What's the Most Haunted Place in Austin?
Austin's Supernatural Crown Jewel
The Driskill Hotel has proudly stood at the corner of 6th and Brazos Streets since 1886 and reigns supreme as Austin's most haunted destination. Let Sparkly Maid Austin ensure your own space remains spirit-free before you venture on a journey down its ghostly corridors. Its paranormal reputation earned the hotel the top spot on Yelp's list of most haunted hotels in Austin1.
Immortal Presence of the Colonel
The ghost of Colonel Jesse Driskill is still quite active in his dear hotel. Long after the hotel became non-smoking, guests and employees continue to smell the pungent aroma of his favorite cigars in the lobby. One employee heard a voice ask him for a match and, finding himself quite alone, quit immediately1.
The Tragic Tales of Room 525
Probably the most chilling tales revolve around Room 525, wherein lay two heartbreaking tragedies that strikingly occurred a hundred years apart. During the 1800s, there was a Victorian-era bride who took her life when she got jilted at the altar. A similar incident occurred in the year 1991-a Houston socialite, overwhelmed by the wedding cancellation of her wedding with her adored fiancé, began a vengeful shopping spree using ex-fiancé's credit cards until she reached that same hotel room to end her life.
Samantha's playful spirit
The hotel may be coming up first when you will make a move-that could be a good opportunity for our trusted partner to arrange professional move-out cleaning as you read about the many supernatural residents. Probably most often encountered is young Samantha, whose innocent giggles resound from the grand staircase. Children of visiting families often report having fun playing with an unseen girl; adults tend to feel strange near the portrait of the little girl that hangs on the fifth floor6.
Paranormal Activity at the Presidential
Some of the political figures being ghostly residents include former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had his first date with Lady Bird at the hotel said to make appearances at the Driskill Bar9.
The Haunted Portrait
There is one hanging off of the fifth floor inspired by, but untitled and done by Richard King, a drawing by Charles Garland entitled "Love Letter.". It includes a young girl holding flowers and a note, a presence is seen to this day as has been claimed by visitors; a following, until they would leave out of the area5.
Modern-Day Encounters
Current guests and staff regularly experience:
Mysterious morphing expressions in paintings
Unexplained footsteps and voices
The eternal scent of ghostly cigar smoke
Objects moving without explanation
Strange sensations and touches
Children's laughter down deserted hallways
The Texas Ladies' Man
It had several ghosts, one, in 19th century cowboy garb, seeming a womanizer of women musicians: singer Annie Lennox would relate that he picked her stage outfit for her while she showered, and his coming inspired Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde to write "Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man"3.
A Living Museum of Spirits
The Driskill Hotel still stands today, filled with elegance and paranormal happenings. Skeptic or believer, let Sparkly Maid Austin take care of your peace of mind by allowing them to handle cleaning for you professionally. History has made this hotel not just a historical building, but a rich history in the paranormal world, where it has been turned into a testament to Austin's enduring supernatural legacy.
