The famed Driskill Hotel in Austin Texas will make any vacation memorable. Founded in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill today the Driskill offers impeccable luxury to its guests.
1886
The Driskill was Austin’s first luxury hotel. The moment they stepped through the doors of the Romanesque Revival masterpiece guests were greeted with luxury. There were separate parlors for gentlemen and ladies to socialize in along with gas lighting and central heating. Many of the rooms had private bathrooms an incredible novelty at the time. The four-story building also had elevators.
As beautiful as it was the Driskill did not meet with immediate financial success. The five dollar a night room charge was over five times what other hotels in Texas’ capitol city were charging. Jesse Driskill’s brother-in-law soon took over the hotel and over the years it had a succession of owners.
Through the Years
Like the city of Austin the Driskill has seen its ups and downs through the years. The Depression years and World War II years were difficult but during this time many famous people visited the hotel. The hotel’s famed Driskill Grill was the site of Lady Bird and Lyndon Johnson’s first date.
Through the decades the various owners expanded and modernized the historic building. In 1961 the Driskill was named a Historic Landmark of Texas In 1969 the Driskill was threatened with extinction; the owners wanted to demolition it but a campaign by a non-profit organization rescued the historic structure.
Today at the Driskill
The modern Driskill maintains its historic charm while offering state of the art luxury to guests. It features 189 rooms including marvelous bridal suites. The hotel is popular with honeymooners and offers a variety of wedding packages.
The expert staff will help make your wedding reception or other special event an affair to remember. Many gorgeous banquet halls are available.
Children are made to feel special by the hotel staff. Upon arrival they are given an official sheriff’s certificate and badge. Each evening young guests are treated to milk and cookies from the Driskill’s 1886 Café & Bakery.
Small dogs and cats are also welcome to be guests at the Driskill if you pay an extra fee. A special pet package with an exclusive Driskill pet bed and dishes and more is available.
Business travelers can enjoy a full range of services at the Driskill including a fully-equipped business center which is open twenty four hours a day. A secretarial service is also offered for the convenience of guests.
The Driskill is centrally located near many of Austin Texas’ attractions. A short walk will take you to one of 6th Street’s many cafés and live music venues. You can rent a bike from the hotel and explore the neighborhood including the city’s many fine trails.
The historic hotel is also known for its fine dining. The Driskill Grill is a five-star restaurant serving locally-raised organic food expertly prepared. Private dining rooms are available and the restaurant serves dinner from Tuesday through Saturday. The 1886 Bakery & Café serves breakfast lunch and dinner seven days a week.
If you long to be pampered in style consider a stay at the Driskill. Austin Texas’ oldest luxury hotel will not disappoint you. For information call 512-474-5911 or see the website.
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