Hotel Background

There have been several unexplained occurrences over the years since it was built in 1886. The hotel was built by a wealthy cattle barron by the name of Colonel Jesse Driskill.  Driskill only owned the hotel a few short years before going bankrupt and losing the place.  Over the years there have been several different owners but one thing that remains constant is that Col. Driskill will not leave his hotel.  Now known as one of the most prestigious and elaborate hotels in Austin, many also say this may be the most haunted hotel in Texas. I'm not sure if I'm a believer, but one thing is certain, there are plenty of tall Texas tales to convince even a skeptic.

Famous Hauntings

Colonel Driskill is the most common presence at the hotel but others make themselves known too.  One of the most famous hauntings is a small girl who was a Texas Senator's daughter who was visiting the hotel in 1887.  She fell to her death while chasing a bouncing ball down the grand staircase.  Supposedly her death and her haunting are the first recorded for the hotel.  Staff and guests alike have reported numerous times over the years hearing noises of "the child bouncing the ball down the steps and giggling" (mysteriesoftheunexplainedblog).  Several celebrities have stayed at the upscale Driskill over the years including singer, Annie Lennox.  She reported an unseen visitor in her locked room before a show.  Annie had not decided on what to wear and laid out two dresses before showering.  After her shower she entered her room to find only one dress on the bed and the other hung neatly in her closet.  The creepiest part of this account is that "her room was locked, and she was the only one with the key" (hauntedtexas).

Colonel Driskill

Due to some misfortune and losing at a high-stakes poker game, the Colonel lost ownership of the hotel. Colonel Driskill still haunts the hotel to this day, trying to enjoy his namesake creation.  He passed away in 1890 and has been visiting ever since.  People have reported several times the of smell cigar smoke which is said to be the Colonel.  The hotel has been a non-smoking facility for years.  He is also known for playing with the bathroom lights in guests rooms (thiseclecticlife).  A number of years ago a song was written by a lady by the name of Johnette Napolitano.  Supposedly the song was written about her ghostly experience at the hotel.  The song was named "Ghost of a Texas Ladies' Man", and is assumed that the lyrics are about Colonel Driskill (Driskill Hotel handout).  The lyrics and images used in the song do resemble other tales about the Colonel.

My Stay..

All these ghosts stories from the Driskill really peaked my interest.  After researching and digging up some local Texas phenomenon, I decided to take a short drive down to Austin and stay at the luxurious Driskill Hotel.  Not really expecting to "see or feel" anything creepy, I was a little weired out at times.  I believe it was all the ghost stories I'd read before coming down that had me on edge.  The decor is very old world with old pictures of ladies in expensive hats and jewelry, and the one of Col. Driskill on the stairs could certainly help influence one's thought that his spirit may still be around.  At check-out I asked the woman at the front desk if she had personally experienced anything odd or spooky.  She politely smiled and said no, however she mentioned that almost all of the housekeeping staff did believe that the hotel housed spirits.  She handed me a print out briefly describing some of the lingering past guests for my reading pleasure.  I was gladly on my way with a little stronger belief that the old hotel was more than just a comfy bed and fancy fixtures.

Still Not A Believer

While it was fun and a little errie checking out the infamous ghosts of the Driskill, I'm still not convinced that something lurks in the shadows of the hallways.  Everyone needs a good campfire story and this is all it seems to me--good folklore.  Old hotels creek and squeak.  They have lighting and electrical problems from time to time.  There must be more logical explanations to the rumored hauntings.  After all this, it seems that people can be easily influenced.  Hearing something over and over can slowly start to become one's reality.  One thing is certain, the Driskill will continue to be known to many as a haunted hotel.