Sometimes it’s the things below the surface that make a hotel the perfect place for your stay, or your meeting. It's the things you never thought to ask about that turn out to be the things you remembered the most. Here are some of our favorites, semi-hidden in plain sight around Tacoma.

View from the pool deck at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Many hotels have pools. Some have outdoor pools. Some have outdoor pools with lounge and event space. The Marriott Tacoma Downtown has all that, and expansive views of Mount Rainier and the Downtown Tacoma Waterfront. It's (debatably) the best view from downtown Tacoma.
 
Rooftop pool at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown

 

The glass art in the hallways of Hotel Murano

At Hotel Murano, in addition to their displays of glass art from Murano, Italy as well as contemporary glass art in the lobby, each floor has a unique piece from a renowned glass artist. You can take a glass art tour just by going floor to floor! (Also, their gift shop is full of curated goodness, filled with art and crafts exclusively from local artisans.)
 
Hotel Murano glass art
 
Glass art at Hotel Murano

 

Literally a secret bar at Elks Temple

McMenamins is famous for both their attention to detail, and for going big with features and surprises. And just when you think you've picked your favorite of the four Elks Temple bars (that's one bar per 11.25 guest rooms, for those keeping track), you find out there's a fifth bar, and it's hidden. If you can figure out the right place to push on the right wall, The Vault is open for you, and you should reward yourself with a drink or two.
 
The Vault hidden bar at McMenamins Elks Temple

 

Silver Cloud Inn Tacoma Waterfront and Silver Cloud Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront's jacuzzi suites

Okay, so this is not exactly under-the-radar because Silver Cloud is semi-well-known for them, but they're jacuzzis in hotel rooms. Not the bathroom. The main area, in a corner of two waterfront-view picture windows. If you think you could wait until the door is fully closed before you're tucked into a cannonball and hurtling toward the jacuzzi...well Mr. (or Ms.) Self-Control...I congratulate you.
 
Now check out the view from the jacuzzi: