We want to travel the Alpine route

Hello, first time in Japan in early Nov. We want to travel the Alpine route. Can anyone give advice? We are wanting to catch a train from Kyoto to Toyama, on to Takeyama then to overnight in Murodo. Is this possible in one day? Any recommendations for hotel in Murodo?

We are wanting to catch a train from Kyoto to Toyama, on to Takeyama

I assume you mean Tateyama Station.

then to overnight in Murodo. Is this possible in one day?

Yes, especially with an early start, it is easily possible. Please read about the basics here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7551.html?aFROM=2158_7550
http://www.hyperdia.com/ (train timetables)
http://www.alpen-route.com/en/ (official website with timetables)

Any recommendations for hotel in Murodo?

Of course, the Hotel Tateyama for highest comfort (if comfort is what you are looking for):
http://h-tateyama.alpen-route.co.jp/english/

The other hotels in the area are more like mountain huts. I hear the Mikurigaike Onsen is not bad:
http://www.mikuri.com/english/index.html

Thanks so much. We are concerned if we come in from the Toyama/Tateyama side we could be held up by bad weather? We would hate not to be able to get through and have to turn around and go back. Maybe it's better to come in from Matsumoto/Osigawa at this time of year

Indeed, the official website states that there is a considerable risk in November that the approach from the west is suspended due to snow on the road taken by buses. The risk that service is interrupted on the eastern side is much lower because all the transportation in the higher elevations runs through tunnels (buses and cable car) or the air (ropeway).

Whether the Western approach will be open or closed mainly depends on whether there is a big snowfall in the days before or during your visit.