Driskill Hotel, Austin, Texas
Editor's Pick
Austin , Texas
78701
Tel: 800 252 9367 (toll-free)
Tel: 512 474 5911
Fax: 512 474 2214
www.driskillhotel.com
Concierge.com's insider take:
Named for the cattle baron who built it in 1886, this grand four-story mansion is an old-world sanctuary set smack in the heart of boisterous Sixth Street. The historic ambience—LBJ once holed up here awaiting election results—is established by the soaring stained-glass dome in the lobby. A 2008 renovation combined the new with the old in the 189 guest rooms: a Victorian-style settee is upholstered with modern graphic fabric, nailhead-trimmed leather furniture is a nod to Texas ranches. The bar is decked out in comfy leather chairs, low lighting, warm wood, and—of course—cowhide; and you're likely to see quite a few locals rubbing elbows with out-of-towners. Other modern touches include high-speed Internet, a fitness center, and a spa, making it a civilized base for sampling the vitality of the surrounding neighborhood. From one of the balconies overlooking Sixth, you'll spot several restaurants, but you won't find one in the neighborhood better than the Driskill Grill.