You know how the saying goes;  April showers brings May flowers. We Washingtonians know that April showers may very well bring just, well, more showers. But lucky for us, we not only get showers in May, but fresh produce, baked goods and live music.

May 5 marks the opening day of the Tacoma Farmer’s Market. Located just a few blocks from the Murano, on Broadway between 9^th and 11^th, the Market boasts some pretty amazing treats (my mouth is watering just thinking about Paprika’s Catering signature dish—smoky chicken in a paprika cream sauce over homemade noodles). This outdoor mecca of deliciousness and all things local and homemade is also home to coffee roasters, soap-makers, corn-on-the-cob grillers, and mini-donut fryers. Spending a day filled with food, friends, local vendors, and live music is the perfect way to experience Tacoma, if you ask me.

See ya soon,

Dale

Is it just me, or is it the time of year for a little pick-me-up? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have much to complain about (a beautiful wife, a great job, and I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country), but sometimes I’m tempted to indulge in some of the services that Murano’s in-house spa, the Savi Day Spa, offers.

Right now at Murano, letting yourself rejuvenate is pretty easy to accomplish. Relaxation is epitomized in the Spa La La package that we offer –you and a guest will be treated to a tour of glass art from around the world, massages, facials, and and in-spa lunch. Art and massages? Could it get much better? This package is perfect for honeymooners, business people, or a couple of friends simply looking to kick back. Murano sure does make that refreshment pretty appealing.

See ya soon,

Dale

OK, so I guess you know I’m not really a party planner. Or am I? Last week, I overheard my wife talking to our niece about where she should have her bachelorette party. They were running through the usual suspects—chain restaurants, bars, and a few places no niece of mine should ever set foot in—when I knew it was time to interject. How about the girls spend the afternoon at the Murano’s SAVI Spa, and then settle down for the night for a stay at the hotel? Squealing ensued.

So, now they’re all booked for the SAVI Deluxe Celebration Package Broadway, complete with pedicures, light refreshments, champagne, and use of the SAVI Event Room (I’m told that this is where all the gifts of frilly lingerie will be opened). Just call me Uncle Party Planner.

I don’t know if you remember the early days of MTV, but I sure do. It’s hard to imagine now, but it was pretty thrilling to see the artists that you heard on the radio come to life in videos. Until then, unless they came to town in concert, you likely hadn’t seen them sing: Voices suddenly had a face. The face I remember most vividly is Pat Benatar’s (it’s a nice face). A staple of the channel—seems like she was on all the time—Benatar went on to gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums, four Grammy awards, and 19 top-40 singles.

I’m looking forward to seeing Ms. Benatar, on April 15 at the Emerald Queen Casino, hoping and expecting that she’ll belt out hits like “Love Is a Battlefield,” “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” and “We Belong.” What a voice.

See ya soon,

Dale

One of the many perks of working at the Murano is being surrounded by the beautiful art collection we boast. Our lobby, rooms, and Bite Restaurant are all adorned with really amazing pieces. Being an enthusiast, I was pretty excited when I found out that a collection of Norman Rockwell’s iconic work would be passing through the Tacoma Art Museum this month. The exhibit features 367 pieces of Rockwell’s original work; both paintings and Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers are included, as well as background information on the revolutionary artist’s creative process.

Whether you’re a Rockwell fan, a general appreciator of fine art, a history buff, or just someone looking for a different art experience, I’m guessing this exhibit will do the trick. And, since it’s practically across the street, you may just see me there.

Hope to see ya soon,

Dale

Now that the winter holidays are said and done, some of us might be itching for another break from the same ol’ 9 to 5. The Hotel Murano is sympathetic to the woes of the sometimes monotonous routine, and this comes in the form of one awesome package for Washington, Oregon, and B.C. residents: The Staycation. This package is a favorite here at the Murano, not only because we offer $40 off your overnight accommodations, but also because we throw in a $20 voucher for delicious eats at Bite, and unlimited in-and-out complimentary valet parking.

So, go ahead, treat yourself to a local getaway at Hotel Murano, digs worthy of the Traveler magazine 2010 Gold List. A hearty breakfast at Bite (Eggs Benedict Royal, anyone?), luxurious rooms, beautiful local art, and the ease of escaping the routine could be just what you need. Come on, you deserve it.

See ya soon,

Dale

If you tend to caught up in the slew of Hollywood films that win Golden Globes and Academy Awards, maybe it’s time to add a little international flair to your repertoire. And you definitely don’t have to go too far to do it.

Starting the first Thursday in February, Tacoma’s Blue Mouse Theatre will offer weekly showings of some of the best and boldest films from our sister cities around the world: Kitakyushu, Japan; George, South Africa; Kiryat-Motzkin, Israel; Taichung, Taiwan; Vladivostok, Russia; Cienfuegos, Cuba; El Jadida, Morocco; Gunsan, South Korea; Aalesund, Norway; and Davao City, Philippines.

Each film will be preceded by cultural performances, with a raffle and prizes thrown in to help support the festival. So, go ahead and get to know your sisters a little better.

See ya soon,

Dale

I’ve tried and tried to help you amp up your love life, but this is my last time (oh, who am I fooling? I’m going to keep giving you great reasons to visit our fantastic hotel). There is really no better time than Valentine’s Day, though, to tap into your inner sex kitten or tomcat, and no better way than whisking your honey out of the house and into the Hotel Murano.

This is all to say that you’re going to want to take advantage of the Naughty & Nice deal the hotel has going. It includes cocktails in the Lobby Bar, dinner at The Bite (or, if you’re really going to go for it–room service), a bottle of bubbly or wine, breakfast in bed, and the final aphrodisiac: The Love Box, which will be waiting in your room filled with naughty and nice surprises.

With a little help from your friends, we may make a romantic out of you yet.Bottom of Form

See ya soon,

Dale

I never thought I’d see the day when I’d be reading about the Murano on a social media site. Heck, I’d always thought of a site as the spot where the newest high-rise was going up. But these days, I really enjoy checking out our page, seeing what we’re telling folks and what they’re telling us:

I’ll post my Hotel Murano Pics—LOVED the hotel—BEAUTIFUL! Room was gorgeous, the lobby & bar…wow!!

A guest took this picture of our lobby decked out in holiday spirit! Do you have any Murano pictures you’d like to share? Post them to our wall!

Planning a trip with family and friends. We’re hoping to stay with you a few nights!

Tnt Diner: I had Limoncello-cured salmon at Hotel Murano Bite restaurant that was lusciously divine.

Lovin’ the bar that lights up. Great bartender too:)

I guess my wife is right: Communication is a good thing.

See ya soon,

Dale