Downtown Austin Austin, Texas
Renovated
2026
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Classic DesignOutside the door
Romanesque cattleman citadel
Grand Romanesque arches frame a bustling lobby where Austin politicos, visiting dignitaries, and live music revelers gather beneath vaulted ceilings.
“Austin’s very own grand dame, this landmark hotel opened in 1886 as the city’s first iconic hotel…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A Richardsonian Romanesque landmark from 1886, commissioned by cattle baron Jesse Driskill and listed on the National Register.
Remarkable
Austin's enduring political address, hosting Texas gubernatorial inaugural balls since 1887 and generations of civic milestones.
Notable
Original plaster mouldings, thirty-six lobby columns, and stained-glass detailing paired with custom leather and velvet guestroom furnishings.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
With its self-described ‘cowboy Romanesque’ swagger and enough history to outlast a lifetime, The Driskill, Austin’s oldest hotel, holds up as its grandest.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Set right on Sixth Street, the brick facade puts downtown music venues at your doorstep and the Capitol four blocks north.
The rooms
Historic wing suites retain fourteen-foot ceilings and Brazilian marble baths, while tower quarters feature blue-gray walls, velvet drapery, and custom embroidery.
The gym
- Gym
- 24-hour fitness center overlooking downtown Austin.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
The Driskill Grill
Walnut burl paneling lines this revived American steakhouse, where dinner centers on dry-aged steaks and chilled classic martinis.
Bar
The Victorian
This two-story saloon features a mahogany bar inlaid with cowhide panels, weekly live music, and a mezzanine with billiards.
At the table
Leather and cowhide stools line the historic bar beneath an ornate tin ceiling, and the café serves Texas comfort food.
How it began
Cattle baron Jesse Driskill built this Romanesque citadel in 1886, completing it before the Texas State Capitol was finished.
Good to know
Stay here
The Driskill
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.