June has brought a number of announcements in the Texas hotel sphere, as a beloved historical property in Austin has completed a multiphased renovation, an old hotel has been razed to welcome a new Loews property in Arlington, and the opening date for the first-of-its-kind Universal Kids Resort in Frisco has been announced.
"The Driskill has always been a gathering place to exchange creative ideas, experience Southern hospitality and celebrate the soul of Texas," said Markus Puereschitz, general manager of the Driskill. "We have taken great care to preserve that legacy while ensuring its century-long character continues for decades to come."
The designers worked hard to balance preservation with a forward-looking approach during the restoration of the property, which was built in 1886 by Colonel Jesse Driskill as the first luxury hotel in the state. Swoon, the Studio, led the interior design of the guest rooms, while Lambert McGuire Design oversaw the lobby and restaurant spaces, alongside Clayton Korte as the architect of record.
The lobby, grand staircase and common areas have been fully restored as a vibrant hub. Just off the lobby, a curated historic archive, opening later this year, will serve as a time capsule of the Driskill through the decades.
The Tower Guest Rooms now have blue-gray walls and custom monogrammed carpeting in deep navy and slate, accessorized with burnished brass hardware, blackened bronze lighting and rich red velvet drapery. A custom headboard, created in collaboration with Austin-based Fort Lonesome, features motifs of the region’s native flora and fauna.
The original Historic Guest Rooms — including the Heritage Suite once frequented by President Lyndon B. Johnson — are designed with a softer, more traditional look of creamy whites and bone-toned paneling that highlights the original millwork and plaster detailing.
A defining element of the restoration was a reimagined food-and-beverage program in partnership with Austin-based MML Hospitality. The Driskill Grill and Bar features dry-aged steaks, chilled martinis and old-world service. The redesign preserved original architectural elements, as well as unlacquered brass, walnut burl paneling and a pewter bar. The Victorian, a two-story cocktail venue that blends Old West saloon with refined English pub, is anchored by a mahogany bar with inlaid cowhide panels. The beverage program highlights heritage whiskeys, classic cocktails, and a range of beers, paired with Texas-inspired provisions. For grab-and-go items, the 1886 Café & Bakery features updated takes on Texan classics alongside housemade pastries from Swedish Hill, MML’s artisanal Austin-based bakery.
The Driskill offers more than 18,000 square feet of meeting and social spaces. The renovation introduces the new 2,800-square-foot Citadel Ballroom, which originally was a private club, with a secret speakeasy entrance that operated during Prohibition. The venue now hosts up to 200 guests. Additional improvements also have been made to the Driskill Ballroom, the Maximillian Room, the Crystal Room, the Jim Hogg Parlor and the Austin Room.
The Sheraton Arlington Hotel was imploded to make way for the new Loews Americana. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Visit ArlingtonNew Arlington hotel announced with a bang
In early June, the Sheraton Arlington Hotel was imploded to make way for the new Americana by Loews Hotels – Arlington, TX, the brand's third hotel in the city's entertainment district.
The 507-room Americana will be the brand’s 28th property, and its name pays tribute to the iconic Americana Hotel in Bal Harbour, Fla. — a Loews landmark that opened in 1956. The property will offer more than 83,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including a 10,000-square-foot event barn for large-scale gatherings.
"This project reflects our strong belief in Arlington as a dynamic destination and our confidence in its continued growth," said Alex Tisch, president and CEO of Loews Hotels. "Americana by Loews Hotels honors our heritage while looking ahead, bringing together scale, service excellence and design to support group and leisure travelers alike."
Frisco welcomes groups with families
Opening July 1 is the first-ever Universal Kids Resort with a 300-room hotel serving its 20-acre theme park for families. The property will have event space, but the total square footage and number of venues has yet to be revealed.
Seven lands will celebrate favorite characters and stories: DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp; Jurassic World Adventure Camp; Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom; Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club; DreamWorks’ TrollsFest; DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar; and the Isle of Curiosity featuring DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse.