Hotel Murano is Tacoma's signature art hotel, and the easiest answer to where to stay if you came for the Museum of Glass. The property takes its name from the Venetian island of Murano, famous for glassmaking, and its identity is built on glass art: the lobby and public areas hold sculptures and installations by well-known glass artists, and each guest floor is dedicated to a different artist whose work appears in the corridors and in the rooms. It makes the hotel feel like a gallery in which you happen to sleep. The tower sits in the downtown core near the convention centre and the Theater District, close enough to walk to Pacific Avenue's museums, the Bridge of Glass and the waterfront in a few minutes. The Tacoma Link light rail is also nearby, which makes it easy to reach the Tacoma Dome area and the LeMay car museum without a car. For visitors who like to explore on foot, this location puts several of the city's best-known attractions within a short walk. Guest rooms are contemporary and designed with a boutique sensibility, with clean lines, comfortable beds and generally good views of the city, the bay or Mount Rainier on clear days, depending on the floor. Suites provide extra space for families or longer stays. Dining and a bar on site, plus a fitness area, cover the practical needs of business and leisure travellers.
Rates and room types vary by season and event days, so compare dates before you book. Summer and weekends with events at the convention centre or the Tacoma Dome can raise prices and fill the hotel, while midweek stays in winter can be good value. Ask for a higher floor and a view side when you reserve, and check whether parking is charged, since downtown garage parking is an additional cost in many cities.
The glass theme rewards a bit of curiosity. Ask at the front desk about the artists represented on the floors, and take a few minutes to walk the public areas and read the labels. If you are visiting the Museum of Glass, the hotel is an excellent base for walking there and back. Couples who like design hotels and travellers who appreciate art will feel at home, while families with young children should know that the quiet, gallery-like atmosphere is more adult than playful.
Practical tips
Ask about the quietest rooms if you are a light sleeper, since downtown noise can reach lower floors. Check the hotel's site for current facilities, dining hours and any renovation work. Nearby you will find cafes, restaurants and bars along Pacific Avenue and in the Theater District, so you are not tied to the hotel for meals. For a short visit focused on museums and the waterfront, few other properties in Tacoma match the convenience of this one.
Why stay here
- ✓Glass art in public areas and rooms
- ✓Downtown location
- ✓Walkable to museums
- ✓Near light rail
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓Suites available
- ✓City and bay views
Good questions
Why is it called Hotel Murano?+
It is named for the Venetian island famous for glassmaking, reflecting the hotel's glass art theme.
Can I walk to the Museum of Glass?+
Yes, it is a short walk through downtown and across the Bridge of Glass.
Is there parking?+
Parking is typically available for a fee; confirm when you book.
