Once, not the richest cattleman from Texas decided to build the "best hotel south of St. Louis." His name was Jesse Driskill. Now, the hotel of the same name, built-in 1886, is known as the oldest operating hotel in Austin and one of the most famous hotels in Texas. The Romanesque-style building has become a popular tourist destination all over the state.

Today, the Driskill remains Austin's best hotel with luxury suites, two restaurants, and a large ballroom. It is considered one of the most visited hotels in the United States. This building is also home to "supernatural beings", including the spirit of Colonel Driskill himself. The hotel was inscribed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

The Driskill consists of two connected buildings: the original four-story Romanesque building of 1886, and a 13-story extension of 1930. The original building was built of six million pressed bricks and white limestone. On the South and East facades, there are two porticos - large arches in the Richardson style. They were considered the largest in Texas at the beginning of the 20th century.

The hotel was opened with 60 rooms, including 12 corner rooms with en suite bathrooms. That was a rarity at the time. In the center of the building was a four-story open rotunda topped by a domed ceiling window. It served as a chimney to suck in hot air and cool the building. In 1950, the window was removed; instead, an air conditioner was installed on the roof. The second floor contained the main dining room and ballroom, separate living rooms for men and women, a children's dining room, and apartments for newlyweds. The hotel was very progressive for that era: it had an electric bell system, marble bureau, steam heating, and gaslighting.

The 13-story wing was opened in 1930. This building has 180 rooms and a penthouse bungalow. The bungalow consists of two bedrooms with private bathrooms, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. You can get into the bungalow only from the roof of the building. Initially, it was rented by dignitaries, including Jack Dempsey, Bob Hope, and President Lyndon Johnson.

Anyone can stay at the hotel: spend a few days, or just drop in for dinner and a ball.