Hotel Review: The Driskill—The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
The Driskill Hotel, located in the heart of Austin, Texas, is a historic and luxurious landmark that first opened in 1886. Known for its beautiful architecture and classic Texan charm, it has hosted many famous guests, including former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The hotel is also famous for its ghost stories, which add to its unique appeal. Legends include the spirit of Colonel Jesse Driskill, the hotel’s founder, who is said to occasionally check in on the property, and the tragic tale of a bride who fell to her death on the staircase and is believed to haunt the halls. Now part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, I recently enjoyed a year-end staycation at this fascinating and mysterious hotel. Here is my review of The Driskill Hotel:
The Driskill Hotel is located at 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701.
Location
The Driskill Hotel is centrally located in downtown Austin, Texas, and it’s located right by Sixth Street which is known for its vibrant nightlife and a variety of entertainment options. The Texas State Capitol building is a significant historical and architectural landmark, and it's located within walking distance from the hotel. Visitors can explore the grounds and take guided tours of the Capitol. If you enjoy outdoor activities, check out Lady Bird Lake. It is a scenic reservoir on the Colorado River and offers popular paddle boarding and kayaking activities. Another nearby attraction is the Congress Avenue Bridge where you can observe the famous bat colony in the evenings.
Lobby & Check-In Review
From the moment I stepped through the polished wood and leaded glass doors of The Driskill Hotel, I could sense its timeless charm.
Austin is filled with modern hotels, so finding one with classic charm has become a rare delight.
The lobby was a stunning display of elegance, with towering columns and antique artwork capturing the hotel's historic character.
The lobby featured towering columns and antique artwork that perfectly showcased the hotel's historic charm.
Visiting during the holiday season made it even more magical—an impressive Christmas tree adorned with beautiful ornaments stood proudly in the center, quickly becoming our favorite photo spot.
The Christmas tree in the lobby stole the show, becoming everyone's favorite photo spot with its truly impressive display.
The lobby's cozy seating arrangements provided a perfect space for guests to relax and admire the festive decor, including a charming gingerbread village that fascinated the children.
The gingerbread house village, complete with a working train track, was absolutely adorable.
The front desk was located at the far end of the lobby, and check-in brought a pleasant surprise—an upgrade to a suite.
The arched window behind the front desk perfectly mirrored the design of the hotel entrance.
The receptionist acknowledged my Hyatt Globalist status and handed us complimentary beers, explaining they were part of the destination fee. While I typically dislike destination fees, The Driskill Hotel offers meaningful perks that make it worthwhile. These include complimentary beer at check-in, a self-guided art history tour, a guided history tour of the hotel, a one-hour paddleboard rental for two on Lady Bird Lake, and more.
Upon check-in, we were welcomed with complimentary Texan beers—a perfect local touch!
For once, I felt the fee was justified. After check-in, beer in hand, we explored the hotel’s incredible collection of artwork. By scanning QR codes next to the pieces, we accessed an audio guide that made the experience both engaging and educational. I recommend taking this self-paced art tour in the evening when the lobby is quieter, allowing you to fully appreciate the atmosphere.
The lobby of the Driskill once housed the American National Bank of Austin.
We also participated in the hotel’s in-person guided history tour. While the concept was intriguing, the guide relied heavily on a script and seemed unprepared to engage a group eager to dive into the rich history of The Driskill Hotel.
After touring the hotel, don’t miss a visit to the onsite restaurant—it’s filled with Texas memorabilia.
Nevertheless, the overall experience of the hotel was captivating and full of charm. After a quick tour of the hotel, we went up to the fifth floor where our suite was located.
Living Room & Bedroom Review
Opening the double doors to the Yellow Rose Suite revealed a grand living space with soaring 20-foot ceilings. To the right, a carpeted entertainment area featured a mix of seating: stiff leather lounge chairs and a more comfortable, fabric-embossed couch. At the center of the room, an octagon-shaped white marble coffee table became my makeshift workspace.
The living space combined modern style made even more open and airy by the soaring 20-foot ceilings.
Mounted above was the suite's first TV, which, unfortunately, lacked smart functionality and only offered Chromecast. Tucked in the corner was a mini-fridge stocked generously with bottled water and a Nespresso coffee machine—perfect for keeping hydrated and caffeinated.
The mini-fridge was tucked away inside the cabinet and struggled to keep anything cold.
Despite the gloomy weather during my stay, the massive living room window allowed plenty of natural light. However, the window wasn’t very clean and couldn’t be opened, which was a slight letdown.
Unfortunately, the suite's view was underwhelming, and the windows weren’t clean, which didn’t help matters.
The living area was also furnished with a round dining table and chairs, making it a versatile space for work or meals.
The addition of a proper dining table was a thoughtful touch, especially for families staying together.
The suite came with a warm welcome from the hotel’s general manager, who gifted me a bottle of champagne, fresh strawberries, and the iconic 1886 chocolate cake—a decadent treat crafted from Helen Corbitt’s original 1950s recipe.
The Driskill Christmas ornament added a lovely touch to our tree, and the chocolate cake was hands down one of the best I’ve tasted in Austin!
To top it off, I received a charming 2023 Driskill Christmas ornament, part of an annual tradition. The chocolate cake, paired with the strawberries, was a delightful indulgence that set a perfect tone for the stay. Between the living room and bedroom was a spacious mirrored closet area, ideal for getting ready. The closet featured plush bathrobes, a safe, and even a Texan-inspired cowhide chair.
The cowhide chair brought a touch of Texan charm to the walk-in closet.
Adding to the suite’s charm was a ceiling fan, which kept the air circulating and brightened the space—a much-needed touch. The bedroom was entirely carpeted, and also had a ceiling fan and a separate entrance, allowing privacy from the living space.
The ceiling fan in the bedroom was a great feature, and it’s not something you often see in Texas hotels.
The king-sized bed, topped with a comfortable mattress, sat beneath an oversized headboard and a convex mirror fixture—an interesting design element, though not particularly meaningful. Vintage-style bedside nightstands, designed like travel trunks, added character, while the lamps included USB ports and outlets for convenience.
Designed to resemble vintage travel trunks, the bedside nightstands brought extra character to the room.
Across from the bed was another TV, but like the one in the living room, it only offered Chromecast.
The bedroom had its own private entrance, making it convenient if you’re sharing the living space with others.
A leather-embossed lounge chair repurposed as a luggage stand, completed the space. From the bedroom window, I had a view of Brazos Street, but like the living room, the windows were dusty and couldn’t be opened.
It was disappointing to see the bedroom windows just as dirty as those in the living area.
While the suite’s decor had plenty of charming details—like a framed “Yellow Rose of Texas” in the living room and a history of Austin in the closet—the lack of soundproofing was a notable downside.
The living room's vintage "Yellow Rose of Texas" decor was a perfect nod to the hotel's rich Texan heritage.
Noise from Sixth Street and even hallway chatter filtered into the room. Given the building’s historic status, this may be unavoidable, but it did detract from the experience. Despite these issues, the recently renovated suite had a cozy, upscale vibe that I thoroughly enjoyed. The thoughtful touches, historical charm, and unique design made my stay in the Yellow Rose Suite a memorable experience.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom, located at the far end of the suite and connected to the bedroom, was both functional and thoughtfully appointed.
The bathroom departed from its vintage style, showcasing a modern design with a single-sink vanity.
It featured a single sink vanity with a quartz countertop, stocked with an impressive range of complimentary amenities such as mouthwash, deodorant, and dental floss—items rarely provided in American hotels without a request or fee. It was a pleasant surprise to receive an array of amenities.
The hotel’s generosity shone through with thoughtful complimentary amenities like deodorant and dental floss.
The toiletries were by Grown Alchemist, known for its unique blends of herbal and fruity scents. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash came in communal bottles, reflecting the hotel's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Austin is known for its unique local vendors, and I wish the hotel had sourced toiletries from an Austin-based brand.
The shower-tub combination included jet functions and additional touches like a loofah and bath salts added to the luxury. Although I didn’t use the tub, it was nice to see these thoughtful extras.
The shower could definitely use an upgrade to align with the hotel's overall appearance.
The bathroom’s design leaned toward a classic, vintage style that aligned perfectly with the hotel’s historic charm. The gold faucets, adorned with The Driskill emblem, added a distinctive touch and reinforced the hotel’s identity.
I especially loved the intricate design of the sink and the elegant touch of the hotel's emblem.
Everything was impeccably maintained, and I appreciated the attention to detail in preserving its traditional elegance.
Gym Review
The gym, located on the mezzanine level, was open 24/7, but finding it was a challenge. After exiting the elevator, I had to navigate diagonally across the floor, pass the Citadel Club (formerly a private men’s club), and wind through a maze of corridors before finally reaching the facility. Without directions from the front desk, I doubt I would have located it on my own. Once inside, the gym was compact, with low ceilings and dim lighting that made the space feel a bit unwelcoming. Despite this, it was clear the hotel had made an effort to maximize the limited area.
Finding the gym was incredibly difficult and unnecessarily confusing.
Cardio machines, including stationary bikes and treadmills, were positioned near an arch-top window, but dirty windows obscured the view of downtown Austin.
Although the gym felt a bit cramped, the equipment was relatively new and well-maintained.
The gym floor featured a few TechnoGym strength machines, each designed for specific muscle groups, along with a rack of dumbbells and an adjustable bench for free-weight exercises.
Adding more lighting to the gym would make the space feel brighter, more inviting, and full of energy.
Medicine balls and gym balls were neatly arranged on one wall, but the limited floor space made it difficult to use them for core workouts. While the gym’s size and atmosphere weren’t ideal, I appreciated the variety of equipment available, which offered enough options for a well-rounded workout.
Breakfast Review—1886 Cafe & Bakery
Located on the lobby level, 1886 Café & Bakery serves breakfast and brunch daily from 6:30 AM to 2 PM. This charming spot pays tribute to the history of the 1886 Lunchroom, established by the Heritage Society, by featuring recipes from the hotel’s past, including some created by the legendary Helen Corbitt.
The festive holiday decorations at 1886 Café & Bakery perfectly complemented the Christmas tree in the lobby.
As a Hyatt Globalist, breakfast for me and my wife was covered with a generous $50 stipend per person.
Hyatt Globalists are warmly welcomed with a generous breakfast stipend—$50 per person.
The café’s interior mirrors the grandeur of the lobby, with soaring ceilings and Victorian-style decor that exudes character.
The restaurant's open kitchen filled the dining area with the mouthwatering smell of freshly prepared dishes.
Guests can choose to dine inside or in the lobby while admiring the hotel’s artwork. We opted to stay indoors and ordered chicken and waffles, steak and eggs, coffee, orange juice, and a cinnamon roll to round out our breakfast. The drinks and cinnamon roll arrived first. The 16 oz orange juice was large enough to share, and the cinnamon roll was truly Texas-sized—fluffy, soft, and a perfect pairing with coffee.
This Texas-sized cinnamon roll was everything you could hope for—fluffy, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.
As we indulged in this sweet treat, our entrees arrived, and we were impressed by the generous portions. The chicken and waffles featured a Texas-shaped waffle topped with perfectly cooked duck eggs and a crispy, juicy chicken breast.
The fried chicken breast was perfectly crispy and juicy, and I loved the fun touch of the Texas-shaped waffle.
The steak and eggs included a 6 oz flat iron steak cooked flawlessly to medium, paired with hearty, crispy fingerling potatoes.
I usually hesitate to order steak at restaurants because it’s often overcooked, but this one was cooked to perfection.
Every bite was delicious, but the portions were so substantial that we couldn’t finish everything and took the cinnamon roll home. If you’re a Hyatt Globalist, the included breakfast is a fantastic perk. Even if you’re paying out of pocket, I highly recommend trying 1886 Café & Bakery for its classic dishes infused with Texas flair—it’s well worth the visit!
Positives & Negatives
Positives
Breakfast at 1886 Café & Bakery was outstanding, with perfectly cooked dishes and impressively large portions. Thanks to the $50 daily stipend per person, I was able to indulge in more than one entrée. I highly recommend trying the chicken and waffles as well as the iconic 1886 chocolate cake.
The hospitality at The Driskill Hotel was exceptional. My stay started with a thoughtful welcome amenity from the general manager, and the destination fee felt well worth it, offering a variety of activities and perks that added great value to the experience.
Negatives
While The Driskill Hotel’s status as a national historic landmark adds to its charm, its location near the bustling Sixth Street means nighttime noise can be an issue. That said, the hotel’s beautifully preserved, traditional interiors make up for the occasional disruption.
Summary
The Driskill Hotel stands as one of Texas’ most prolific landmarks, celebrated for its ties to former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and its intriguing tales of paranormal activity. Since its opening in 1886, it has embraced timeless design elements that reflect its deep roots in Austin’s history. My stay in the upgraded Lone Star Suite showcased the charm of its high ceilings, a nod to its historic past, paired with the comfort of recent renovations. While The Driskill Hotel may not cater to those seeking sleek, modern luxury, its vintage charm perfectly complements its storied legacy. Unique amenities like the self-guided art history tour and in-person guided history tour enhance the experience, immersing guests in the hotel's fascinating past. If you're looking for a classic Austin stay with a rich history and distinctive character, The Driskill Hotel is the place to be.
