I really wanted to like the Driskill Hotel in Austin. I really did.

Historic hotels, especially those having been faithfully restored, hold a special place in my wallet. And as such, I chose the Driskill Hotel over the Four Seasons for the prospect of good old fashion grace and charm.

I made the wrong choice.

Here’s what the Driskill Hotel had in the pocket :

1. Location. Step outside its doors, and your in the midst of Austin’s Entertainment District.

2. Ghost stories. And plenty of ‘em. Being a historic rehab does have it’s advantages.

3. Impressive and careful renovation of the exterior. My initial impression? The Driskill Hotel is a stunner.

What the Driskill Hotel didn’t have anywhere near the pocket :

1. I understand that historically, bathrooms were quite small. But surely the extra towels can be stacked on something other than the toilet.

2. Driskill Hotel should invest in this new gadget I found at HITEC (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference). Trays littered the hallways en masse and seemingly defied housekeeping for a majority of the daylight hours.

3. Customer disservice. I decided to spring a bit extra for the historic guest room located in the original building and specifically requested a King-size bed. Upon arrival, I was escorted to a room featuring what looked suspiciously like a full-size bed, but was touted as the world’s smallest Queen-size bed. Yet, despite the smaller footprint of the bed, I had to strategize my path to the bathroom due to the “beyond cozy” quarters. The room was downright cramped.

I called down to the front desk and asked whether my request for a King-size bed could and would be satisfied. After a conversation that involved too many excuses and justifications, I was escorted two doors down, to a room that was refreshingly spacious with a King-size bed. The size of the room (although not the worn decor) justified the price point, but I couldn’t help but ask myself, “Why wasn’t I assigned this room in the first place?”

I did talk to the Front Desk Manager and Rooms Division Manager to ask just this question (I do like to give folks a chance to redeem themselves). They both were emphatic that pricing of the room was not based on size or bedding, but rather upon its location in the original building. Which leads me to my tip:

Don’t settle for the first room you’re assigned. Check out two or more options. And in fact, if your relegated to room 442, balk. (Room 447 was just fine.)

I will admit, readily, that I’m spoiled by the Four Seasons’ extraordinary customer service. Fine. But from the bellhops to the managers (the exception being the fine services provided by the concierge, Micheil), folks were disinterested or negligent. Given the Driskill’s four star rating, I find this unacceptable.

All in all, I wouldn’t recommend the Driskill Hotel. But it is worth a visit for a ghost story or two.

Tags: United States, Texas, Austin