Benson Hotel Review, Portland – The Great Historic Hotel

Benson Hotel Review: The Benson Hotel is located in Portland, Oregon in the United States of America. The hotel has more of a historic feel than a modern one, with an ancient feel across its hallways. The Benson, a Coast Hotel, accommodates 287 rooms. These rooms are, however, super luxurious; most of them show the tall buildings or busy streets of Portland from their windows.

Originally, the hotel was named as “New Oregon Hotel”. But now, it is known as “The Benson Hotel” after the name of its owner, Simon Benson who was a popular businessman and a Philanthropist. The hotel is surely one of the very best hotels in Portland and the seventh-largest one because of its 287 luxurious rooms.

How Far is Benson Hotel from Portland?

Benson Hotel is basically located inside the city of Portland, Oregon; which is the most populous and largest city in the state of Oregon, United States.

It is about a 20-minute drive from the Portland International Airport to the Benson Hotel via the I-405 N route. During the drive, you pass through the Downtown Portland and the Portland Art Museum, and then finally reach the Benson Hotel.

Which popular attractions are close to The Benson, a Coast Hotel?

There are plenty of them actually. The most popular ones are:

  • Portland Art Museum
  • Washington Park
  • International Rose Test Garden
  • Willamette Valley
  • The Grotto – The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

The History of Benson Hotel, Portland

A hotel of world-class in Portland has been Simon Benson’s big dream. Benson, however, made his dream come true during the population boom that occurred between the Centennial Exposition of 1905 and the Great Depression.

This historic Portland hotel was designed in the French Second Empire style by Doyle, Patterson & Beach. The Blackstone Hotel in Chicago served as an inspiration for this hotel’s architecture. Opening on March 5, 1913, it was an annex of the adjacent Oregon Hotel, which occupied the block’s southern half. For 16 months, it was called the “New Oregon Hotel”.

After Benson took over the management, it was renamed “The Benson Hotel”. The hotel was sold to William Boyd and Robert Keller by Benson in 1919. Then, Western Hotels bought it in 1944. The building next to the Oregon Hotel was demolished in 1959 so that Western Hotels could build a 175-room annex adjacent to the 1912 building.

However, in 1981, Western International Hotels became “The Westin Benson”, and the hotel became a part of the Westin Hotels chain. In 1986, the Westin Benson made its way into the list of the National Register of Historic Places. In 1988, Westin Hotels sold the hotel to West Coast Hotels, which is now The Coast Hotels & Resorts and it finally reverted to its original name, The Benson Hotel.

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The Benson, a Coast Hotel Ranking in Portland

Although the hotel was first designed in 1913, it was later transformed into an even better space with a greater number of rooms and modern facilities available. The hotel, now, has modern updated features such as big TV screens, Free WIFI, and modern bathrooms with luxurious fixtures inside.

As you step onto the historic staircase, you come across the history of Portland in the form of pictures and stories, resented within a 12-story “mini-museum“.

The recently renovated rooms and suites feature thoughtful amenities such as deluxe bedding, organic plush bathrobes, and slippers, along with complimentary basic internet access. Stunning city views and luxurious accents abound in their suites.

Moreover, a unique array of venues in the hotel, including expansive ballrooms and flexible meeting settings, make it an ideal venue for both corporate events and special occasions.

What are some of the property amenities at the Benson?

Out of so many property Amenities offered at Benson, some are:

  • Free WIFI
  • Valet Parking
  • Conference facilities
  • Laundry service
  • ATM
  • Breakfast and special diet menus

You may further read about the property amenities and room types at: Click Here

Is the Benson hotel pet-friendly?

Totally. Benson hotel allows pet cats and dogs to stay. You have to simply pay $25 dollars to keep your pet your you. Furthermore, they provide a take-home gift and a guide on pet-friendly attractions in the area for pets staying at The Benson.

Benson Hotel Portland, Parking

The Benson Hotel has its own parking lot and you’ll have to pay for parking your vehicle there. The charges are different for people staying overnight and people who are there just for a few hours, to attend meetings or functions.

  • For guests staying overnight at the Benson Hotel, valet parking is offered for $42.00 per day.
  • Additionally, guests attending functions and meetings in the hotel will be charged $8.00 per hour, with a maximum daily rate of $42.00. It is possible for parking rates to change.

Benson Hotel Downtown, Portland – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Large rooms with all the luxuries inside
  • Perfect venues for meetings and formal events
  • Free WIFI is available across the entire hotel
  • Modern fixtures in the super-modern bathrooms
  • Big, decent lobby with leather furniture
  • Located in the heart of Downtown, the perfect location for a hotel in Portland

Cons

  • You have to pay a lot for the parking
  • A few of the rooms have smaller bathrooms

Location – The Benson Hotel

The Benson Hotel is a twenty-minute drive away from the Portland International Airport. It is also a few minutes walks away from the famous Pioneer Square.

Exact Location: 309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205, United States.

Open/Closed: Open 24 hours. The Benson Hotel is currently open again. It has been closed for a few months due to the Covid-19 situation worldwide but reopened in February 2021.

Benson Hotel Review – Final Words

If you’re looking for a hotel to stay at night, the Benson Hotel, right in the heart of downtown, is a perfect place. Although its charges are super high for even a one-night stay and you also have to pay for the parking, but if you can afford it then why not?

For booking and other info, visit here.

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