The Driskill, a storied hospitality landmark in Austin, has emerged from a comprehensive, multi-phase renovation that touches nearly every part of the 1886 property.
Owned by Pixiu Investments and Woodbine Development, the restored hotel—part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection—debuts 189 refreshed rooms and suites, a new 2,800-square-foot ballroom, and a reimagined food and beverage program, all ahead of its upcoming 140th anniversary in December.
Bridging the past and present
The interior design was led by Dallas-based SWOON, the Studio (guestrooms) and Lambert McGuire (lobby and restaurant spaces), with Clayton Korte serving as architect of record.
The Tower Guestrooms take a tailored, modern approach, anchored by blue-gray walls and custom monogrammed carpeting in deep navy and slate. Burnished brass hardware, blackened bronze lighting, rich red velvet drapery, sculptural wood furnishings, and fine leather seating layer warmth and depth throughout. A custom headboard—created in collaboration with Austin-based Fort Lonesome—serves as a focal point, featuring embroidered motifs drawn from the region’s native flora and fauna.
The Historic Guestrooms, including the Heritage Suite once frequented by President Lyndon B. Johnson, reflect a softer sensibility. Creamy whites and bone-toned paneling echo the hotel’s original millwork and plaster detailing, while fringed seating, ornamental woodwork, and vintage-inspired lighting round out the elegant atmosphere.
“Our goal with the design of the Historic Guestrooms was to celebrate the grandeur and romance of the hotel’s 19th-century origins through a warmer, more traditional lens,” says Samantha Sano, founder of SWOON, the Studio. “Together, the Tower and Historic rooms create a cohesive dialogue that provides distinct yet equally memorable ways to immerse into the Driskill’s storied legacy.”
A revitalized lobby and culinary offerings
The lobby, grand staircase, and common areas have been fully restored to serve as what the property calls “Austin’s living room.” A curated historic archive—slated for completion this year—will occupy a space just off the lobby, functioning as a decades-spanning time capsule of the hotel’s history.
The food and beverage program, developed in partnership with Austin-based MML Hospitality and led by chef April Bloomfield and executive chef Nick Erven, introduces three distinct concepts.
The Driskill Grill & Bar is a steakhouse redesigned with unlacquered brass, walnut burl paneling, a pewter bar, and a deep burgundy and green palette. The Victorian, a two-story cocktail venue, centers on a mahogany bar with inlaid cowhide panels, velvet drapery, and a mezzanine for pool and card play. Meanwhile, the 1886 Café & Bakery, a longtime Austin staple, has been refreshed with updated Texan classics and homemade pastries from MML’s Swedish Hill bakery.
New event spaces at the Driskill
The renovation also expands the Driskill’s event offerings across more than 18,000 square feet of meeting and social spaces. The newly introduced Citadel Ballroom—originally a Prohibition-era private club with a secret entrance—now accommodates up to 200 guests and features warm yellow and gold accents.
Enhancements were also made to the Driskill Ballroom, the Maximillian Room, the Crystal Room, Jim Hogg Parlor, and the Austin Room.
