The Benson Hotel, A Coast Hotel

125

“My wife and I recently booked a reservation at The Benson Hotel, as it had been my wifes long time dream to stay there. She had been a long time resident of Portland and had never had the opportunity to be a guest of The Benson. Now that we are living elsewhere and had the opportunity to come back to Portland for a visit, I booked us a room to surprise my wife during our stay. The stay started off pleasant enough, but in the morning before check out is where our problems started. We had to get ready for our days activities, and when we attempted to take a shower there was no hot water. A call down to the front desk got me a very indiferent staff member whom obviously could care less if we showered in ice cold water. We were very upset, and it left a very bad taste in our mouths regarding what could have been a great experience. Unfortunately, based on these experiences I will be recommending to family and friend alike to avoid The Benson as a place to stay in the Portland area.”

155

“I love hotels with a colorful past! Benson Hotel retains that old-world charm but the amenities and facilities are no doubt updated. ”

155

“Beds were impressive, had a healthy amount of sleep! Do explore the surroundings for some great Portland restaurants. The brunch during Sunday is not to be missed. Staying here felt like a timewarp, such a charming historic atmosphere! ”

155

“The Benson is a gorgeous old hotel in the center of downtown Portland with great service and awesome staff.”

155

“Whenever I go to Portland, that's where I always stay. It is amazing.”

155

“I have stayed at the Benson once before a long time ago. I usually stay at a different hotel when I visit Portland but I would come back to the Benson again. I found the rooms much improved and the environment warm and friendly.”

125

“The Benson is a beautiful historic hotel. They have a lovely bar with excellent service and delicious signature cocktails. We looked forward to our stay there but found ourselves disappointed with the overall experience. The bellhop was a constant annoyance making most of us in our party a captive audience to what he thought was helpful in going on in detail about anything he thought we might be interested in seeing in Portland (one gets the distinct feeling all this helping and sharing is about getting a tip at every turn--our budget can only take so much) How does one extricate themselves over and over again without being rude. We were also charged $2.50 for a room to room call. Shocking. My mother on a very careful budget just calling to see if we were awake yet. We were also assessed a 18% tip (I'm now calling it the Benson food tax) for a breakfast we served ourselves at a buffet. They poured coffee and cleared the table and interrupted our breakfast for a presentation that went on and on about the chef, how long he's worked there, etc. That's fine and all but again one just feels that all the friendliness and being nice is just to get a tip. It was exhausting, annoying and left us feeling exploited. We typically tip and are generous, 20+% in most cases and is commensurate with the service. This felt like extortion. The topper was my mother having to move to a different room her second night because a private and very loud party (we could hear it in our room 5 doors down) was booked in the adjoining room. Had she not asked to be moved "The Benson" would not have cared a bit that this was a terrible inconsideration of any guest who just spent what amounts to a sacrifice for one on a pension at the age of 68, to enjoy a well appointed hotel in downtown Portland on a rare vacation.”

145

“Only wish the London Grill were still up and running”

155

“wonderful hotel, excellent food, great staff”

155

“The hotel staff was wonderful. We absolutely thought the hotel was beautiful ”

135

“The Benson has old world charm, but some of the basics missed the mark a bit. The diverter in the tub only diverted about 50% of the water to the shower head; thus, the shower could not be adjusted for any setting but "bulk". The windows were drafty; we had to put down the window shades to cut the drafts. The air in the room was quite stale. We both awakened congested, but as soon as we exited the hotel, we were both breathing much better. The elevators were frigid (granted, this was an unseasonably cold week-end, but I'm from Montana - yes, we do have elevators in Montana! - and the elevators were never this cold). Everyone at the Benson was extremely professional, welcoming, and well-versed about the area and their particular role. The shrimp skewers and Spanish coffees in the Palm Court were exceptionally good.”

155

“This hotel is elegant and historical. The staff was attentive from the second we drove to the front curb. ”

145

“Grande dame style hotel wonderfulstaff rooms coulduse some updating”

145

“Wonderful, beautifully restored hotel. Very comfortable rooms, (third time here), excellent service. Nice little bar, but the food's not great,(we didn't try the breakfast buffet, it may be better).”

155

“staff very friendly, room and building were well kept and inviting, very historic feel throughout. Valets and doormen provided excellent information and recommendations on local restaurants and sites.”

145

“This was my second trip to the Benson. There are alot of reasons to stay at the Benson. The valet and bell captains are very friendly and knowledgable. They always seem to have a smile on their face and something nice to say. The first trips check in was a little more profession than the second. The room was a little on the small side, however, it was quite comfortable. The concierge was also very helpful in helping me to print out my flight information. The breakfast buffet was delicious and reasonable. I have no intentions to stay at another hotel in Portland.”

155

“The bathroom was a little small. The door could not open completely. Other than that the time spent at The Benson was wonderful. The concierge and the bellmen were great.”

155

“Elegany interior and excellent & attentive staff. Fine room; wonderful bed-mattress. All around an excellent 6-night experience.”

155

“Wonderful hotel with exceptional, helpful staff.”

155

“Lovely hotel much like San Franciscos' old hotels. Staff was great. Would go back in a heartbeat. ”

155

“I do travel some, and this was the first to Portland. Enjoyed my stay.”

145

“We thought we would try something different, so we went for the Benson for our "girlfriend" trip to Oregon. Nice room and we were on the 12th floor, but the view was of a building. There were many unoccupied rooms on our floor, so we could have been in a room with a better view. I was under the impression that parking was included in the room package we had along with a food voucher (sleep, eat, park package). When I inquired about it, management would not budge to make a change. BTW, I was very polite when making the request. You would think that they would want to make a "Benson Friend" so that I would be a return customer. Next time I will stay at the Marriott, which is my usual. The Marriott staff is ALWAYS very accommodating and service oriented no matter which property and where it is located.”

135

“Value was terrific and staff made us all feel at home. ”

155

“The room was wonderful, love the tempurpedic bed! The staff was friendly and very helpful.”

145

“We thoroughly enjoyed our two night stay at the Benson. The front desk staff were very courteous and helpful. Tom, the concierge, was more than helpful. His suggestions for everything from restaurant options to travel choices to entertainment possibilities were right on. We greatly appreciated the knowledge he shared with us. How does he know all that stuff?? Our room was comfortable, quiet and clean. It was a plus that all family members staying at the Benson were assigned rooms on the same floor. The health club was appreciated. We would stay at the Benson again. ”

155

“Very impressed with hotel and staff. Very friendly atmosphere. Room was excellent. Food and drinks were outstanding. My new best find in Portland.”

145

“Wonderful stay. Room was clean and comfortable.Staff was very courtious and helpful”

155

“We left an important article behind, and staff was very helpful in forwarding it onto us. Our room was very comfortable and the location perfect for downtown Portland activities and public transportation.”

145

“We were very pleased with the Benson Hotel - It is a beautiful hotel with outstanding features. Our only disappointment was the service and the restaurant in the Hotel lobby. The servers were not at all attentive, the food was only marginal. Go somewhere else for dinner. Our favorite breakfast place was Kenny & Lukes a few blocks up on Stark - check it out, a New York style deli.”

155

“Great Hotel, Great Location in Downtown Portland near Pearl District and other points of interest. The staff was very helpful. The room was immaculate. I plan to return.”

145

“Room and Hotel were very nice, no complaints other then the hot water can be in short supply at times.”

145

“The hotel was beautiful and very centrally located in the downtown area. Loved the decor in the lobby. Really enjoyed the buffet breakfast. The waiter(male and female) were very friendly and attentive. The only negative comment - improved lighting in suite bathroom. Would not hesitate to stay in this hotel again. ”

135

“I went online to get a room. The room I was assigned was small and dark. I upgraded to a suite. Their was supposed to be a Temperpedic bed in it. Their was not! My back (I'm 63) suffered greatly!The tile grout in the shower of the suite was mouldy (room 917)!I have alway's stayed in the Benson when I travel to Portland. Sine it went from a "Westin" management to a "Coast" management, I doubt I'll be back!Sad really. The parking was a Rip off.Give me a reason to come back!!!”

125

“Over all the room was clean. They had snacks in the room that you had to pay for. I think that after paying $148 for a room they could at least validate parking which I had to park a block away. The valet parking was $31 for them to park my vehicle or I could pay $17 a night to park in the same garage but on a different level. The breakfast buffet was less than desirable for $12 per person. I would not recommend this hotel to any one, and if I was to stay in Portland again I would find one more adequate and less expensive. ”

145

“Our second stay at the Benson was a big improvement. Our room on the 12th floor seemed more spacious and had a great view of the city.”

155

“The Benson Hotel is a Beautiful historic place. Eveyhting about it was nice. I would stay again....”

155

“The room was nice and the staff very helpful.”

145

“We three sisters do an annual trip in December - no other family members. A time to get re-connected without usual interruptions. We have stayed at the Benson several times - we love it. ”

155

“Really great hotel all decked out for the holidays! I look forward to my next stay.”

155

“Clean room with very comfortable bed.. Great food and a nice cigar room. Great place to spend a holiday weekend and shop.”

145

“We live in Milwaukie Or. since 1966. We have traveled in Europe ,U.S.A. Mexico,and Canada. The Benson Sunday Brunch was one of the best brunch in our travels and locally .Top notch and second to none. I ask you not to abandon a fine Portland contribution to this world !!! Please keep the Sunday Brunch . Katchmark & Family Nov. 14 ,2011”

155

“My daughter and I had a scrumptious time during our visit! The rooms and lobby were sparkling clean. We enjoyed several meals in the lobby from the bar, great device and food! Everyone was very helpful and friendly. While the restaurant downstIrs was convenient for breakfast the food was marginal. ”

145

“The Benson is a charming old building. We loved the interior design and the staff were wonderful -- helpful and very friendly. Because it is an old building sound travels like crazy at night and there were some minor plumbing issues. But overall we really enjoyed our stay. ”

125

“We have stayed at the Benson for three nights. We had room 316, a mini suite, but it was a disappointment. GOOD THINGS: The room was very clean and the bed was extremely comfortable. (The pillows were not though!) BAD THINGS: Unfortunately there are quite a few - the noise from the street-the garbage and the recycle truck come very early and with a room that low you can here it all. The cleaning staff took the robe that was in the room, I am assuming when they changed the towels, and it was never replaced. The bathroom needs some work, the main problem is the counter space. There is only one sink with MINIMAL countertop on each side. It was really hard with two people sharing that space. There was a lot of hallway noise-doors banging mostly. We were a few doors down from a service elevator and boy was it used! No one told us parking was $29 A NIGHT-is parking really that expensive in downtown Portland? So to sum it all up we were very disappointed and would not recommend The Benson. We come down a couple of times a year and although we love the location we will be looking for alternative accommodations in the future. ”

145

“Stay 3 nights, weekend. Room 919 facing Oak. I LOVE THIS HOTEL! !To answer, there is a coffee maker in the cupboard by the bar (we never used it though), there is a wheelchair entrance by the restaurant which we used every day.The late check in allowed us to wait for a better room on the 9th floor with a view of Mt.St.Helen's and Mt.Hood. They had the room ready in time for my dinner reservations (6pm). We waited for the room while talking to the friendly bartender at the bar. Jazz 3 piece band on Sat eve was romantic, they played for hours while we had a night cap and ate cheesecake. The Buffet was excellent again with a pianist and champagne topped up every time it was empty. I love the 1910 feel of the whole building. Loved the service and people. Portland is a beautiful city with very friendly people. We will be back.”

145

“Very nice service and the employees were terrific. ”

155

“My stay was wonderful. The only thoughts I would have would be there needs to be more awareness of costs. EI: Parking Fees I had no idea until I ckd out that there was a 29.00 a night fee for my car, and that is on top of the cost of my room. I would not think you would have to pay a fee if you are a guest. Other then that, I enjoyed my stay. Everyone was pleasant. I will be a guest again and recommend you to a friend. Of course next time, I will have to figure out another form of transportation or parking.”

145

“I have stayed at other places in Portland like the Hotel Monaco. I thought for the money The Benson hotel was great!! No complaints and the bed was the best I have slept in and the pillows were great as well.”

155

“Loved our room. Comfortable beds. Quiet. Polite staff. Close to excellent dining. Thank you!”

145

“The hotel room was clean and staff was helpful and nice. However, there were no dark out shades which left our room too light (we faced the city side) and very noisy. Also, the water in the restroom (which needed a remodel) was scalding hot. Literally this could have really burned someone.”

145

“We recently stayed at the Benson Hotel and it is just as beautiful in person as it is in the photos. We stayed on the 11th floor, and the view was beautiful. The room was spotless and the Tempurpedic beds were wonderful. I just recently purchased a new bed, and after sleeping two nights on the Tempurpedic, realize my bed is not as great as I thought it was. The staff at the hotel is very accomodating, courteous, and welcoming. I have stayed at Marriots and Hilton hotels in the past, however, as nice as they are, they don't compare to the old world flavor of the Benson. The next time I visit Portland I will definitly stay at the Benson. ”