What it is

A storied 1886 grande dame with 189 timelessly adorned rooms and three lauded restaurants, including a Victorian cafe specializing in local family recipes.

What it isn't

Hands off. Pampering services here include same-day laundry and dry cleaning and a doting concierge who’ll help make all your Texas dreams come true.

What we think

Founded by a cattle baron in 1886 to show up the palace hotels of New York and San Francisco, The Driskill has been a point of pride in Austin for generations. Built to the tune of what would now be $92 million dollars, this opulent Romanesque jewelbox of a hotel was where President Lyndon B. Johnson met Lady Bird (in 1934)—and it’s still every bit as romantic. History buffs should absolutely splurge on a Landmark Suite, each fitted with hardwood floors and antique-inspired furniture; the Heritage Suite, overlooking 6th Street, is where President LBJ and Lady Bird always stayed (bonus: it has a flickering fireplace and French doors leading to a private balcony).

You're here because

You’re an architecture obsessive, the hotel’s grand lobby—complete with soaring columns, marble floors and a domed stained glass ceiling—sets your pulse racing.

The Moment

Cuddled up on a cowhide sofa at The Driskill Bar, tailor-made for a cattle baron, you’re glad you pulled on your boots. One sip of your Texas Straight Bourbon and you call the waiter and go whole hog, as they say: smoked hot wings and Driskill chips and queso, coming right up.

Restaurants & Bars

1886 Cafe & Bakery - Traditional with a Southern flair

The Grill & Bar - Fine dining

The Grill & Bar

Location

Downtown Austin, a mere five block walk from the 1888 Texas Capitol with its jaw-dropping rotunda dome. Don’t miss the breakfast tacos at Veracruz All Natural; the food truck churns out the best in the city, with housemade corn tortillas.