
The Driskill
Best for history, atmosphere, and being steps from Sixth Street and downtown nightlife.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Driskill is a 4.5-star historic downtown Austin landmark with Old Austin atmosphere, live music, and classic restaurants — best for travelers who want a storied, walkable Sixth Street base. Fairmont Austin Gold Experience is a 5-star downtown tower with Fairmont Gold premium service, elevated lounge access and rooftop/pool facilities — best for travelers who want modern hotel services, views, and convention-friendly amenities.
Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Best for history, atmosphere, and being steps from Sixth Street and downtown nightlife.

Best for elevated service, on-site wellness/pool facilities, and large meetings or convention needs.
When The Driskill wins: choose The Driskill if you care most about historic character, iconic hotel bars and restaurants, a central Sixth Street location, and event spaces with old‑Austin ambiance.
When Fairmont Austin Gold Experience wins: choose Fairmont Austin Gold Experience if you need modern tower rooms, a rooftop/outdoor pool and hot tub, on-site spa and fitness amenities, or if you're attending the convention center and want Fairmont Gold lounge service.
Bottom line: both are upscale downtown choices. Pick The Driskill for atmosphere and downtown proximity; pick Fairmont Austin Gold Experience for contemporary hotel services, pools, and a conference-focused layout.
| Category | The Driskill | Fairmont Austin Gold Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, atmospheric, music-and‑bar focused | Modern luxury tower with business/convention focus |
| Location (downtown access) | On corner of 6th & Brazos; steps from Sixth Street and Paramount Theatre | Central downtown tower; ~3-min walk to Austin Convention Center and near Sixth Street |
| Size | 189 guestrooms, including 14 suites | 131 air-conditioned rooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; reservation holder must be 21+ to check in | All ages welcome; check-in minimum age 18 per property policy |
| Pools & outdoor | No on-site swimming pool | Outdoor pool, hot tub, pool cabanas (surcharge) |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple historic outlets: The Driskill Grill, The Driskill Bar, The Victorian, 1886 Café & Bakery | Six restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, 1 coffee shop/cafe, 24-hour room service |
| Wellness & fitness | 24-hour fitness center; spa treatments via partner milk & honey off-site (15% discount) | Full-service spa on-site, 24-hour fitness facilities, sauna and steam room |
| Meetings & events | Over 18,000 sq ft of historic meeting/wedding space, multiple ballrooms and rooms | About 139,995 sq ft conference space and 30 meeting rooms |
| Pet policy | Pets allowed (fees apply; pampered pet program) | Pet fee USD 150 per pet, per night (service animals exempt) |
| Airport | Nearest airport: Austin-Bergstrom Intl. (AUS), about 10-11 miles | |
The Driskill sits on the corner of 6th & Brazos, putting guests within steps of Historic Sixth Street and downtown attractions.
Pick The Driskill if you want to be in the thick of Sixth Street and historic downtown Austin.
Fairmont Austin Gold Experience is a downtown tower positioned for convention and business traffic while staying close to nightlife.
Pick Fairmont Austin Gold Experience if proximity to the convention center and a modern downtown base matter most.
The Driskill's rooms reflect the hotel's 1886 heritage with a range of historic and contemporary room types.
Choose The Driskill for rooms with historic character and downtown views.
Fairmont Austin Gold Experience offers air-conditioned tower rooms with Fairmont Gold amenities and premium in-room bedding.
Choose Fairmont Austin Gold Experience for modern rooms and a dedicated Fairmont Gold service experience.
The Driskill is a dining destination in its own right with long‑running outlets and nightly live music.
Pick The Driskill for historic dining and iconic hotel-bar nights.
Fairmont Austin Gold Experience has several on‑site dining outlets covering a range of styles plus 24‑hour room service.
Pick Fairmont Austin Gold Experience for variety, convenience, and on-site breakfast options.
The Driskill does not have an on-site swimming pool; its location encourages walking and neighborhood exploration.
Choose The Driskill if a city-center, walkable experience matters more than pool access.
Fairmont Austin Gold Experience includes an outdoor pool complex and rooftop-style amenities suitable for warm-weather stays.
Choose Fairmont Austin Gold Experience when on-site pool and outdoor lounge areas are priorities.
The Driskill pairs a 24-hour fitness center with an off-site spa partner for treatments.
Pick The Driskill if you want easy fitness access plus nearby spa options and active nightlife.
Fairmont Austin Gold Experience has a full-service on-site spa and 24-hour fitness facilities for in‑house wellness.
Pick Fairmont Austin Gold Experience for an all-in-one wellness and leisure stay without leaving the building.

The Driskill — choose it for its 1886 landmark setting, storied bar and historic ballrooms.

Fairmont Austin Gold Experience — choose it for an outdoor pool, hot tub and rooftop terrace.

Fairmont Austin Gold Experience — large conference footprint and many meeting rooms make it easier for event groups.

The Driskill — multiple iconic on-site venues, nightly live music, and historic dining traditions.
Fairmont Austin Gold Experience is very close to the Austin Convention Center; The Driskill is a short walk away as well but Fairmont is positioned more directly for convention access.
Choose Fairmont Austin Gold Experience — it has an outdoor pool and hot tub. The Driskill does not have an on-site pool.
The Driskill — it dates to 1886 and emphasizes historic ballrooms, a landmark bar and period details.
Both properties welcome guests of all ages, though The Driskill requires the reservation holder checking in to be at least 21 and Fairmont's policy lists a minimum check-in age of 18.
Explore how The Driskill stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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