Portland doesn’t have the centuries-old history of American cities on the East Coast, so when you come across landmarks from its most dynamic early growth period at the beginning of the 20th century, they are something to behold. The Benson Hotel is one such landmark.
The majestic Benson was designed and built to be the first world-class hotel west of the Mississippi River, and it remains one of Portland’s premier establishments today. From imported marble and carpets to chandeliers hanging in every guest room, The Benson is luxury embodied.
You are treated to amenities like flat-panel HD televisions, organic bamboo bathrobes and slippers, round-the-clock room service and a 24-hour fitness room. To maximize your time in Portland, seek help from the hotel’s top-notch Les Clefs d’Or concierges, who can do everything from map out the best attractions within walking distance to snag reservations at the city’s hottest restaurants.
The majestic Benson was designed and built to be the first world-class hotel west of the Mississippi River, and it remains one of Portland’s premier establishments today. From imported marble and carpets to chandeliers hanging in every guest room, The Benson is luxury embodied.
You are treated to amenities like flat-panel HD televisions, organic bamboo bathrobes and slippers, round-the-clock room service and a 24-hour fitness room. To maximize your time in Portland, seek help from the hotel’s top-notch Les Clefs d’Or concierges, who can do everything from map out the best attractions within walking distance to snag reservations at the city’s hottest restaurants.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Located in the heart of downtown Portland, The Benson Hotel is within easy walking distance of Pioneer Courthouse Square, downtown shopping, Chinatown, the trendy Pearl District and some of the city's finest dining.
- Views from some of the hotel’s guest rooms take in the lush, green West Hills of Portland, while others look out on the city’s bustling downtown core.
- The Benson Presidential Suite lives up to its name — every U.S. president since William H. Taft has stayed in the plush space.
- Stop by Wednesday to Saturday to catch live music in The Palm Court, the longest continuously running jazz venue in Portland.
- The hotel manages to retain its opulent Old World feel while having modern, up-to-date rooms.
Things to Know
- Portland is a year-round destination city, so you can visit The Benson Hotel at any time. Even in the drizzly, gray days of January, you can enjoy world-class shopping or sit in one of the many coffeehouses sipping customized cappuccinos.
- The city’s own residents often make up a significant portion of the diners at the hotel’s restaurants, the Palm Court Restaurant and El Gaucho (one of Portland’s best steakhouses).
- The Benson’s Palm Court Restaurant and Lounge’s impressive collection of wine is drawn from The Benson’s private cellar boasting more than 1,500 bottles. In addition to delectable appetizers and entrées, the ambiance of The Palm Court is a definite draw.
- Guests of The Benson can bring their favorite four-legged friends (who, like their owners, also get Tempur-Pedic-style bedding) and head out during the day to explore the many city trails and hikes, stroll through the tree-lined Park Blocks or day-trip to the stunning Multnomah Falls, just an hour away.
The Rooms
- Accommodations have a neutral tan, brown and white palette punctuated with large black-and-white photos of Portland landmarks from Swedish architectural photographer Åke E:son Lindman.
- Get ready for slumber: the rooms feature Tempur-Pedic memory foam beds with pillow-top mattresses.
- The Penthouse suites, many with outstanding views of downtown, consist of a bedroom, a separate living room with a sleeper sofa and a dining room that seats four.
- The Portland hotel’s luxurious Presidential Suite offers outstanding city views. The living room draws you in with a floor-to-ceiling glass fireplace. And the spacious bathroom is a haven with marble vanities, an in-mirror TV and an expansive walk-in shower with a multisensory water experience.
- Breathable organic, plush bathrobes hang in every room closet, an umbrella is provided for those drizzly Portland winter days and Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities promise to pamper.
The Look
- A true Portland landmark, The Benson Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Designed in 1912 and completed in 1913, The Benson’s exterior was in the French Second Empire design style complete with glazed terra cotta and brick, and a mansard roof with dormers.
- Inside, no expense was spared with only the finest materials and design elements lending themselves to a luxurious experience.
- From the arched lobby windows and an immense mirror brought to the luxury hotel from Hawaii in 1958, to the Circassian walnut imported from the imperial forests of Russia, stunning Austrian crystal chandeliers and premium Italian marble, the classic European-style interior transports you to another era.
- During the holidays, you’re transported into a winter wonderland with boughs of fragrant garlands, twinkling lights, wrapped presents and a majestic lobby Christmas tree that only intensify the beauty of The Benson.
Getting There
309 Southwest Broadway, Portland, Oregon 97205
TEL503-228-2000
TEL503-228-2000
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
PDX (18-24 min)
