Apologies if this should be in Cafe–
Mr. HP and I shall be in Austin for a meeting this spring (5-6 days). The meeting will be held at the Driskill, and he will only need to sign in each morning around 7:30.
I’ve never stayed there, but upon reading reviews on various places (TripAdvisor, etc.), it seems that the rooms are extremely small. Even the $300+ rooms are tiny.
If we stay somewhere else, he will most likely have to drive there each day and valet park.
I’m not really that concerned about the cost, but more concerned about the amenities.
Would we be better off (more comfortable) at a hotel away from downtown? Or are there other hotels downtown that would provide more spacious, yet still luxurious accommodations? We enjoy fine hotels, as well as historic ones, but what I’ve read about the Driskill has me a little concerned. It would be another thing if it were only for a night or two.
I acknowledge that I’m a bad Texan since I haven’t spent time in Austin. We’ve always gone to San Antonio & Fredericksburg, and Houston (where my family is now after leaving El Paso) Hey–better late than never. We want to tour the Capitol, Bob Bullock Museum, Ladybird Wildflower Center, etc. Barhopping on 6th Street is not a big deal to us. At this stage of the game, fine restaurants & museums are more our speed. I welcome any and all recommendations regarding food & lodging.
Thanks in advance for any help y’all can provide.
Well, as a resident, I can’t say I’ve ever stayed in a hotel in town. 
I have been to soirees at the Driskill but no idea how big/small the rooms are.
You mentioned the Bullock Museum and the Capitol - so you might want to stay around the University area. It’s close enough to the Driskill that you could bus or even long-walk it (13 blocks or so) but definitely nowhere near 6th Street, general mayhem, etc.
Actually, I lied. I have stayed in a hotel in Austin. When I interviewed for my job I stayed at The Mansion at Judges Hill. It was pretty awesome, check it out.
Thanks!
No clue about hotels, but I would recommend seeing a movie at an Alamo Drafthouse theater. Also, if you’re into cycling, Lance Armstrong’s bike shop is also a museum.
There’s a few nice hotels just south of the Driskill on Congress. The Radisson is at 1st, the Hyatt is just south of that across the river, and Embassy Suites is there too. As long as he’s comfortable walking 6-7 blocks, he wouldn’t have to drive. The Driskill is a really cool, old hotel, but there’s not too many amenities.
I have spent ONE night (my wedding night) at the Driskill. Very nice hotel, and the Driskill Grill is probably the best restaurant in the city.
That said, you pay through the nose for everything.
So, a lot depends on how much money you’re able and willing to spend. If you regard a hotel as nothing more than a place to sleep and change clothes, you can find better values within a few blocks of the Driskill. Just go to Expedia or Travelocity and see.
Thanks all! Mr. HP would be best with a car ride to the Driskill–LOL–walking was his strong suit 40 years ago. I’m looking at the Four Seasons. Any opinions on that facility?
I’ve never stayed at the 4 Seasons, and don’t know their rates (I assume everything is very costly), but it’s a great location, has (maybe) the 3rd or 4th best restaurant in town, has a beautiful setting on the lake… a great hotel, though I can’t vouch it’s more affordable than the Driskill, the building is much newer and hence PROBABLY a lot roomier.