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Christmas Tree Lighting at Driskill Hotel

By Michael Barnes | Friday, December 2, 2011, 10:48 AM

History doesn’t stop for the historic Driskill Hotel.

The 1886 grande dame of Austin inns has undergone at least two renovations in the past 25 years. It has passed through multiple ownership and management hands, currently steered by Destination Hotels & Resorts, and I can’t count the number of talented chefs who’ve plied their tempting trades there.

Executive Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone and his Christmas cake

Thursday, a 125th Anniversary Party preceded the lighting of the Christmas tree and cutting of the holiday cake, fashioned to look like presents under a tree. This smaller party in the split-level Victorian Room gathered together bigwigs, storytellers and downtown boosters. They had much to cheer over bacon-wrapped dates, breaded quail and lobster corn dogs.

Lisa and Christian Scarborough

For downtowners, the Driskill classes up the joint. This Victorian palace would look impressive in any city. And now, the food, service and amenities have been readjusted to make the Driskill a regular competitor with the Four Seasons Hotel and — for a different crowd — the W Austin Hotel. (I won’t blame them for one unfortunate charity event that was moved to the Victorian Room earlier this year at the last minute.)

Val Mashaw and Arron Brooks

So it has returned to its rightful place near the center of downtown Austin social life. With all the changes planned for Sixth Street and for Congress Avenue, the Driskill enters its second 125 years with its civic role firmly secure.