Pixiu Investments, Woodbine Development and Hyatt Hotels Corporation announce plans for the full renovation and restoration of the iconic Driskill Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, in Austin, Texas. The transformation of Texas’ first luxury hotel and legendary 1886 landmark will include 175 guestrooms, the lobby and common areas, meeting and social spaces and culinary outposts—with the addition of a new ballroom, cocktail bar, and curated retail space.
The first phase of the renovation will debut in Fall 2025 and will include the reimagined Driskill Bar and Driskill Grill, as well as a newly concepted bar, The Victorian—both operated by Austin-based MML Hospitality—along with the 110 Tower Guestrooms originally built in 1929, a refreshed fitness center, and a new 2,800-square-foot ballroom on the Mezzanine Level. The second phase, to be completed in Summer 2026, will include the hotel lobby, grand staircase, and original guestroom tower of 74 historic rooms, as well as the debut of a thoughtfully curated retail space named aptly for the hotel’s prominent general manager and founding family children, Stark & Sisters. The Driskill’s transformation will culminate in tandem with its 140th anniversary in December 2026.
This new era will be ushered in by Dallas-based SWOON, the Studio, a prolific design and branding team whose work can be seen in like-minded projects such as The Adolphus in Dallas, The Vanderbilt in Newport, R.I., and Emeline in Charleston, S.C. Helmed by founders Samantha Sano and Joslyn Taylor, their vision for The Driskill is deeply rooted in its history. Fusing together its centuries’ worth of charm, connection, and culture, SWOON intends to create a space that is celebrated among locals and revered by inbound visitors — harkening back to its origins as a gathering place for movers and shakers, and where big ideas come to life.
The Driskill’s new design will take direction from its lore, leaning into the moments that have nurtured its legacy through the centuries. The first-floor lobby will anchor the property as a cultural hub, that channels the stories of Texas’ rich history and fosters an environment to create new stories. Just off the lobby, a historic archive will serve as a time capsule of The Driskill through the decades. The Mezzanine Level, housing the hotel’s social spaces, will pay homage to Lady Bird Johnson, echoing the gathering areas of old with crown molding, vibrant greenery and natural light. In rooms, a custom headboard crafted in partnership with Austin’s Fort Lonesome will be a spotlight, complemented by soft hues of worn orange, patinaed blue and musky gray as well as earthy and natural textures.
An extension of the project is a new partnership between The Driskill and Austin-based MML Hospitality. A household name on the nation’s hospitality scene, MML will oversee all food and beverage operations for the hotel beginning in August 2025 and will debut several new concepts within its storied walls.
The Driskill Bar & The Driskill Grill will take a new direction from iconic New York culinary legend, Chef April Bloomfield, who will steward this new concept as her Southern debut and first project under her new role with MML. The space is currently undergoing extensive design renovations and a menu overhaul, with plans to reopen in late Fall 2025. An original concept from MML, The Victorian, will also be unveiled this fall as a vibrant cocktail bar and lounge on the corner of 6th Street and Brazos. Subtle enhancements to the 1886 Café & Bakery will also be made, ensuring the charm and character are upheld for decades to come.
Built in 1886 by Colonel Jesse Driskill, The Driskill is a landmark of Texas history and served as the first luxury hotel in the state — ushering in the term Southern hospitality with the glimmer of Texas grandeur. The hotel has long stood as a gathering place for politicians, cattle barons, oil tycoons and international dignitaries, serving as a setting for election watch parties, opulent celebrations and unforgettable service. This expertly commissioned transformation will ensure The Driskill’s sustained legacy as “one of the finest hotels in the whole country.”
The Driskill will continue service throughout the renovation process and remains part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, a collection of architectural icons that celebrate history, artistry and ingenuity. For more information on The Driskill, please visit driskillhotel.com, or follow along on Instagram: @thedriskill.
Hotel website
The Driskill – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
604 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701
United States
+1 512-439-1234
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