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.

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 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

Let me say straight away: A night with Burt Bacharach at the Hotel Murano is not an upcoming event. Unfortunately, this once-in-a-lifetime show came and went in 2008. And, it truly was a never before/never again night.

One great night, two years ago, Burt Bacharach performed at our very own Hotel Murano. Yup. Right under our roof. In the middle of the show, he announced that his longtime lyricist, Hal David (you may have heard a few of their number-one-hit collaborations through the years) was in the audience. The crowd went wild. Hal David got up, told a little story, and proceeded to sing “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” YouTube has a shaky two-part video recorded on a fan’s phone, but it’s worth watching.

The point is you never know what incredible memories you’ll make at Hotel Murano. There’s only one way to find out.

See ya soon,

Dale

I’ve always been fascinated by behind-the-scenes glimpses into how things get made. Doesn’t matter what it is, I want to know how it happened. For instance, whenever I get a chance, I head over to the Tacoma Art Museum to see which Artists-in-Residence are making what. So, naturally, I look forward to Tacoma’s Art at Work every November.

This year will mark the 9^th anniversary of this popular celebration, and I highly recommend it. The whole month is dedicated to honoring Tacoma’s artists. Plan to attend any or all of a slew of related events, featuring a special two-day happening (TBA: check site for dates).

Start out the Opening Celebration and then head out on a self-guided tour of Tacoma artists’ studios for a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain. And make sure not to miss the Art Slam. I guarantee you’ll be glad you took a closer look.

See ya soon,

Dale

Whenever my wife and I are heading out on a trip, we look for a hotel with a few must-haves: We want the hotel to have a restaurant (I sneak down to read the paper and have a cup of joe without waking my wife), we like a hotel bar for a nightcap after an evening out on the town, and we always choose a place within walking distance of great restaurants, shops, museums and theaters. In other words, we look for a place just like Hotel Murano.

Guests ask me every day where to eat, where to shop, and what interesting sites they can see on foot. I’m happy to be able to steer them to so many great places, all within a few blocks of the Murano. Now that I think of it, we’re sort of the one-stop-shopping of hotels.

See ya soon,

Dale