For the sixth year in its history, the Lakeway Resort and Spa, managed by Dolce Hotels and Resorts in Austin, Texas, has earned one of the hospitality industry’s highest honors, the 2009 Pinnacle Award, which reflects the approval of professional meeting planners around the world.

Now in its 25th year, the Pinnacle Award is sponsored by Successful Meetings and Meeting News magazines. It recognizes conference facilities, hotels, resorts and destination marketing organizations for their commitment to hospitality excellence. Winners are determined by a vote of meeting planners, who rate the facilities they have used in the past year.
The 168-room Lakeway Resort and Spa, situated on the banks of Lake Travis, is one of just eight hotels and resorts in the West to be so honored. Lakeway Resort’s 24,000 square feet of meeting space qualifies it as one of the largest hotel conference centers in the greater Austin area.
“Pinnacle Award winners consistently deliver unparalleled superiority in their levels of service and the quality of their facilities,” said Vincent Alonzo, editor in chief of Successful Meetings magazine. “Innovation, customer collaboration and top-notch amenities are the hallmarks of our winners as they strive to meet and exceed both planners’ and attendees’ expectations.”
To win in the conference center category, facilities must be purpose-designed and offer comfortable working environments including individually adjustable lighting, heat and air conditioning, he said. Winning facilities must offer flexible set-up options to provide distraction-free meeting environments. Staff members must demonstrate a willingness to take action and deliver needed services quickly and professionally.
Rooms must be clean and comfortable and feature a “good” work area with Internet connectivity, Alonzo said. Amenities must include recreational options and “extra perks.” Food and beverage quality and variety are evaluated for meals and refreshment breaks.
“Lakeway Resort and Spa is being honored for our quality and unparalleled level of service,” said Stephen Bello, general manager. “Innovation, customer collaboration and top-notch amenities have helped set us apart from the rest. I am delighted on behalf of our associates, who worked so hard to achieve this honor.”
The Lakeway Resort and Spa also features three restaurants, business center, fitness center, outdoor pools, heated whirlpool, water sports at an adjacent marina on Lake Travis, golf on four nearby courses and the San Saba Spa. Each guest room is equipped with high-speed wireless Internet service, a dual-line telephone, lighted work desk, 32-inch flat-screen TV with in-room movies and satellite stations, coffeemaker, hair dryer and iron and ironing board.