The Driskill, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

The Driskill – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt combines historic architecture and classic charm with modern amenities. Its grand rooms and striking details give it an elegant feel, and the attentive staff make for a seamless stay. There’s an on-site restaurant and an elegant bar, as well as a pool for relaxing. With an impressive 4.6 rating, it’s a standout Austin hotel for a refined stay, whether you’re here for leisure or an event.

The location is excellent, about a 10-minute walk from the state capital, and the hotel has some nice paintings that suit its historic landmark status. But that history also seems to mean old and uncomfortable. The room had a stale smell, darker blueish walls, and a very small single sink, barely wide enough for a cosmetics bag. For a Hyatt classified as level 6, I expected more of what I usually get at similar Hyatt hotels. There was only a bar of soap, with no body lotion, makeup remover, or bottled water. I called the front desk to ask for lotion, and the person who answered said they would bring some, but it never arrived. I didn’t eat at the restaurant because the menu didn’t have many choices I liked. I did see lots of good reviews, though, so maybe I missed something. Luckily, I stayed just one night. I’m much happier at Austin Marriott Downtown now, where the room and setup are a lot more comfortable. I usually like Hyatt hotels and stay at them for most trips, but I don’t think I’d return to this one.

The Driskill is quaint, beautiful, well kept, and wonderfully mysterious. I didn’t know it was so historic, or supposedly haunted, until I arrived. We never saw a ghost or phantom, but one night our drapes closed by themselves. It was so exciting! Even if the hotel is haunted, it seems to be by friendly, non-evil ghosts. I want to come back to Austin just to stay at The Driskill.

Guiliana at the front desk was kind and helpful throughout most of our stay. Valet parking was speedy and convenient, and within 20 minutes of checking in, someone delivered a dog bed for our two dogs. We loved the hotel’s historic ambiance, which I hadn’t realized beforehand, and its proximity to downtown attractions was great, either on foot or with a short drive. The Driskill was an amazing stay, and I’m already planning another trip back.