The Driskill Hotel was built by cattle baron Jesse Driskill in 1886. The Driskill has always exemplified the Texan version of high style. Each successive generation of hoteliers has renovated it, expanded it and restored it to its 'original' elegance - and then some.

This luxury hotel has 189 guest rooms and suites. It is located just one block east of Congress Ave. on 6th Street, in the heart of Austin and its entertainment district. The Historic Wing is the original portion of the hotel and the Traditional Wing was added in 1929.

The Driskill Grill has long been acclaimed as one of the very best restaurants in Austin. Less formal fare can be had in the hotel's 1886 Cafe & Bakery. The cafe features home cooked Texan fare among more formal offerings, and the bakery's chef is revered. This is a great place to grab dessert any time, and they are open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The quintessential Austin experience is to sit in the Driskill Bar on a Friday or Saturday evening. The stamped copper ceiling, the leathery Western decor, and the live jazz music tinkling at the piano is just the luscious backdrop to the Texans themselves who tromp through in their finery. You can sit back and try to imagine the legions of famous Texans who've been through here while you people-watch to your heart's content.

Parking can be a challenge here. Valet parking is available for hotel customers.