Austin's most storied hotel, opened in 1886 by cattleman Colonel Jesse Driskill. This Romanesque Revival landmark has hosted every Texas governor, LBJ, and countless celebrities. The Driskill Bar is a must-visit.
The Driskill is Austin's oldest continuously operating hotel and one of the most celebrated historic properties in Texas, located at 604 Brazos Street in the heart of downtown Austin's entertainment and government district. The hotel was commissioned by cattleman Colonel Jesse Lincoln Driskill and opened on December 20, 1886, at a cost of approximately $400,000 — an extraordinary investment in frontier-era Texas. The building is a landmark example of Romanesque Revival architecture, featuring distinctive arched windows, carved Texas limestone facades, the carved stone busts of Colonel Driskill and his sons above the main entrance, and a soaring central atrium lobby crowned by period stained glass. The property has occupied an extraordinary position in Texas political and cultural history across its nearly 140-year existence. President Lyndon B. Johnson watched his 1964 election returns in the hotel's lobby and held presidential campaign strategy sessions in its private rooms. Lady Bird Johnson received LBJ's marriage proposal in the hotel's mezzanine. Every Texas governor has been known to hold receptions and celebrations here, and the Driskill's guest register spans presidents, world leaders, and cultural figures across multiple eras. The 189 guestrooms and suites are split between the original historic structure and an adjoining tower, with a clear distinction in character between the two wings. Historic rooms in the original mansion building preserve period architectural details — high ceilings, ornate moldings, and Victorian furnishings — while tower rooms offer a more contemporary design. The Driskill Bar, a richly paneled Victorian saloon on the ground floor, is one of Austin's most atmospheric drinking establishments, beloved by locals and visitors alike for its whiskey program and period interior. The hotel's position on Sixth Street places it within a short walk of Austin's entertainment district, the Texas State Capitol, and the surrounding concentration of live-music venues, restaurants, and bars.
Amenities
- Bar (The Driskill Bar)
- Restaurant
- Fitness Center
- Valet Parking
- Concierge
Location
604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
30.2685, -97.7411 View on map
Highlights
- Austin's most historic hotel since 1886, legendary bar
Tips for visiting
- Request a room in the historic main building for the authentic Driskill experience; tower rooms are more modern and quieter but lack the Victorian architectural character.
- The Driskill Bar is open to non-hotel guests and is particularly atmospheric on weekday evenings before the Sixth Street crowds peak.
- The Texas State Capitol — one of the most architecturally significant state capitol buildings in the country — is a 3-minute walk north on Congress Avenue.
- During South by Southwest and Austin City Limits Festival, room rates can triple from baseline; book 6 months or more in advance for those calendar periods.
- The hotel offers occasional historical and ghost-lore tours for guests interested in the property's storied past; inquire at the front desk about availability.
Accessibility
The Driskill provides ADA-accessible guestrooms in the tower section of the property with roll-in showers, grab bars, and accessible bathroom configurations. The renovated tower and main lobby are fully accessible by elevator. The historic main building's original 1886 structure limits accessibility in some public areas and corridors due to period construction standards. Guests with mobility requirements should discuss room placement and route accessibility with the reservations team before arrival to ensure the best configuration is assigned.
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Frequently asked questions
Is The Driskill hotel considered haunted?
The Driskill has a well-documented reputation for paranormal folklore, with stories associated with several guestrooms and public spaces. The hotel acknowledges its ghost lore and offers occasional storytelling events tied to the property's history.
Does The Driskill have a pool or full spa?
The Driskill does not have a pool. A small fitness center is available to guests, but the property's historic footprint does not accommodate resort-scale wellness amenities.
How far is The Driskill from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport?
The airport is approximately 8 miles southeast of the hotel, typically a 20-minute drive. Rideshare services connect the hotel and airport reliably throughout the day.
What is the best way to explore The Driskill's history?
Guests can explore historical photographs and exhibits in the lobby, visit the Driskill Bar's period interior, and request the hotel's history materials from the front desk. Occasional guided history events are also offered.
Is parking available at The Driskill?
Valet parking is available for a nightly fee. Multiple public parking garages are located within one block of the hotel and offer a lower-cost alternative for guests comfortable with self-parking.