Eleven general managers from 124 U.S.-based hotels were nominated for this prestigious award. The award was presented to Smith at the Annual General Managers Meeting held in Chicago over the April 9th weekend.

Smith, who has been with the Hyatt Hill Country for just over one year, stood out among nominees based on several levels of consideration; guest comments, meeting planners recommendations, employee surveys and the financial well-being of the property 

�Professionally, this award is the pinnacle of what my family and I have worked towards for 24 years. This award really goes to my staff and each Hyatt Hill Country employee�  Smith said. �On a personal level, it is so humbling to be singled out among the people whom I have respected and learned from since beginning my career.�

Smith�s career with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts began more than 24 years ago, in Kansas City Missouri, at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center as a corporate management trainee. His initial training led him to many positions of responsibility within Hyatt. Before coming to the Hyatt Hill Country he moved to Texas to be the general manager of Hyatt DFW, he served as GM of Hyatt Regency Tampa, Tampa, Florida for three years. Smith has worked in various management positions in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Minneapolis, Lexington, Kentucky, St. John, Virgin Islands and Kansas City. 

Hyatt Hill Country employees greeted Smith at the San Antonio International Airport in a stretch limousine and helped Smith celebrate his return to the resort with a surprise reception that included serenading mariachis.

About the Hyatt Hill Country 

The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is located on 200-scenic acres in the heart of San Antonio. The 500-room resort features 33,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Resort amenities include the full-service Windflower-The Hill Country Spa featuring 21-treatment rooms with world-class services, four swimming pools and our signature 950 foot Ramblin� River.   With four restaurants, a lounge and coffee bar, guests can enjoy superb epicurean dining or cocktails with colleagues overlooking a lushly landscaped 27-hole Arthur Hills-designed golf course. For reservations or information contact The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa at 210.647.1234 or visit us at www.hillcountry.hyatt.com. The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is honored to be a Virtuoso recognized property.

About Global Hyatt Corporation  
 
There are 215 Hyatt branded hotels and resorts (over 90,000 rooms) in 43 countries around the world, operating under the Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt and Park Hyatt brands. Currently, there are an additional 30 Hyatt hotels and resorts under development, including 11 new hotels in China.