Texas hotel The Driskill recently renovated 14 of its guest suites on the historic side of the hotel, which are are now available for bookings. Located in the heart of downtown Austin and housing 189 guestrooms and suites, the iconic hotel’s renovation program has been led by Texas-based architecture firm Clayton Korte. This is The Driskill's first renovation of its rooms since 1998.
Originally imagined and built by Colonel Jesse Driskill, a cattle baron, businessman and civic leader, the property was conceptualized to be a luxury hotel and showpiece for the once frontier town of Austin, meant to rival the palaces of other big cities. The original cost is estimated at $400,000, the equivalent of $92 million in 2021. In 2013, the historic property was acquired as a part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt with planned investments of $8 million in upgrades.
The renovation of the 14 guest suites at The Driskill was aimed at reinvigorating the custom-designed spaces, and adding to the luxurious feel of the hotel while preserving references to its 135-year history. Clayton Korte partnered with the interior-design team at Rottet Studio for the project. Redesigned bathroom layouts and addition of new fixtures and finishes were part of the renovation plans. The renovation also served to enhance and accentuate the individual personalities of each of the 14 suites. While care was taken to repurpose existing artwork and historic paintings, the emphasis was on elevating each room’s whimsical characteristics while providing more functionality of space.
Totaling 1,200 square feet, amenities of the newly renovated Cattle Baron suite, for instance, include a claw-foot soaking tub, walk-in shower, a spacious living and dining area with a private wet bar, and a separate bedroom with two matching queen beds, vanity area and ample closet space. Other features include access to a collection of artwork throughout the hotel, pet-friendly accommodations and Texas comfort food, a coffee bar, and pastries at 1886 Café & Bakery and The Driskill Bar.
Plans for future hotel upgrades include renovations to all 175 rooms. The project is slated to begin in September 2022. Other hotel spaces and outlets, including The Driskill Bar, will also be refinished.
Dea: The hotel is offering a "Suite Celebration Package," including a getaway in one of the newly renovated luxurious suites, along with a locally crafted truffle-filled Texas chocolate box, paired with a bottle of bubbly, and $50 food and beverage credit to use at one of The Driskill’s in-house eateries.
For more information, visit www.driskillhotel.com.
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