The Driskill Hotel is Austin is an opulent Romanesque hotel that’s been in operation since 1886. The historical, reportedly haunted, hotel is a true Texas gem and continues to be one of the best overnight stays in the state. According to CN Traveller, the hotel is not only the best in the state, but the best in the country and third best hotel in the entire world.
For the past 35 years, Conde Nast Traveller has published a list of the world’s best hotels as voted on by its readers. This year, the list has included the most gorgeous, luxurious, and outstanding hotels from all over the world.
Hotels in cities like Kyoto, Mumbai, and Cape Town, are found on the list. Landing on the list for its fifth time, this time coming in at number three, is none other than Austin, Texas, as home to the historical Driskell Hotel.
“There is no more authentically Texan hotel than this 1880s-era grand dame near downtown Austin,” the article reads.
“Beyond its iconic limestone-and-brick facade, the Driskill is freshly modernized, with light, bright guest rooms, though the decor pays tribute to the hotel’s place in Texas history.”
The article goes on to observe the hotel’s moody, yet comforting, true Texan decor – noting the cowhide bar stools, repurposed antique pistol lamps, and worn leather couches.
It also takes consideration of the 24/7 room service, resident bartending staff, and the hotel fair, noting is homemade jerky, truffle popcorn, and famous 1886 Chocolate Cake.
Depending on dates, prices at the Driskill start around $230 per night.
The Driskill Hotel followed only the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena in Colombia, and the best hotel in the world – as voted on by CN Traveller readers – Cheval Blanc St-Tropez in France.
Also of note: Austin is also home to #8 and #29 on the list, JW Marriot and Hotel Granduca.