AUSTIN, Tex./ SEATTLE, Wash., September 6, 2012—The Dow Hotel Company (DHC), a Seattle-headquartered hotel owner/investor, today announced that it has been named manager of the 174-room Lakeway Resort and Spa near Austin, Texas.  In addition, the company will oversee an estimated $5-million-plus renovation that will commence this fall.  A partnership between The Carlyle Group, a global investment group, and DHC acquired the hotel in July.

The company also announced that Robert Kisker has been named general manager of the hotel, who also is regional director of the company’s two other Texas hotels  Kisker, a 20-year hospitality veteran, joined DHC in 2003.

"This is a superb facility for business and leisure travelers, and we will invest significantly to make the Lakeway Resort and Spa one of Texas’ premier destinations,” said Murray L. Dow II, DHC founder and president.  “We are committing significant resources and a great deal of energy to totally upgrading this magnificent property located in a great setting.”

While the hotel is in good condition having recently completed a $15 million renovation in the past few years, DHC plans to further upgrade the hotel’s restaurant and introduce an expanded menu, as well as complete some mechanical improvements.  The renovation process also includes a complete makeover of all the guest rooms and bathrooms.   Future, additional plans also call for upgrading the ballroom, creating a unique wedding experience space and refreshing the lobby and corridors.

“Austin is a vibrant city that is attractive to both business and leisure travelers,” Dow noted.  “By creating a world-class resort facility, we expect to contribute to the growth of Lakeway’s regional economy and to create additional economic opportunities for local residents.”

The Lakeway Resort and Spa is located less than 30 miles from Austin. Situated on a 12-acre site featuring a 1,000-foot waterfront on Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country.  The AAA Four Diamond resort caters to group, business and leisure guests, offering more than 24,000 square feet of flexible meeting and function space.  Resort amenities include the San Saba Spa, a full range of water activities and world-class tennis with 24 outdoor courts and two indoor climate-controlled courts.

About The Dow Hotel Company
The Dow Hotel Company, founded in 1997, is a Seattle-based hotel owner/investor and operator of 12 first-class, full-service hotels throughout the United States.  The company’s portfolio of owned and managed properties consists of institutional-grade hotels, under such brands as Marriott, Hilton, Embassy Suites, Sheraton, and Crowne Plaza.  The company aggressively seeks to acquire, co-invest with joint venture partners and/or manage mid- to large-size, first-class, full-service hotels and resorts, especially those with extensive food and beverage capabilities.

The company currently operates 14 food and beverage facilities, ranging from casual dining to upscale, bars/lounges and Starbucks and Tully’s coffee outlets.  In addition to Basil’s Kitchen and Bistro, the division’s restaurant concepts include SunSpot, BC Bistro, and Basil’s Bistro.  Additional information about The Dow Hotel Company may be found at www.dowhotelco.com.