The lobby behind The Benson's landmark facade abides as the historic heart of hospitality in Portland, Oregon. Crystal chandeliers, priceless walnut, and a perpetually crackling fire accompany the staff's warm welcome.
Guests gather for meals at the Palm Court and El Gaucho restaurants and stay in 287 individually designed rooms and suites. The Presidential Suite—Portland home to every U.S. president since William Taft—epitomizes The Benson's signature blend of time-honored elegance and contemporary comfort.
Groups of up to 600 meet in 13 rooms, including the wood-paneled Regency Boardroom and two ballrooms. Outside, guests find themselves within walking distance of Portland's most iconic attractions, from Powell's Books to the trendy Pearl District to the International Rose Test Garden. The city's Light Rail System connects quickly and easily to Portland's modern convention center.
Planner Reviews
From our planner community
Average Planner Rating
4.6
Arrival Experience:
4.5
Meeting and Function Facilities:
4.7
Accommodations:
4.8
Activity or Recreation Options:
4.5
Food & Beverage:
4.5
Conference Services Staff:
4.7
Guest Service Experience:
5.0
Recommendation to Planners:
4.5
The hotel is great. Historic hotel in downtown Portland, close to lots of restaurants and shops. The only negative thing I would comment on is that one or two of the conference staff were pretty grumpy. But, that was just one or two. Most of the staff was great.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Corporate Planner
Outstanding service the staff provided me in hosting the Antique Toy Club of America convention (May 2nd - May 6th 2012). The ATCA members were impressed with the charm of the hotel and loved the locations in the heart of downtown Portland. I received many compliments on the choice of the hotel.
All of our functions at the Hotel went smoothly. Service and attention for the Wednesday evening reception were truly outstanding. The quality of the hors doeuvres was excellent. Sheila did a good job in advising me and telling me about past convention favorites.
The banquet dinners also went quite smoothly and the folks enjoyed the meals. The staff was great in helping us set up the banquet room to meet our needs and adjusted it well to a last minute change.
Mike Roland was of great help in setting up and negotiating a favorable rate for the buses. Blue Star did a very good job for us with comfortable clean buses and good drivers at a competitive price.
I would recommend The Benson Hotel for anyone planning a convention in Portland. I'm glad that I chose this hotel.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Curtis S. Corporate Planner
Literally EVERYTHING went without a hitch! I can't tell you how thankful I am for all of the staff members who were there to ensure that things went smoothly.
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Lauren A. Corporate Planner
Elite RatingAverage Planner Rating
This property has been certified Elite Gold and meets at least 15 of Elite Meetings Criteria.
This endorsement is an independent unbiased determination granted only to the
hotels meeting the standards set by the Elite Meetings Advisory Board.
Elite endorsement is never sold or licensed.
4.6
3 reviews
Arrival Experience:
4.5
Accommodations:
4.8
Food & Beverage:
4.5
Guest Service Experience:
5.0
Conference Services Staff:
4.7
Meeting and Function Facilities:
4.7
Activity or Recreation Options:
4.5
Planner-to-Planner Recommendation:
4.5
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Capacity Charts
Room Name
Brighton Room
57
11' x 5'
3
612
36' x 17'
10
30
50
40
50
0
0
0
0
Cambridge/Oxford Room
97
18' x 5'
3
1,044
58' x 18'
10
60
120
100
140
0
0
0
0
Crystal Ballroom
198
23' x 9'
5
2,128
76' x 28'
19
120
250
180
200
100
0
0
0
Mayfair Ballroom
544
23' x 24'
4
5,850
75' x 78'
12
300
600
400
600
300
0
0
0
Mayfair Ballroom Section Kent Room
106
13' x 8'
4
1,144
44' x 26'
12
100
125
70
125
0
0
0
0
Mayfair Ballroom Section Mayfair Room
391
23' x 16'
4
4,212
78' x 54'
12
200
375
240
250
0
0
0
0
Parliament Room
154
21' x 7'
2
1,656
69' x 24'
8
60
125
110
125
0
0
0
0
Parliament Room I
28
4' x 8'
2
300
12' x 25'
8
15
40
30
40
0
0
0
0
Parliament Room II
28
4' x 8'
2
300
12' x 25'
8
15
40
30
40
0
0
0
0
Parliament Room III
35
5' x 8'
2
375
15' x 25'
8
0
20
18
25
0
0
0
0
Parliament Room IV
67
9' x 7'
2
720
30' x 24'
8
24
60
40
60
0
0
0
0
Regency Boardroom
94
11' x 9'
3
1,008
36' x 28'
10
0
0
0
0
18
0
0
0
Windsor Room
60
13' x 5'
3
645
43' x 15'
10
40
50
60
60
0
0
0
0
Property News
Historic Hotel in Portland, Ore., Announces Centennial Celebration
Posted August 19, 2013
The Benson Hotel commemorates 100 years of legendary experiences with special Portland hotel packages
PORTLAND, ORE. - The Benson Hotel, a Coast Hotel in Portland Ore., is celebrating a very special anniversary this year, with 2013 marking 100 years of legendary service and elegant accommodations. In addition to being a favorite Pacific Northwest hotel for Portland getaways, for the last century this historic hotel has been a preferred home away from home for presidents, movie stars, music legends and star athletes; a tradition that’s sure to continue for the next 100 years and beyond. To commemorate its centennial celebration, The Benson Hotel is offering guests the following special Portland hotel packages and promotions:
Centennial Celebration
• Deluxe accommodations and valet parking
• Centennial Celebration welcome gift
• Two tickets to the Oregon History Museum and a private historical tour of The Benson Hotel
• First 100 guests to book this package through July 31 will also receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and strawberries
The Centennial Celebration package starts at $164.00 per night
Legendary Experiences
• Two nights in our Presidential or Grand Suite and valet parking
• Centennial Celebration welcome gift
• Bottle of sparkling wine and strawberries
• Helicopter tour for two of the Portland area
• Personalized recommendations from the concierge
• In room massages for two
• $100 gas card
• Private historical tour of The Benson Hotel
• Private 7-course dinner for two with premium wine pairings in the Wine Cellar, prepared and served by The Benson Hotel’s Executive Chef, Gavin Russell
• Daily room service breakfast for two
The Legendary Experiences package can be reserved for $5,000.00
In addition, guests that book at the Best Available Rate during the 100 days between Aug. 1 and Nov. 9, 2013, will receive free parking and $20 off food and beverage in The Palm Court restaurant or room service with offer code PROMO1. Coast Rewards members who stay during this time will also receive 100 bonus points per stay.
The 100 day promotion and Centennial Celebration package can be booked at www.coasthotels.com or by calling 888.523.6766. The Legendary Experiences package must be booked direct with the hotel by contacting the Reservations Manager at 503.228.2000 or emailing reservations@bensonhotel.com.
“While this is a milestone for The Benson Hotel, it’s our valued guests and the Portland community who have made the past century so legendary,” said Ron Gladney, General Manager of The Benson. “We’re proud to be one of Portland’s treasured icons and look forward to continuing the tradition of providing impeccable service and exquisite accommodations for the next 100 years.”
Simon Benson, a Portland lumber baron and philanthropist, fulfilled his dream of building a world-class hotel in Portland, with what is now The Benson Hotel. Under his vision and direction, the hotel opened March 4, 1913 as the New Oregon Hotel, an "annex" to the Oregon Hotel. In fact, heavy doors engraved with "OH" can still be found in the hotel. Always a visionary, Simon Benson equipped The Benson Hotel with the latest innovations of the day, including automatic door switches, circulating ice water and electric lights in the guestroom closets. Now, with its extinct Circassian walnut walls and columns, classical coffered ceiling, exquisite Austrian crystal chandeliers and cast-iron railing along a sweeping Italian marble staircase, the property exudes the unique and exotic glamour of another era.
The Benson Hotel offers more than 18,000 square feet of event space, from the executive style Regency Boardroom, to the elegantly appointed Crystal Ballroom and opulent Mayfair Ballroom. It’s no wonder it has been a favorite of heads of state, key business leaders and blushing brides for the last century – decades of memorable experiences have been created at this historic hotel – a tradition that Coast Hotels will strive to uphold for generations to come.
For more information on The Benson Hotel’s 100 year anniversary and pricing for the Centennial Celebration package, visit: www.thebensonhotel.com
About The Benson Hotel
Established in 1913, the historic Benson Hotel combines European elegance and charm with modern luxuries. Located in the heart of downtown Portland near sightseeing, tax-free shopping, nightlife, performing arts and museums, The Benson features 287 guestrooms and suites with high-definition LCD televisions, high-speed wireless, iHome docking stations, organic bamboo robes and slippers, Sealy ® Tempur-Pedic sleep system beds and more. The property is also home to The Palm Court restaurant and bar, as well as more than 18,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. For more information visit www.bensonhotel.com. If you would like to stay in touch, please “Like” us on Facebook at The Benson Hotel or “Follow” us on Twitter at @thebensonhotel.
About Coast Hotels
Coast Hotels offers properties throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territories, the Yukon, Alaska, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. Coast owns, manages and franchises properties in cities large and small. As one of North America’s growing - and Canada’s largest - hotel brands, Coast owes its continued expansion to its commitment to exceptional service, prime locations, value, and guest satisfaction. Visit coasthotels.com or call 1.800.663.1144.
The Benson celebrates its 100th anniversary
Posted August 19, 2013
Celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout 2013, The Benson Hotel is a historic landmark in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon, that combines traditional elegance with today’s modern luxuries. Upon entering the grand lobby, guests are struck by the timeless beauty and the care that has clearly been taken in preserving the rich history, charm and character found throughout the building.
The Benson Hotel invites guests to relax and enjoy the many modern comforts in each of its classic and stately 287 guestrooms and suites. Each room features luxurious down duvet bedding, a Tempur-Pedic sleep system or pillow-top bed, high definition LCD television, high speed wireless internet, iHome clock radio with docking station, organic bamboo bathrobes and slippers and luxurious Gilchrist & Soames bath products.
The Palm Court: Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and twice nightly happy hours, The Palm Court is located in the gorgeous lobby of The Benson Hotel and is the ideal spot for a delicious buffet breakfast, business lunch or cozy dinner with mouth-watering small plates and entrees expertly paired with beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Enjoy live jazz entertainment Wednesday through Saturday. Room service is available 24 hours a day.
El Gaucho: Experience all that Portland’s iconic steakhouse has to offer, located adjacent to The Benson Hotel. Tableside preparations including Chateaubriand and Bananas Foster are paired with world-class wine lists. The restaurant also features an intimate lounge, private dining rooms, a cigar lounge, happy hour and live music nightly.
Meeting & Event Spaces: With more than 18,000 square feet of historic or modern meeting and event space, The Benson Hotel prides itself on seamless event execution, from business meetings and luncheons to weddings and black tie gala affairs.
The Benson's Historical Facts
Posted August 16, 2013
Simon Benson, a Portland lumber baron and philanthropist, fulfilled his dream of building a world-class hotel in Portland, with what is now The Benson Hotel. Under his vision and direction, the hotel opened March 4, 1913 as the New Oregon Hotel, an "annex" to the Oregon Hotel.
Always a visionary, Simon Benson equipped The Benson Hotel with the latest innovations of the day, including automatic door switches, circulating ice water and electric lights in the guestroom closets.
With its now-extinct Circassian walnut columns, classical coffered ceiling, exquisite Austrian crystal chandeliers and cast-iron railing along a sweeping Italian marble staircase, the property exudes the unique and exotic glamour of another era.
When it first opened, guests of the hotel were greeted each morning with a complimentary cup of hot clam nectar - a tradition that has since been replaced with a fresh cup of coffee.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the exterior, the magnificent, 50-foot glass and steel marquee above the hotel’s main entrance, collapsed in 1937 under the weight of the snow from one of Portland’s heaviest blizzards to date. A similar but much sturdier model now stands in its place.
After a major renovation in 1991, celebrating the 140th anniversary of Simon Benson’s birth, September 9 was declared “Simon Benson Day” by former Mayor Bud Clark, and the week declared “Simon Benson Week” by former Governor Barbara Roberts.
In addition to the magnificent Benson Hotel, Simon Benson provided Portland with 20 beautiful bronze drinking fountains fondly known as Benson Bubblers.
Every seated president since William H. Taft has stayed at The Benson Hotel, as well as many notable celebrities, sports stars and music legends.
The Benson's Superb Location
Posted August 16, 2013
The Benson Hotel’s superb location puts guests within walking distance to all of the shopping, dining and entertainment of the Pearl District, Pioneer Square and downtown. Famous boutiques, bookstores, breweries and performing arts venues are just steps away. Portland isn’t just where the staff of The Benson work, it’s where they live and play which makes them exceptional travel guides, right in the heart of the city. Need an idea? Just ask!
The Pearl District: The Benson Hotel is located on the cusp of the lively Pearl District. Once dominated by factories, “The Pearl” is now home to some of Portland’s most popular galleries, trendy shops, restaurants and bars.
Rose Quarter: Home to one of the best NBA teams in the country (Go Blazers!), The Rose Garden is also the place to be for the Portland Winterhawks, hit concerts, stellar performances, key tradeshows and a whole lot more.
Washington Park: Just a short bike, bus, or drive away from The Benson Hotel is Washington Park; a gorgeous landscape with 400 acres of trees, gardens, playgrounds and other attractions. Not only does this park house the renowned Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Japanese Garden and more - it has over 15 miles of trails to explore!
Powell’s City of Books: This famous bookstore is the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world - and it’s not-to-be-missed. In fact, you can’t miss it - it occupies a full city block!
Voodoo Doughnut: This 24-hour indie doughnut shop is a Portland darling. Opened in 2003, it has become famous for its amazing, outlandish creations. Like bacon on your doughnut? Get in line - this is the place for you!
Food Carts: Some of Portland’s best dishes come in to-go containers. Pining for Peruvian? Tantalized by Thai? Food carts are the way to go. Just blocks from The Benson Hotel awaits a staggering selection of globally inspired dining options that are just as wallet friendly as they are tasty; a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
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