The most recent social media announcement from Four Seasons Hotel Austin fell well under the 140-character limit. In fact, it was just two simple words: "We won!"

The brief tweet refers to the property's selection as a winner of Travel + Leisure's inaugural Social Media in Travel + Tourism Awards (SMITTYS). The Hotel's entry for its 2011 Ultimate Austin Scavenger Hunt contest was chosen from hundreds of submissions to take home the prize for "Best Single Social Media Promotion" by an individual US hotel or resort.

"Our social media team really put together a dynamic contest that resulted in tremendous engagement with our guests and the local community," says Rob Hagelberg, general manager of the 291-room Hotel in downtown Austin, Texas. "That said, this promotion is just one example of how they're pushing the envelope in social media so it's great to see them recognized."

Hosted from May 30 through September 5, 2011, the Ultimate Austin Scavenger Hunt invited participants to complete photo tasks at 50 quintessential spots around Austin. The first 100 people to take at least half of the pictures and submit them on Facebook each received their choice of an overnight stay, dinner in TRIO or a 50-minute Spa treatment. One grand prize winner – the entrant deemed to have the most creative photos – received a USD 3,200.00 vacation prize package including a three-night stay at any Four Seasons hotel in the continental US, round-trip airfare and USD 500.00.

Devised by Kerri Holden, the Hotel's public relations director, the Ultimate Austin Scavenger Hunt was intended to engage current Facebook fans and attract new ones while showing a more playful side to the luxury brand.

"My mom was constantly coming up with scavenger hunts, car rallies and other games to keep my friends and me occupied as kids," says Holden. "We always had incredible fun, so I loved the idea of re-creating the nostalgic activity while at the same time showcasing Austin's unique charms."

Austin's Four Seasons was also the recipient of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Pinnacle Award in 2012 for "Best in Class: Public Relations/Social Media." Since 2008, the Hotel has taken great pride in providing interesting content, behind-the-scenes tidbits and hosting creative contests on its various social media channels. Its most recent promotion, running through June 8, 2012, is a Pinterest contest with the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau to give away a dream "Austin PinTrip" vacation package worth USD 3,600.00.

The Hotel's involvement on social media may be viewed first-hand on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest at the following locations:

• Four Seasons Hotel Austin on Facebook
• TRIO on Facebook
• Four Seasons Hotel Austin on Twitter
• TRIO on Twitter
• Four Seasons Hotel Austin on Pinterest