Hotel Overview
Fine old Hotel
The Benson is a Hotel in the elegant style. Formal Lobby, good restaurant, excellent breakfast...
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Tacomite
- Nov 28, 2011
very comfortable, great location.
a few short blocks to any light rail station, and a stone's throw to powell's bookstore and to...
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-
penstarr
- Nov 13, 2011
Classic hotel brings old-school elegance to downtown Portland
Centrally situated in downtown Portland since 1913, the stately Benson Hotel has housed A-list celebrities and every U.S. president since William Taft. These elite are undoubtedly drawn to the old-school opulence, including crystal chandeliers, marble stairs, and wood trim from a rare (now-extinct) walnut tree. The downtown location means Portland's top attractions, such as the Japanese Garden and the trendy Pearl district, are mere steps away.Highlights
- Historic AAA four-diamond hotel in downtown Portland
- Guest rooms feature organic bamboo robes and slippers
- London Grill, an award-winning restaurant with local seafood and a massive wine cellar
Rooms
The Benson Hotel offers 287 elegant smoke-free rooms and several junior and full-sized suites. All of the airy rooms feature windows that open, large flat-screen TVs, complimentary high-speed Internet access, Tempur-PedicĀ® beds, and organic bamboo robes and slippers. Suites include the grand suite, which features 850 square feet of space and a baby grand piano, and the presidential suite, with a spacious living room, a dining table and a fireplace.Features
Guests to the Benson Hotel are greeted by polite doormen sporting black suits and top hats. The hotel has received several awards, including the AAA Four Diamond Award. The ornate main lobby features Austrian crystal chandeliers, Italian marble stairs, and wood trim from a rare (now-extinct) Russian walnut tree. The lobby was revamped in 1980 and now features an old-school cocktail lounge.Dining
The on-site London Grill, which features local seafood, has won numerous awards, including a Four Diamond AAA rating and the Award of Grand Excellence by Wine Spectator. The wine list offers a staggering choice of some 6,000 bottles. The hotel also houses the Argentinian-themed El Gaucho restaurant and The Palm Court, offering tapas.Recreation
Benson Hotel guests have free, 24/7 access to the Executive Fitness Room, which features free weights, treadmills, stationary bikes, stair machines and elliptical trainers.Transportation
- Portland International Airport (12.4 miles/20 km)
- MAX light rail (which goes to airport) and Portland streetcar two blocks away
- Hotel/airport shuttle service available
Attractions
- Portland Art Museum (0.5 mi/0.8 km)
- Powell's Bookstore (0.5 mi/0.8 km)
- Rose Garden Arena (1.4 mi/2.3 km)
- Portland Japanese Garden (2.3 mi/3.7 km)
- Pittock Mansion (2.9 mi/4.7 km)
- Oregon Zoo (3 mi/4.8 km)
Business
- Business center is open 24/7
- High-speed Internet access, computers, fax and copy services, and color printing are available
- Eleven business rooms totaling 16,000 square feet
- Banquet space for 600 in Mayfair room
Benson Hotel Rooms
- Deluxe Double/Double with Tempur-Pedic Beds
- A larger room with two new Tempur-Pedic memory foam beds, downtown city view and a comfortable ottoman and chair. Every room includes mini-bar, coffee maker, iron and ironing boards, hairdryers, terry cloth bathrobes, wireless high-speed internet and an over size desk and desk chair.
- Deluxe King with Tempur-Pedic Beds
- A larger room with new Tempur-Pedic memory foam beds, downtown city view and a comfortable ottoman and chair. Every room includes mini-bar, coffee maker, iron and ironing boards, hairdryers, terry cloth bathrobes, Wireless high-speed Internet and an over size desk and desk chair.
- Value Queen with Tempur-Pedic Beds
- A traditional accommodation, which features our new Tempur-Pedic memory foam beds. Every room includes mini-bar, coffee maker, iron and ironing boards, hairdryers, terry cloth bathrobes, wireless high-speed Internet and an over size desk and desk chair.
Hotel Map
309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
- Area served
- Downtown Portland
- Nearby airports
- Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Area description
- Airport Way to Interstate 205 South. Take Interstate 84 West; follow the signs to City Center. Take Interstate 5 South approach, stay in the right hand lane. Follow the sign to City Center/Morrison St. This takes you over the Williamette River. Take a right on 4th Street. Two blocks, left on Oak Street. Three Blocks, left on Broadway. Hotel is on the corner of Broadway and Oak at 309 SW Broadway. Valet parking with doorman is $25.00 per night.
Amenities
- Business center
- Concierge
- Conference Facilities
- Fitness center
- Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
- Health Club
- Internet Access
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities
- Pets allowed
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Smoke-free policy
- Wireless Internet
Dining
- The London Grill
- Is one of Portland's finest restaurants. The London Grill was selected by Gourmet Magazine as one of the "Top Tables" and received the Wine Spectator "Best of Award of Excellence" for its outstanding wine collection. Chef Selbe selects only the freshest ingredients from the Northwest for the four-star restaurant. The London Grill is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a fabulous Sunday brunch.
- El Gaucho
- Features an exhibition kitchen orchestrated by Executive Chef Chris Lopez, which serves aged Certified Angus Beef. Table side preparation is an integral part of El Gaucho, with specialty items, and flaming kabobs, full bar with single malt scotches and cigar lounge. This Argentine steak house has received many awards including the 1999 Zagat's "America's Best Restaurants".
- Palm Court Lounge
- Palm Court lounge offers a full bar, extended menu, and happy hour appetizers.
Hotel Policies
- Check-in:
- 1600
- Check-out:
- 1200
Terms and conditions
Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.
Guest Reviews (106)
Ratings and reviews for Benson Hotel
- All travelers (106) 4.2 / 5
- Business (17) 3.9 / 5
- Couples (53) 4.2 / 5
- Families (16) 4 / 5
- Friends (9) 4.1 / 5
- Singles (8) 4.6 / 5
- Amenities:
- 3.9
- Room cleanliness:
- 4.3
- Hotel staff:
- 4.5
- Room comfort:
- 4.3
- Location:
- 4.7
- Value:
- 4
87%
would recommend to a friend.
- Most recent
- Highest score
- Lowest score
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Fine old Hotel
The Benson is a Hotel in the elegant style. Formal Lobby, good restaurant, excellent breakfast buffet, comfortable room and helpful staff. It's location puts it a few blocks from shopping, public transportation, and eateries.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 4
Money-saving tip:
Short walk from hotel
Go to the nearest MAX stop and buy a Day Pass..$5.00 for unlimited bus and LRV (streetcar) use.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
very comfortable, great location.
a few short blocks to any light rail station, and a stone's throw to powell's bookstore and to other shops/restaurants in the pearl district. staff was very friendly and informative. i had a bit of a slow tub drain that i informed the front desk about, and it was totally fixed by the next time i used it. they were very responsive. i'd definitely recommend this place! i'm a sucker for the little details - this place had super comfy bathrobes and a hair dryer that wasn't deafening!
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Money-saving tip:
Short walk from hotel
The light rail system is super easy to navigate and is FREE within city limits! You can get from the airport to downtown on just over $2!
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Love Portland and the Benson
This is a beautiful old hotel that is very inviting with it's early western /turn of the 19th century decor. The food is very good (try some of the bar food...terrific) and the staff attempts to please and had a smile for you each time you went to the desk. The things that need improving would be the addition of direct TV and an update/expansion of the workout room. Overhead exhausts in the bathroom should be installed. The price, however, was excellent when combined with air fair through ORBITZ. I prefer the better price than the increase expense of updates I mentioned. I would certainly stay there again when I am in Portland!
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Great location
Clean room, elegant lobby, easy walking distance to where we want to go. Hotel valet parking is not cheap but we found an alternative by park couple blocks away at the public parking facility. We were there for the marathon. Hotel management should give these runners peace of mind by assure them that they can work out late check out issues especially for some first time runners. The early morning staffs weren't sure about allowing so many late check out due to marathon. But the noon staffs were great. We were about 20 minutes late after standard check out time. No issue at all.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Sightseeing tip:
Short walk from hotel
if you drive, park at the city Smart Park facility, then walk 3 blocks to the hotels. And you might find something you like on the way there.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Good stay
Very helpful staff. Beds very comfortable. Overall I had a good stay.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 4
Trip purpose:
Business
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Marathon Madness
There was an issue at check-in. The Benson did not have our reservation in their system. This was the Portland Marathon weekend and all the hotels were booked! I began to WORRY. I had a copy of my reservation for two rooms which they honored. We were upgraded to the Penthouse! It was a perfect location to the start and finish of the Marathon; we could walk to the start and my family was able to walk to the finish. We had dinner the night before in the dining room-perfect portioning for a before Marathon meal. It was fun to do something special before submitting your body to the elements the next day.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 4
Reviewer score
Would recommend
In the center of downtown, great location
The location is excellent, extremely close to everything downtown. The railway MAX system is 2 blocks away. The major mall is a few minutes walk. This is a great hotel, albeit a bit old school.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 4
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 4
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Downtown base of operations
The location is great, central to downtown and the Pearl District, and an easy start to the Japanese Garden and Pittock Mansion. The staff is extremely helpful and personable, whether at the desk, concierge, valet parking or doormen. It's very nice when compared to similarly priced hotels.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 4
Sightseeing tip:
Short walk from hotel
The Saturday Farmer's Market and the Portland Saturday Market (which is also on Sunday) were fabulous. Lots of food vendors at both.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Classic Look in Trendy Hood
I really liked the design detailing and aesthetics. The valet and front desk staff were exceptionally nice. The location is perfect with easy access to new bars and restaurants.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 4
Nightlife tip:
In Hotel
Exceptional cocktail bar.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Nice place, classic old feel
Good overall experience. Good location. Rooms are clean, decent. Bathrooms are small, dated and in need of renovation. Overall, not a bad place.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 4
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 4
Dining tip:
Short walk from hotel
Check out Andino peruvian restuarant. Outstanding.