The wealthy cattle baron for whom it is named built this grand Romanesque hotel in 1886, and it remains an Austin icon. The lobby has hand-inlaid marble floors and tall columns, the bar upstairs is topped with a magnificent stained-glass dome, and the hallways of the guest floors are lined with original art. This hotel is Texan to the core, epitomizing old-school luxury but not dated and stuffy. It was here that Lyndon Johnson awaited his election results, and the Texas Rangers gathered to plan their ambush of Bonnie and Clyde. The hotel has two parts; the Historic section (the original 1886 building) and the Traditional section (a 1929 addition). Meticulous renovations and maintenance have kept the hotel from getting stale. Rooms are furnished with understated elegance—heavy draperies in muted shades, fine linens—and subtle Texas touches like wrought iron headboards designed around the Driskill cattle brands. The smallish bathrooms are clad in black Brazilian marble or Art Deco tile. Room picks: The Historic section’s corner rooms, with big windows, and the high-ceilinged rooms on the 12th floor. The Driskill Bar has live music nightly, and is popular on Sunday for its Blues Brunch. Many locals reserve a spot at the Driskill Grill for any occasion that calls for crystal wineglasses and flickering candles. Enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast or a light lunch at the 1886 Café & Bakery.