The Driskill Hotel will frighten you. Some guests never check out.

The Haunted History of the Driskill Hotel

The Driskill Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas, is more than just a luxurious landmark. Its opulent halls, steeped in history and grandeur, harbor tales of mystery and paranormal intrigue. Since its opening in 1886, the Driskill has earned a reputation not only for its architectural beauty but also for its spectral inhabitants. From ghostly encounters to unexplained phenomena, the Driskill Hotel remains one of the most haunted locations in Texas. This article delves into its rich, eerie history, exploring the stories that have captivated visitors for over a century.

A Storied Beginning

Colonel Jesse Driskill, a wealthy cattle baron, built the hotel as a symbol of his success and as a showcase of Texas luxury. The Driskill was one of the finest hotels west of the Mississippi, featuring ornate details, marble floors, stained-glass windows, and high ceilings. However, Driskill’s dream of grandeur was short-lived. Just two years after its opening, financial difficulties forced him to sell the hotel, marking the beginning of a series of ownership changes and, perhaps, a harbinger of the strange happenings that would later define its legacy.

Despite its turbulent start, the Driskill remained a central hub for socialites, politicians, and celebrities. Yet, its reputation for luxury soon intertwined with an aura of the supernatural.

The Ghosts of the Driskill

Over the years, guests and staff have reported countless paranormal experiences, from ghostly apparitions to eerie sounds echoing through the halls. These stories have given rise to numerous legends about the Driskill’s most famous spectral residents.

The Spirit of Jesse Driskill

The hotel’s original owner, Colonel Jesse Driskill, is said to haunt the property he so dearly loved. Guests and employees have reported the smell of cigar smoke—Driskill’s favorite pastime—lingering in rooms where smoking is prohibited. His apparition has been spotted in the lobby and near the grand staircase, often described as a large man in period clothing. Many believe Driskill’s spirit remains attached to the hotel, watching over his cherished creation even in the afterlife.

The Tragic Tale of Samantha

One of the most well-known legends is that of Samantha, a young girl who tragically died in the hotel in the late 19th century. According to the story, Samantha was the daughter of a U.S. senator staying at the Driskill. While playing with a ball on the grand staircase, she fell to her death. Since then, guests have reported hearing the sound of a bouncing ball echoing through the halls, even when no one is around.

Samantha’s spirit is also said to linger in Room 525, a site linked to other mysterious events. Many visitors claim to feel a sudden drop in temperature or a sense of unease when staying in the room. Some have even reported the sensation of a child brushing past them or hearing soft giggles in the night.

The Brides of Room 525

Room 525 is infamous for more than one haunting. Legend has it that two brides, separated by decades, took their own lives in the room under eerily similar circumstances. Both were said to be abandoned at the altar and checked into the Driskill in despair. Guests staying in Room 525 have reported ghostly apparitions, unexplained cold spots, and flickering lights. The room was sealed off for years due to its reputation but has since been reopened, attracting thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts.

Lady in White

The ghostly figure of a woman dressed in white has been spotted wandering the halls of the Driskill. Thought to be the spirit of a socialite who met an untimely death at the hotel, she is often seen near the ballroom or on the mezzanine. Witnesses describe her as elegant yet melancholic, her presence accompanied by a faint floral scent. Some believe she is a benevolent spirit, while others find her appearance unsettling.

Unexplained Phenomena

The paranormal activity at the Driskill is not limited to sightings. Guests frequently report strange occurrences, such as lights flickering, doors opening and closing on their own, and items moving inexplicably. The hotel’s elevators are known to behave erratically, stopping on random floors without input. Electronics often malfunction in the building, adding to its eerie atmosphere.

One particularly chilling incident involved a painting in the hotel’s lobby. The artwork, depicting a young girl holding flowers, is said to have a haunting aura. Guests have reported feeling uneasy when standing near the painting, with some claiming her eyes seem to follow them as they move.

Celebrity Encounters with the Supernatural

The Driskill’s ghostly reputation has attracted numerous celebrities, some of whom have had their own paranormal experiences. Actress Annie Lennox reportedly fled her room after encountering unexplained phenomena. Musician Annie Clark, known as St. Vincent, wrote about her unsettling stay at the Driskill in her song “The Party.”

Former President Lyndon B. Johnson also had a history with the hotel, as he met his future wife, Lady Bird, at the Driskill. Though no ghostly tales are directly tied to them, their connection to the hotel adds another layer of intrigue to its rich history.

Paranormal Investigations

Over the years, the Driskill has become a hotspot for paranormal investigators. Ghost-hunting teams armed with EMF detectors, thermal cameras, and recording devices have explored the hotel’s haunted history. Many have captured chilling EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and unexplainable anomalies, further fueling the belief that the Driskill is teeming with spectral energy.

A Dual Legacy

The Driskill Hotel’s reputation as a haunted hotspot does not detract from its allure. If anything, it enhances its mystique, drawing in curious visitors eager to experience its haunted halls. Despite its ghostly reputation, the Driskill remains a symbol of Austin’s history and a beloved landmark. It continues to host weddings, events, and travelers from around the world, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern luxury.

For those brave enough to stay overnight, the Driskill offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in history and perhaps catch a glimpse of its spectral residents. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, there’s no denying the Driskill Hotel’s enduring appeal as both a historical treasure and a paranormal hotspot.