I was born in Tacoma and raised in Puyallup. I’m the oldest of a family of 6 and have three younger brothers. I graduated from Emerald Ridge High School in 2004 and attended Washington State University for two years. After leaving WSU I moved to Seattle and worked at a salon for about a year. Needing a change of career and scenery I applied at the hotel (still as a Sheraton) and moved back down to Tacoma.

I love working here and will never forget how crazy the hotel was during the renovation process! Moving the front desk across the lobby, trying to check in guests, answer phones while being surrounded by jack hammering, retiling, putting together artwork and decor – phew! It was quite an experience but after all is said and done it turned out beautiful and it was great to be a part of the change.

Outside of work I enjoy working out, but my passion is running. I’ve run two triathlons and right now I’m training for a half-marathon. I enjoy sports, going out, shopping, going to concerts, crafting (scrapbooking) and going to the movies. I spend most of my time with my family, friends, and boyfriend.

So, when you visit the hotel, be sure to look me up. Chances are, I’ll be greeting you!

–Danielle

Here’s my story.

Fresh out of college with my Doctor of Chiropractic degree, I drove to Tacoma where I my met my wife (now of 38 years) Gail. I chose a busy corner, hung the sign, and began “adjusting the vertebrae” to relieve the kinks and the “Oh Gosh, I hurt” issues for a ton of folks who remain friends and family many years later. At the same time, Gail and I started a family that includes daughter Pam, a Tacoma police officer the past 10 years and son Bryan, a CPA in Bellevue, Washington.

A discontent of sorts set in after 15 years of serving “pain and suffering” and so I moved in a whole new direction. Sold the practice, closed the office, and started over.

First was the Bottled Water chapter. I started a business delivering fresh water to offices. That was a great ride for seven or eight years, and I met many wonderful families and friends who remain in my life. Soon, though, Tacoma was discovered by many other water companies, who offered my services for half the price and I graduated again.

After that, a short seven-year stint with a local manufacturer doing sales. Fun, yet not
hitting the bulls eye !

Then comes the best part. I entered the lobby of Hotel Murano (it was the Tacoma Sheraton at the time), found a dear friend who worked here and announced “the bellstand is mine!” They took me to Human Resources, handed me my name pin, uniform, handbook etc. and now 5 years later this past July 08, the joy remains!

I now serve as Bell Captain, which brings a daily dose of fun, plus some paper shuffling, parking some awesome automobiles, sweeping the curb, opening the huge front doors with a big smile, creating memories and generally having the time of my life. Creating a welcoming experience for total strangers to Tacoma is priceless.

Now that you’ve heard my story, I’d like to hear yours. So program that GPS system for Tacoma and come visit us soon—-I can’t wait to meet you!

Danielle Stoeck bio
What do you do at Hotel Murano?
I am front desk supervisor at the hotel. A typical day includes checking guests in and out, serving as concierge, making reservations and resolving guest service issues and concerns

Are you from Tacoma originally?
I was born in Tacoma, raised in Puyallup. I’m the oldest in a family of six and have three younger brothers. After graduating from Emerald Ridge High School in 2004, I attended Washington State University for two years. After that I moved to Seattle and worked at a salon for about a year. Needing a change of career and scenery I applied at the hotel (still as a Sheraton) and moved back down to Tacoma.

Any pets?
I have one cat. His name is Jaxson. He’s about 7 months old, very feisty and playful.

Name one experience at Hotel Murano that you will probably never forget for the rest of your life.
I will never forget how crazy the hotel was during the renovation process! Moving the front desk across the lobby, trying to check in guests and answer phones while being surrounded by jack hammering, retiling, putting together artwork and decor – phew! It was quite an experience but after all is said and done it turned out beautiful and it was great to be a part of the change.

What do you like to do after hours or on your days off?
Outside of work I enjoy working out, but my passion is running. I have run two triathlons, and right now I’m training for a half-marathon. I enjoy sports, going out, shopping, going to concerts, crafting (scrapbooking), going to the movies. I spend most of my time with my family, friends, and boyfriend.

What would you like to be doing in ten years?
In 10 years I would like to be married, possibly with children. I would still like to be working part time, maybe being a teacher

What is your favorite pizza topping?
BBQ chicken… yum.

On the other hand, tired of seeing the kids cooped in the house all day? Ready to do anything to tear the X-Box controllers from their sweaty little hands? Pile those kids in the car and head to Point Defiance Zoo for an evening of Zoolights.  Featuring half a million lights, this annual night-time event is just like a walk through a video game. At least, it’s like a video game, circa 1983.

–James

A good place to start, if you have little ones, is the Children’s Museum of Tacoma.  The Story Time sessions and Learning Lounge are intriguing enough, but parents might especially enjoy the “New Digs” feature. According to the website, it’s “a neighborhood brimming with container gardens and interactive window boxes. A produce stand and delivery truck offer abundant opportunities to sort, count, weigh, buy and sell a vibrant bounty of fruits and vegetables. Garden to table connections are made as children role-play in the sidewalk cafe, whipping up tasty treats or ordering a fresh lunch.”  Sounds like a tasty idea to me.

–Dale

In our quest to serve the wheat-averse (and there are, surprisingly, many of you), we just got word via Tacoma Mama that quickly-proliferating Garlic Jim’s now offers great pizza, minus the gluten. They’ve got scads of locations, and all of them are willing to bring their hot, cheesy wholesomeness right to your front door.  When you stay with us at Hotel Murano, call the 6th Ave. location at (253) 286 5467

–James

–Dale

At first, I thought it was vegetarian. But Herban Café, located, appropriately enough, at the heart of the city at 2602 6th Ave. serves something for all foodie persuasions. Although I haven’t yet been there myself, Herban Café is beloved by such bloggers as Tacoma Mama, Kevin Freitas and Tacoma Chickadee.  I think that constitutes a consensus. Now that it’s re-opened with expanded hours and an economized menu, I think I’ll go give it a try. From the sound of things they’re a solid local business worth going out of the way for; maybe you should head down there too.

–Dale

Even in the best economic times, opening a new art gallery can be a challenge. When the going is tough, such a venture can be even more dicey. Hats off, then, to owners (and cousins) Robert and Daniel Stocker, who opened the Robert Daniel Gallery at 2501 Fawcett Ave. Their stable of artists currently includes about 15 painters and sculptors from around the Northwest. Names include:  Andrew Glass, Christopher Hoppin, Dave Haslett, Dawn Sorrell, Debra VanTuinen, Eve Chang, James Minden, Jan Rimerman, Jay Lazerwitz, Karen Schroeder, Katie Harkins, Lyria Schaffer-Bauck, Martha Pfanschmidt, Patricia Hagen andWilliam Turner.

–James

Tacoma has a wonderful history – one worth preserving. And, to recognize special achievements in that area, the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission has released its list of 2008 Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation Award winners. They are:

– David & Josephine Root (502 N. I St.) – Their house stood vacant for a number of years, calling upon extraordinary determination and commitment by the owners to finish the renovation project.

– Todd & Paula Bond (407 N. E St.): The residence, constructed in 1893 and remodeled in 1903, is located in the Stadium-Seminary National Register Historic District.

– Dr. Caroline T. Swope & David Waring (2902 N. Cedar): The Lord Residence, which was designed and constructed in 1906 by notable builder Sherman L. Blair, has been extensively rehabilitated. In 2007, it was designated a landmark on the Tacoma, Washington and National Registers of Historic Places.

– Metro Parks This award is for the stewardship of two important public historic assets: Point Defiance Park and Wright Park; both which are accessible and enjoyable to all of Tacoma’s citizens.

– Chinese Reconciliation Park The Chinese Reconciliation Park supporters are recognized for their dedicated persistence in initiating and building a Chinese Commemorative park and international pavilion to educate the community and memorialize this part of Tacoma history.

– Historic Tacoma & Save Our Bridge organizations The Murray Morgan Bridge is listed on the Tacoma and National Registers of Historic Places, as well as the Washington State Heritage Register. It was listed as one of 2008’s Most Endangered Historic Properties in the state.

(Information gleaned from Tacoma Daily Index.)

–Dale

It’s late at night. You’ve been out hitting the town, enjoying the finest in Tacoma’s food and drink scene. Maybe the emphasis is on the latter. If so, you may need something big, starchy, yummy and, best, deep fried. You’ve dressed to the nines, and Denny’s just won’t do. I suggest you drop by a local favorite – The Crown Bar, 2705 Sixth Ave.  With a late-night menu that includes fried oysters, a gooey mushroom quesadilla and thick and creamy Cougar Gold mac and cheese, you’ll be sure to go home for a full and restful night’s sleep. If you’re staying at the Hotel Murano, be sure to let us help you find Advil and/or Alka Seltzer – on an as-needed basis, of course.

–James