For meeting planners looking to bring their groups to Austin, The Driskill is offering new possibilities following a comprehensive, multi-phase renovation timed to the historic hotel’s 140th anniversary. Located along the city’s famed Sixth Street, the property has transformed its guestrooms, public spaces and dining venues, but it’s the more than 18,000 sf of new and refreshed meeting and event space that should be on planners’ radar. From historic ballrooms that have hosted some of the country’s most prominent political figures to a new ballroom offering greater flexibility for larger gatherings, the renovation expands the options for groups seeking a distinctive Austin setting.
We spoke with the hotel’s Nicole Harper, Assistant Director of Events, and Olivia Marquez, Sr. Event Planning Manager, about how the transformation is reshaping its meetings and events offerings, the types of groups they’re looking to attract and why planners should consider The Driskill for their next Austin program.
Prevue: What makes The Driskill a top choice for meeting planners in a highly competitive landscape?
Nicole Harper: The Driskill offers meeting planners something truly distinctive: the opportunity to create a transformative experience for their attendees. From the warm welcome of our impeccably dressed valet team to the scent of leather and the glimmers of brass throughout our guestrooms, the hotel’s unmistakable Austin and Texas character comes through in every detail. Our heritage also shapes the service and chef-curated menus we deliver, inspired by founder Jesse Driskill’s vision of creating the “Grand Dame of the South”—a hotel that could rival the great properties of New York and Chicago. With our newly renovated lobby and meeting spaces, that vision continues to shine.
Victorian-era inspiration and French culinary traditions meet Southern hospitality, reflecting a broader Texas food story shaped in part by Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole influences. The result is a style that is uniquely Driskill. As we like to say: “We like our boots clean and our martinis dirty.”
Olivia Marquez: The Driskill offers something increasingly hard to find: an authentic sense of place paired with exceptional service and modern meeting capabilities. As a historic landmark in downtown Austin, we offer a setting that is both memorable and uniquely Texan. Our experienced team takes a highly personalized approach, serving as true partners throughout the planning process to ensure every event is successful and stress-free.
Prevue: How does The Driskill lean into its local vibe?
Nicole Harper: The Driskill leans into Austin by weaving the city’s history, culture and Texas character into the guest experience. The Driskill lobby is often referred to as Austin’s living room, and this local identity creates a warm, welcoming feel, deep but never pretentious, that speaks authentically to the city’s character. In the hotel, you can hear stories and see evidence of Texas figures and the hotel’s past, including photos of Willie Nelson and historic stories about LBJ and the Texas Rangers.
Olivia Marquez: The Driskill has been a part of Austin’s story since 1886, and we embrace that heritage in everything we do. Whether it’s incorporating live local music into a reception, showcasing Texas-inspired culinary experiences or sharing the fascinating stories that make The Driskill a beloved Austin landmark, we strive to create meaningful connections between our guests and the city.
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had at The Driskill was hosting a group made up of presidential descendants, including descendants of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Listening to them share stories about their family histories brought history to life in a way that felt incredibly personal and meaningful. What stood out most was watching one attendee, a descendant of President Johnson, as she stepped into our famous LBJ Suite and reminisced. Seeing her connect with a space so closely tied to her family’s legacy was truly special. Moments like that remind me that The Driskill is more than a hotel. It’s a place where history, storytelling and personal connections come together to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.
Prevue: Can you tell us about innovation for meetings and events at The Driskill?
Nicole Harper: At The Driskill, innovation means creating new ways for people to connect in a history-rich setting. Our event planning managers and banquet staff work with planners to shape each event around its goals and audience, from flexible room layouts and engaging programming to custom menus and event technology. Planners can also add a distinctive touch with current offerings like our Bolos & Bourbon Experience—where attendees can create their own custom leather bolo tie while enjoying a curated bourbon tasting—or traditional Afternoon Tea or yoga on one of our balconies. Together, these elements bring our historic spaces to life in experiences that feel personal, interactive and right for today.
Olivia Marquez: Innovation at The Driskill blends historic charm with modern expectations. We continuously evolve our meeting offerings to meet today’s planners’ needs through advanced event technology, creative room configurations, customized culinary experiences and flexible programming that encourages attendee engagement. Our team enjoys collaborating with planners to think beyond traditional meeting formats and develop experiences that feel fresh, interactive and tailored to their audience, all while leveraging the unique character of our historic spaces.
Prevue: How does The Driskill create events with a wow factor?
Nicole Harper: One of the most memorable event wow factors is the element of surprise. Whether it’s a live band making an unexpected entrance, a saxophonist parading through dinner, a dramatic dance floor reveal or a magician appearing during cocktail hour, these unexpected moments instantly energize the room and capture guests’ attention.
Additionally, The Driskill’s unique event spaces naturally accommodate smaller tables and creative floor plans that encourage meaningful conversation, relationship-building and shared experiences. Guests leave remembering not just the event itself, but the genuine connections they made, creating a more impactful, memorable experience.
Olivia Marquez: Some of the most memorable events are the ones that could only happen at The Driskill. A few examples include the [aforementioned] Bolos & Bourbon Experience; Private Historic Tours of The Driskill, which allow attendees to explore the hotel’s fascinating past while networking; and exclusive buyouts of iconic spaces, such as our Grand Mezzanine, for receptions surrounded by the hotel’s stunning architecture and historic ambiance.
