Tacoma, WA — February 26, 2013 — Forbes Travel Guide today unveiled its 55th annual list of Star Award-winning hospitality establishments and Hotel Murano, with Four Stars, joined the elite ranks of properties receiving the coveted designation. Forbes Travel Guide’s star ratings have, since the company’s founding in 1958 as Mobil Travel Guide, been the gold standard for hospitality excellence. The first-ever hotel in Tacoma to be recognized by Forbes and one of only four in Washington state to receive Four Stars, Hotel Murano will be showcased with all of the 2013 winners on Startle.com, the online home of Forbes Travel Guide. The hotel will also celebrate its newly-minted Four Star status by welcoming all guests who check in today with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
Located in the heart of Tacoma’s rejuvenated downtown museum district, Hotel Murano offers a world-class hotel experience with an artful, only-in-Tacoma twist. Complementing the city’s status as the epicenter of the American art glass movement, art is deeply integrated into the function and design of the hotel with works by more than 45 glass artists from around the world showcased throughout the public spaces and on every guest room floor. The property is a member of Provenance Hotels, a collection of award-winning urban boutique hotels based in Portland, OR, and features the brand’s signature lifestyle amenities – such as a comprehensive pet program and innovative spiritual menu – for fanciful whims and practical necessities.
“We are incredibly honored to be the first to bring an award of this caliber home to Tacoma,” said Bashar Wali, President of Provenance Hotels. “The hotel is beautiful and unique but, in reality, the professional dedication and irrepressible passion we have for providing unbeatable customer service day-in and day-out are what earned this award.”
“The Forbes Travel Guide annual Star Awards represent the best in class in luxury hospitality. Travelers seeking exceptional experiences rely on our ratings to guide them to the world’s finest hotels, restaurants and spas,” said Michael Cascone, President and COO of Forbes Travel Guide. “By continuing to evolve our ratings categories, we are establishing a global benchmark for the highest standards in hospitality service and facilities.”
For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star ratings, visit www.startle.com/about/ratings and, to view the complete list of 2013 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award winners, visit www.startle.com/forbes-travel-guide-star-award-winners/2013-star-award-winners.
About Hotel Murano
Centrally located at 1320 Broadway Plaza in downtown Tacoma, the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List award-winning Hotel Murano is unique in the Northwest with art-inspired design and a focus on personal service. The 320-room hotel offers indulgent but essential amenities including Savi Day Spa; BITE restaurant; Provenance Hotels’ signature Pillow, Spiritual and iPod menus; and a “Help Me” button on every hotel phone for the most whimsical desire or everyday need. Hotel Murano can be reached by calling 253-238-8000 or found online at www.murano.com.
About Forbes Travel Guide and Startle.com
Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide and originator of the prestigious Five Star ratings and certifications, has provided the travel industry’s most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against rigorous and objective standards, providing consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions. The information gathered from the inspectors’ visits can be found along with content by curated hospitality experts, tastemakers, Forbes Travel Guide editors and correspondents at Startle.com, online home of Forbes Travel Guide.
About Provenance Hotels
Provenance Hotels are award-winning urban boutique hotels with a distinct and deeply integrated art story. They include Hotel deLuxe, Hotel Lucia and the Governor Hotel in Portland, Ore., Hotel Max in Seattle, Wash., Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Wash., and Hotel Preston in Nashville, Tenn. Provenance Hotels can be found online at www.provenancehotels.com.
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