linens. Booking a balcony suite turns romance up a notch. Live music on Sixth Street, a museum-esque lobby, and the rustic Driskill Bar complete the magnificent fairytale stay.

Family

The hotel provides a luxurious experience in the heart of Austin. The staff provides special attention to families, including in-room amenities for children.

Dog Friendly

The Driskill Hotel accepts two pets up to 50 lbs/ 23 kg. There is an extra fee per stay basis. Both dogs and cats are allowed. There is a small grassy area for pet relief near the property. Pets are not allowed unattended in the room.

Romantic

As a historic landmark, The Driskill exudes old-world charm and elegance, providing a romantic setting. Its opulent rooms, grand lobby, and exceptional service create a timeless and intimate experience for couples.

Nightlife

Located off 6th Street, The Driskill is in the heart of Austin's entertainment district. The Driskill Bar is known as one of the best hotel bars in America. The hotel provides a historic setting with luxury rooms and dining.

Business

The Driskill Hotel provides necessary services and amenities for business travelers.

Accessible

The Driskill is an accessible hotel with accessible routes to its public entrance, registration desk, and accessible guest rooms. The hotel provides accessible guest rooms with mobility features, though specific details on in-room amenities like roll-in showers or tubs with grab bars were not readily available in the provided information.

5 Star

A historic landmark hotel in downtown Austin offering luxury and hospitality. It features architectural detail and an attentive staff. Its central location is convenient for exploring Austin.

Haunted

Rumour has it that Civil War Colonel Jesse Driskill, the original owner of the hotel, lost the hotel in a poker game and his spirit still wanders around the building. Also, on the 5th floor there is a portrait of the 4-year-old Samantha Houston, daughter of a U.S. Senator, who is said to have tripped down the big staircase and died in 1887.

Parking

Gym

Room Types

King RoomThis room comes with either 1 queen or 1 king bed. It features air conditioning, seating area and bathrobe. Please note the bed type will be allocated upon check-in and is subject to availability upon arrival.

Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with Accessible Tub - Disability AccessThis air-conditioned quadruple room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit has 2 beds.

Deluxe King RoomThis room has air conditioning, seating area and bathrobe. Please note the bed type will be allocated upon check-in and is subject to availability upon arrival.

Queen Room with Two Queen BedsThis air-conditioned quadruple room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit has 2 beds.

1886 King SuiteThis junior suite features air conditioning, a seating area and a flat-screen TV. Please note the bed type will be allocated upon check-in and is subject to availability upon arrival.

Small Queen RoomThis air-conditioned double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.

Queen Room with Two Queen Beds and City ViewThis air-conditioned quadruple room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.

Queen Room with City ViewThis air-conditioned double room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.

Superior SuiteThis double room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.

King Room with BalconyProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and a seating area. The unit offers 1 bed.

Deluxe King Room with City ViewThis air-conditioned quadruple room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.

Historic King RoomThis air-conditioned double room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.

Suite with Two Queen BedsThis suite offers a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.

Suite with BalconyThis suite offers a tea and coffee maker, a flat-screen TV and city views. The unit offers 1 bed.

Lone Star Suite with BalconyFeaturing free toiletries, this suite includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned suite features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and a seating area. The unit has 1 bed.

1886 Suite with Two Queen BedsThis air-conditioned suite includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.

Landmark Suite with BalconyThis air-conditioned suite is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony. The unit has 1 bed.

Queen RoomThe unit has 1 bed.

King Room with City ViewThe unit has 1 bed.

Corner King Room with City ViewThe unit has 1 bed.

About The Driskill

The Driskill, an iconic hotel in the heart of downtown Austin, is a historic landmark of Texas luxury and hospitality. With its prime location off 6th Street, this Unbound Collection hotel by Hyatt is the perfect starting point for exploring Austin's entertainment district and beyond. The hotel's 189 well-appointed guestrooms, three stately restaurant and bar options, storied spaces and matchless service are sure to make your stay unforgettable. The Driskill Bar is a must-visit, named one of the 10 Best Hotel Bars in America by USA Today and The Best Bar in Texas by Southern Living. With rustic leather couches, cowhide barstools, cattle-branded custom carpet and a grand Texas Longhorn adorning the wall, you'll experience an old-world Texas ambiance fit for a cattle baron. The Driskill Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere, bracing spirits, fine wines and good friendships. The Driskill Grill, one of Austin's most iconic restaurants, is renowned for its excellent service and refined American cuisine. It has been the site of many legendary events, including the location of President Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson's first date. The Grill continues its tradition of providing guests with an authentically Austin and distinctively Driskill dining experience. Additionally, the hotel's 1886 Café & Bakery pays homage to the city and Heritage Society's roles, offering classic Texas comfort food, coffee and fresh pastries.

Guest Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Review Summaries

Location

The Driskill is definitely in a great location for anyone visiting downtown Austin. It is right in the middle of all the action, facing directly on 6th Street. You can cover 6th Street on foot or walk around the hotel to see the surrounding blocks, which some guests noted as dirty due to the homeless presence. However, the central location of the hotel is unbeatable, as it is in walking distance to everything downtown, including the Capitol Building. The gorgeous, historic hotel retains an old classic feel and the lobby and restaurant are top-notch. While some guests mention that it can be difficult to drive to and from the hotel, most agree that the location is perfect for exploring Austin on foot. Whether for a conference or a fun getaway, The Driskill makes for a great base to see the sights and party on 6th Street and you simply can’t beat the architecture.

Breakfast

The reviews of The Driskill in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt's breakfast are mixed. Some guests found it amazing with wonderful and first-rate options that exceeded their expectations. The 1886-Brunch was mentioned as great and some enjoyed delicious brunch and eggs made to order, including Eggs Benedict on weekends. However, some guests found breakfast overpriced with high costs to eat in the bar and disappointing options at the Cafe & bakery. Some mentioned that the breakfast took longer than expected and the breakfast choices weren't what they expected. Despite these mixed reviews, most guests enjoyed the complementary brunch and loved the food, including flavorful, hot and fresh options. Access to breakfast during COVID was also appreciated by some guests. Overall, the breakfast options on the property are excellent, although the bed and breakfast deal was disappointing for some.

Dinner

The Driskill hotel in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt offers several dining options for guests, including a restaurant, bar and cafe. While some guests found the food and service to be underwhelming at the hotel restaurants, others praised the great bar and ambiance. Guests missed having room service but could still eat and drink at the bar and order from the cafe, although some felt the prices were a little too high. The food in the cafe was excellent, while the restaurant served mainly bar food with limited options. A few guests enjoyed the good BLT and wonderful food, while others found little selection on the bar menu and walked elsewhere for food. The restaurant was only open on weekends and there were no mentions of room service. Overall, while some guests didn't have the best experience with the hotel's dining options, others found the food to be delicious.

Rooms

Guests of The Driskill in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt have mixed opinions about the rooms. Some praise the newer tower side and queen rooms for their spaciousness and nice city views, while others complain about the small size of some rooms, uncomfortable beds and outdated furnishings. However, most agree that the rooms are clean and comfortable and that the hotel has a classic Texas charm that adds to the appeal. Some guests appreciate the historic nature and architecture of the building, while others note that maintenance issues, such as chipped furniture and non-working amenities, detract from the experience. Nevertheless, many guests enjoy the beautiful decor of their rooms and the excellent amenities with some even upgrading to one of the amazing suites or the 255 Heritage suite. Despite some disappointments with service and Covid-related restrictions, many guests praise the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable beds, lovely views and charming ambience.

Beds

The beds at The Driskill in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt receive mixed reviews from guests. Some guests describe the beds as very comfortable, fantastic, really comfy and amazing, while others found the beds to be way too hard or old with lumpy mattresses and pilled sheets. Some guests also mention the pillows being too soft and flat. Despite this, guests generally report a good night's sleep and find the rooms to be luxurious with comfortable beds, although one guest was disappointed with their experience and found better accommodations at motels. Overall, the quality of the beds at The Driskill appears to be a variable factor in guests' experiences.

Cleanliness

The Driskill has received mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness. While some guests have praised the hotel for being very clean and well maintained, others have expressed disappointment in the lack of cleaning and hygiene standards. Several guests reported clean, peaceful rooms with comfortable beds, but a few had negative experiences with dirty towels, backed up sewer smell and ant infestations in bathrooms. Some guests even reported that their rooms were not cleaned during their stay and they had to request towels and toiletries. Despite the negative feedback, many guests emphasized that the hotel reflects its history and is not dusty or worn out, as expected from a historic property. Overall, the cleanliness standards of The Driskill seem to be hit or miss with some guests having a great experience and others being quite disappointed.

Staff

The staff at The Driskill in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt are a highlight for many guests with many describing them as friendly, exceptionally friendly, accommodating and helpful. Several guests mentioned specific staff members by name, praising their customer service and going above and beyond their duties. However, a few guests noted some issues with valets or front desk staff seeming disinterested or unhelpful. Despite these few negative experiences, the majority of guests rave about the staff's passion, love for the hotel and outstanding service. Overall, the staff at The Driskill are a major asset to the hotel and contribute to the memorable experiences of many guests.

Wi-Fi

When it comes to the WiFi at The Driskill in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, guest experiences are mixed. While the hotel offers free WiFi, the quality and speed of the network can be hit or miss. Some guests have reported slow speeds, while others have encountered additional charges for premium WiFi that never worked. Those who require a reliable internet connection should be aware that they may need to bring their own mobile hotspot device. However, there are decent plug-in desk options available for those who prefer traditional connectivity. It's unfortunate that some guests were not informed about the internet upon check-in, which caused frustration during their stay. Despite the mixed feedback, it's important to note that slow WiFi is not the end of the world and may not be a dealbreaker for all travelers. For those who speak French, note that some guests have also reported weak or non-existent WiFi.

Parking

Many guests have commented on the parking situation at The Driskill. Some feel that parking prices are high, while others have struggled to find parking at all. Valet parking is available, but at a cost of around $45-$60 per night. Some guests have mentioned that the construction around the hotel has made finding the valet entrance confusing. Others have suggested that there are plenty of other parking options available in the surrounding areas. The valet staff themselves have been described as friendly, but some guests have found the overall parking situation to be overpriced and inconvenient.

Family

If you're looking for a family-friendly hotel stay in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, The Driskill may be a good option for you. The hotel is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along with you on your trip. However, keep in mind that the hotel doesn't offer pet-sitting services, so you'll have to take your dog everywhere with you. If you're arriving with children, you'll be pleased to know that they'll be well taken care of at The Driskill. Guests reported that upon arrival, their kids were immediately fed for free. According to reviews, the staff is extremely nice and helpful, ensuring that even late night soda runs for the kids are taken care of. Unfortunately, some guests reported that homeless individuals approached their families while at the hotel. Additionally, there were complaints about not receiving extra towels during a two-night stay, even without housekeeping service.

Nightlife

The Driskill, is a cool historic hotel located right in the middle of Austin's entertainment scene. It is within walking distance to everything on 6th street and is in the liveliest nightclub area of town. The hotel bar has a great vibe with live music being played on a Sunday night. However, some guests found the bar too loud and wished for a dress code. The hotel is surrounded by many bars and restaurants, including the obligatory brisket tacos which are an Austin staple. But, some guests encountered panhandlers in the area and didn't feel very safe going out at night. The hotel bar is only open on Friday and Saturday nights and has a very limited menu. Brunch and bar&grill had long wait times. The location proximity to the night scene of the 6th street bars cannot be beaten, but sadly, 6th street is rampant with vagrants. Despite some downsides, overall, the Driskill bar is still a charming place and guests enjoyed their stay.

5 Star

The Driskill, is a truly exceptional hotel with superb facilities and services. Many guests have rated it as one of the top five hotels they have ever stayed in, highlighting the exceptional service and clean rooms. However, there were some negative experiences with one guest stating that it was the poorest service they had ever experienced in a 5-star hotel and another guest calling for the hotel to drop the mask mandate. Despite these negative experiences, the majority of guests agree that The Driskill is a haven in a time of disaster, providing perfect service and an exceptional stay. The only criticism mentioned was that some guests felt that there was not enough luxury for a 5-star hotel. Overall, The Driskill is highly recommended for anyone looking for an exceptional stay in Austin.

Historic

The Driskill, is a beautiful, historic hotel located right in the middle of Austin’s entertainment scene. It holds great historical importance, having accommodated numerous celebrities and politicians throughout the years. Guests love the historical charm of the building, including the architectural structure, paintings and unique photos lining the walls. The hotel maintains its historic ambiance, keeping the historical entry and staircase stunningly beautiful. Although some guests have reported minor issues, such as a lack of towels, the wonderful staff and the hotel's historic heart make it a great place to stay. Overall, it is a real gem, featuring timeless elegance and bringing history to life in the 21st century.

Luxury

The Driskill in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is a beautiful, chic and fancy hotel that exudes luxury historic charm. The property is exquisite with great historic details that provide a unique atmosphere for your stay. The elegant rooms and style are beautifully maintained and come with lots of nice touches that make your stay even more special. From the stained glass windows to the classic architecture, everything at this hotel is beautiful. With its location in the heart of Austin, the hotel is terrific for exploring the city. However, beyond the location, some guests found everything else to be mediocre for the price. Despite these negative reviews, most guests found the hotel to be amazing with fantastic rooms and great ambiance. Although some guests expected more luxury amenities such as a pool, spa or restaurant, the overall consensus was that The Driskill was a beautiful stay and one that they'd love to return to in the future.

FAQ

No, The Driskill doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at The Driskill.

Yes, The Driskill welcomes dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at The Driskill.

Yes, The Driskill has a gym.

Location

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