Dale, I loved the “the art of meeting people’s needs” line. It actually got me thinking about our art. So after writing about the Neddy Fellowship the other day I took a little tour of our collection. I’d never done that if you can believe it! I recommend it, especially to any employees like me who really checked it out.

Here are some of my favorites. In case you want to include them in your itinerary.

Grand Corridor
Specimen Block by Steffen Dam: It’s like a puzzle that you could look at for hours.

Lobby
Fish Lures by Rick Beck: They’re just fun. I’m lucky I can seem them all day from reception.

Floor 4, Bite Restaurant
Totem by Costas Varotsos: It’s amazing the way he managed to use both glass and stainless steel.

Floor 24

Iceberg by Peter Bremers: This one is incredible because of all the research he did. See the pictures showing his process.

Visit us and you’re sure to find some favorites of your own!

Have fun,
Danielle

Ah, Dad’s Day. After working hard all year for our families, it’s time for us to get the spotlight. Bravo! Here’s to all the fathers out there for all you do! I feel privileged that my work at the hotel gives me a chance to meet so many great dads.

Well, if you’re looking for a good way to celebrate the father in your life, think about taking him to the Tacoma Invaders semi-pro football game on Saturday, June 20. The game takes place at Curtis High School and pits our hometown Invaders against the Olympic Peninsula Eagles.

The Invaders are hovering around .500 in the Cascade League standings. So get out and give them a bit of support, while giving dad a chance to cheer some football while his Seahawks are taking some well-earned time off to gear up for next year!

Dale

One of my favorite things about living in the Pacific Northwest is that we have four distinctive seasons (OK, yes, they all include rain). And one of my favorite ways to celebrate spring is my first annual trip to the Proctor Farmers Market.

Though some events have already started in the market space, the really good stuff ― all the fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants ― don’t start showing up until later in May. There are also vendors selling fresh fish, meats, and incredible cheeses. You can find some cool homemade crafts, and even stuff for dogs and for Jaxson (my cat).

If you linger as long as I do, you’ll end up tasting a little bit of a lot of things. When you’re ready to sit and rest, stop at the food booths; maybe a caprese empanada followed by some homemade ice cream. Not a bad way to spend a sunny Saturday…

Have fun!
Danielle

I’m not sure if we have a clever male or female to thank for this brainstorm, but it takes a keen mind to combine spa treatments and baseball. That’s right; it’s Ladies’ Day at the Ballpark.

Here’s the deal: Tell your man that you’ve made arrangements for the whole family to go see the Rainiers play the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at Cheney Stadium on May 10. You want to get there early, so you can park and so he can study the line-up, pregame. As soon as everyone’s in their seats, you quietly slip away to the private party deck for spa treatments, a buffet, beverages, and autographs from the ball players. And, don’t worry, while you’re being pampered the rest of the family can enjoy batting practice.

The whole shebang is sponsored by Savvy Girls of Summer, so I guess we do have a woman to thank.

Have fun,
Danielle

(photo courtesy of Alki Chick)

Sure, it’s bird watching season, but why not give your Audubon impulses a break? Why go search for birds when they can search for you? Recently, birds have been showing up in droves at Titlow Park. Here’s what you do. Fill a couple of Ziploc bags with bread crumbs, pile the kids in the car and drive out to the park. You’ll have a blast feeding the pigeons. Afterwards, head up to Steamers and enjoy a great bowl of clam chowder. Be sure to thank me later.

–Dale

Another reminder folks: Tacoma’s Wintergrass Festival starts tonight.  I hope to see the whole city of Tacoma out for this one.  I guarantee it will be a blast!

If music festivals aren’t really your thing, hopefully sports are, becuase there’s a couple crazy sporting events happening this weekend.  First off, it’s the Dockyard Dairy Dames women’s roller derby league kickoff!  2 games and 2 filled hours of sweat, blood, and tears (well, maybe not tears, but we promise plenty of fishnet!).  It’s all going down at the Tacoma Soccer Center this Saturday.

Second on the agenda is the indoor motorcycle & quad flat track racing event.  This is also on Saturday so you’ll have to choose between racing and roller derby.  Hmm… tough choice.  If you choose this one, however, it’s happening at the Puyallup Fairgrounds.  I’ll see you there!

- Dale

Guys, if you haven’t planned anything yet for that special someone, it’s not too late.  We already posted about this last month, but it was a little early so I want to remind everyone of our romantic Valentine’s special we’re offering at Hotel Murano.  We’re providing everything you’ll need to have a romantic night for two, including champagne (or wine), roses, Valentine’s chocolate from Tacoma’s own Almond Roca, and even a voucher for breakfast at the hotel (room service anyone?).  So c’mon, celebrate your love this Saturday and make it a night to remember.  Check the current availability for more info.

- Danielle

Four days. Dozens of bands. An international collection of fans and musicians. What’s not to love? If you like old-timey music, then you need to head to Tacoma for its annual Wintergrass festival. You’ll catch some of the best names in bluegrass and get to watch them perform and then mingle with them afterwards. There are also workshops on everything from overcoming stage fright to mastering Old Time fiddle. The hotel lobbies are filled with impromptu jams. February 19-22. Yee haw!

– Danielle

What could be more romantic: a zillion dollar view of the city, beautifully decorated art-filled rooms and a full staff waiting to cater to your every whim. Valentine’s Day is one of the best times to visit our (not-so-little) hotel. The key word is: celebrate!  Celebrate life, love and the little luxuries that make it special. Call us to put together a custom package to make your night one to remember!

–Dale

After winning the readers’ poll award for Tacoma’s Best Spa in the Weekly Volcano last summer,
Savi Day Spa continues to have a stellar 20th anniversary year. A couple of weeks ago, Victoria Becker, of the Tacoma Weekly came to Hotel Murano for a two-day “staycation.”  Ms. Becker liked what she saw in us: “When the doorman greeted us, an artistic vision presented itself ahead. Low, modern furniture punctuates the bar and fireplace. The effect is sort of floaty, giving a feeling of peace.” Nice words! And moving on to her spa experience at Savi day Spa, she said, “The foot massage was heavenly, and my neck spasm was relieved. The rest of the treatment took place in the Vichy steam room where several vertical showerheads bathed me while I laid down. All was well.” I’m thinking I’m due to make an appointment for myself.

–Danielle