Not only is the Driskill Hotel one of Austin’s most historical landmarks, but it also happens to be one of the most haunted locations in Texas. Since its grand opening in 1886, its romanesque revival style architecture has become an attraction for celebrities, politicians, and the curious ghost hunters of society.
Madison Oslin, former food and beverage manager at the Driskill hotel found that her time working at the hotel transformed her from a skeptic to a true believer of paranormal activity among society.
EERIE ENCOUNTERS
One of the most iconic Driskill legends involves a young girl named Samantha Houston.
“She was playing on the mezzanine level chasing a ball. It went down the stairs, and so did she, “said Oslin. “That was the first death at the hotel, and people say that’s what kicked off all the hauntings.”
Another legend of the Driskill is the story of the “suicide bride” on the fifth floor. “It was the eve of her wedding, and no one really knows what she was goin through, but she ended up killing herself in one of the rooms,” said Oslin. “Then, a hundred years to the day, the same thing happened in that same room with another bride. That one gives people chills.”
In the beginning of her career, Oslin did not believe in these alleged tales. “I was skeptical,” she said. “I love scary movies, but I didn’t think the hotel could actually be haunted.”
That opinion changed very quickly. She mentioned a staff leadership development meeting where “a card just went flying across the room, and nobody was sitting there. We all looked at each other like, ‘Did that really happen?’”
During her many late night shifts, she often felt as though she was being watched. “I’d be in the office by myself, and suddenly I’d feel this pressure on my back. Then the printer would turn on, like someone had pressed it.”
One night, she and her general manager witnessed something even more peculiar.
“We saw this tall, black figure at the end of the hallway. It wasn’t defined; it was just standing there,” said Oslin. “My manager, who had worked there for years, said she’d never experienced anything like it. We just ran out of there.”
GUEST ENCOUNTERS
Throughout the years, the staff members aren’t the only ones who have witnessed eerie encounters. Guests have reported strange things happening as well.
“One couple came down to the desk in the middle of the night with all their luggage, claiming, ‘We need to change room. Our lights were flickering and bed started shaking’,” recalls Oslin. “At first, it sounded dramatic, but it happened more than once. It was always on the historic side of the hotel, especially the fourth and fifth floors.”
What’s interesting about paranormal activity is that not all spirits are figures who lost their life in the hotel. Guests have also reported smelling various scents including rose scented perfume or cigar smoke. Many believe the cigar odor is the presence of Jesse Driskill himself, founder of the Driskill Hotel.
“That’s a really common one,” said Oslin. “People will swear they smell it out of nowhere.”
Other guests claim the countless artworks hanging on the walls are watching them.
“There’s a painting of a little girl on the fourth floor that people believe is Samantha Houston,” said Oslin. “Guests leave candy or toys under it all the time, like offerings.”
PRESENT, NOT PERILOUS
Despite the ominous energy that the hotel radiates, Oslin truly believes the paranormal activity is harmless and does not pose a threat to patrons.
“Paranormal things are just scary because you can’t see them. I never felt like anything was out to hurt me,” she said. “Once I set my intentions: ‘I respect your space, please respect mine,’ I never felt threatened again. I just felt like I was existing alongside something I couldn’t see.”
While the hotel’s ghostly reputation draws in hundreds of curious visitors and guests, operations can get tricky especially when guests request changing rooms. “I’d say one in ten guests wanted to change rooms or even leave early because they were spooked,” said Oslin. “But just as many came specifically because of the ghosts.”
In addition, the Driskill has also become a popular stop for the many ghost tours offered across the city. “At one point, we even had pamphlets with the ghost stories,” she said. “Eventually, ghost tours were crowding the lobby, and kids came in with ghost-hunting apps. It got overwhelming.”
Reflecting on her former career, Oslin does not hesitate to share that the hotel is without a doubt haunted.
“There’s definitely energy in that building. People die over time, and I think some of that energy gets trapped. It’s not malicious, it’s just there.”
Whether you are seeking a luxury hotel experience at one of Austin’s premier hotels or a spooky encounter, the Driskill promises more to be than your typical evening in downtown Austin; it’s a guaranteed glimpse into the history of haunted Austin and an adventure all brave souls should try at least once.
