User Reviews for Benson Hotel

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Nov 7, 2009 by Lucy from Seattle,WA
Overall Rating: 10

• Beautiful & luxurious.
• Room was a little small, but we weren't planning to stay indoors, bonus was it was quiet.

“The Benson is stunningly beautiful, great service, wonderful bar in the lobby with live jazz. Our room was a little small, but we weren't planning to spend much time in it so didn't matter too much.”

Oct 21, 2009 by Janet from Sisters,OR
Overall Rating: 10

• The service was exceptional starting at curbside greeting.

“Old history interesting, be sure to ask for history information at front desk staff, very helpful. Gorgeous lobby to relax. Previous stays had a fabulous Sunday brunch. Live music on Saturday nights. It's a great place!”

Oct 21, 2009 by Marc from Seattle,WA
Overall Rating: 8

• Great room with a good bed.
• House keeping did the basics, but did not replenish the coffee packets after use.

“The Benson was a great hotel, and we booked it at a great price. The room was large and the bed was very comfortable. The staff was helpful and accommodating. They brought an extra robe and slippers up to the room promptly when we called down. The only down side was that the house keeping crew did not replenish the complimentary in room coffee once I used it and did not put the throw pillows back on the bed.”

Oct 18, 2009 by Josh from Medford,OR
Overall Rating: 8

• Gorgeous.
• Memory foam bed tops were hard.

“The Benson Hotel is a gorgeous place to stay when you are looking to spend some time in Portland.”

Oct 1, 2009 by Jack from Bellevue,WA
Overall Rating: 7

• Location, grand lobby, most of the staff.
• Not up to expectations based on past visits.

“Excellent location, lovely grand lobby, generally fine staff. However, housekeeping was incomplete and unsatisfactory and we had an incredible wait for food in the lounge. When it arrived, the order was incorrect. The price was removed, as it should have been, and the desk manager comped the parking because of the problems. We like the Benson and hope to stay there again.”

Sep 21, 2009 by kate from Minneapolis,MN
Overall Rating: 3

• Beautiful lobby area.

“Not a good experience.”

Sep 3, 2009 by Dave from Lake Bluff,IL
Overall Rating: 9

• The windows opened!
• Room was poorly lit-too dark

“A comfortable, old hotel that is staffed with extremely friendly and helpful people. Valet parking was expensive and it would be nice to know about public parking next door before you arrive.”

Aug 31, 2009 by Naomi from West Fargo,ND
Overall Rating: 8

• The staff is great.
• The bed wasn't very comfortable.

“The hotel staff was very friendly and helpful. The bed was uncomfortable. The rooms do not have a lot of natural light and the lighting that is in there isn't much. However, the hotel itself is really neat. It's worth checking out.”

Aug 26, 2009 by Jeff from Bend,OR
Overall Rating: 9

• Lovely and helpful staff. Historic and well restored.
• Rooms tend to be small.

“Very attractive hotel. Historic in Portland. Public spaces are quite lovely. Staff was extremely flexible and resourceful. Nice stay at a reasonable cost.”

Aug 18, 2009 by Matthew from Bermuda Dunes,CA
Overall Rating: 1

• That
  I know never ever to stay there again!
• The worst customer service in the world.

“If you stay there you will regret it.”

Aug 1, 2009 by Joey from Phoenix,AZ
Overall Rating: 10

• Very clean.
• Small room.

“I think they have special (smaller) rooms set aside for priceline customers, but the room was still nice.”

Jul 3, 2009 by Sam from Cobourg,Canada
Overall Rating: 8

• Beautiful lobby. Amazing location right in the heart of downtown Portland; close to train station.
• No complementary continental breakfast; no free wireless; bathtub could be used for bathing only showers.

“The historic Benson hotel still retains its opulence. The lobby is immaculate and conjures its almost 100 year history - dark wood, animal prints and gilded mirrors make the perfect backdrop for any romantic getaway or wedding party. 100 years in business has bred both a refinement and ease that only that kind of experience produces. Hotel, staff are efficient, friendly, and laid-back. Riding up the hotel elevators takes you to guest rooms that are smallish, but comfortable. Too bad there is no complementary continental breakfast is really top off the experience. Bathrooms in the suites could also use some loving care and maybe a renovation. If a hotel is selling romance, it helps to have a bathtub that can be used for a romantic soak. No internet connection in the room was both a surprise and a disappointment. Wi-fi is not just a luxury anymore, but a real necessity.”

Jun 3, 2009 by Steve from Seattle,WA
Overall Rating: 9

• Location was convenient.
• Parking was expensive.

“Good: Friendly service, convenient location, clean facilities, tasty room service. Bad: Noise from next room, expensive parking, dark color scheme.”

Jun 3, 2009 by Alison from Woodinville,WA
Overall Rating: 9

• Convenient downtown location.
• No counter top in the bathroom!

“Wonderful weekend getaway!”

May 29, 2009 by Sara from Seattle,WA
Overall Rating: 10

• The beds were fantastic and the overall atmosphere was amazing!
• Shower curtain was moldy.

“We have stayed at The Benson before and were excited to stay there once again. It is always a good night sleep and the hotel itself has a boutique feel to it. The location is amazing and the staff is very helpful. We hope to stay at The Benson in the near future!”

May 22, 2009 by Dwight from Portland,OR
Overall Rating: 9

• The atmosphere throughout the hotel was so pleasant that I didn't need to leave the hotel for the whole stay.
• Ugly view from the room.

“Fabulous experience. Great to stay in a historic building too. Definitely recommend it to others.”

May 21, 2009 by Kawh from Sebastopol,CA
Overall Rating: 6

• Beautiful lobby. Nice robes and slippers.
• Lackluster service. Unfriendly housekeeper.

“For the price, wonderful but lack of attention and cool attitude would keep us from staying again. Beautiful bar with a super happy hour menu.”

May 20, 2009 by Anne from Keizer,OR
Overall Rating: 5

• Atmosphere.
• Small room, small bathroom and out date facilities.

“Hotel atmosphere was good. Queen rooms are very small with no real room to move around for two adults. I would recommend another hotel in downtown Portland.”

May 19, 2009 by Shannon Keaveny from Bismarck,ND
Overall Rating: 9

• Service, location, lobby, history.
• No swimming pool.

“Great hotel, if only I would have known it didn't have a swimming pool.”

May 17, 2009 by Peter from Sacramento,CA
Overall Rating: 8

• Excellent downtown location and sumptuous lobby/bar.
• Parking, internet access, and king/2 bed were unanticipated upgrades.

“Attractive, old world decor with comfortable lobby and off-lobby bar. Staff was quietly friendly and helpful. Valet parking is available with in-and-out privileges. A public parking garage is available next door and has a connecting passageway to the hotel.”

May 14, 2009 by Tamara from Ashland,OR
Overall Rating: 10

• The check in staff automatically recommended and offered an upgrade to a great room.
• Front door staff clueless and disinterested. Never opened a door or helped us with bags once in two days.

“Very friendly check in staff. Lovely, clean, 4 star room. Definitely happy to have upgraded for 15.00 more per day. Beautiful establishment. Shuttle right out front to Airport every half an hour.”

Apr 27, 2009 by Patty from Redlands,CA
Overall Rating: 8

• Convenient location, and excellent staff.
• Very tiny room and bathroom.

“Fancy rooms, excellent staff, very tiny bathroom, and you can hear all of neighbors coming and goings and conversations. Parking is expensive.”

Apr 23, 2009 by Mari from Sacramento,CA
Overall Rating: 6

• Speakers in restaurant were old, had distortion.

“TV was relatively small, bath was not hot enough, could not close drapes. Lobby was dark; had fireplace.”

Apr 22, 2009 by Jennifer from Washington,DC
Overall Rating: 4

• Lobby is very attractive.

“I suppose it was okay. The lobby is beautiful, however the corridors upstairs are outdated and dreary. We asked four rooms, each for one night, were given dreary interior rooms that were not updated in many years.”

Apr 20, 2009 by Craig from Austin,TX
Overall Rating: 10

• Beautiful space great location friendly people.
• My room was a bit small and the view was of A/C units on a roof.

“Very classy, great location and
friendly professional staff. I will definitely go back to Portland and I will definitely stay at the Benson again.”

Apr 19, 2009 by Kathy from Hermiston,OR
Overall Rating: 8

• It was pretty and clean.
• It was old.

“Nice place to stay, parking garage across the street if you don't want to valet park.”

Apr 17, 2009 by Douglas from Medford,OR
Overall Rating: 9

• Beautiful lobby and excellent beds.
• Our room was next to service elevator.

“Historic ambiance and very helpful personnel. Very ornate and tasteful lobby for lounging. Individual room was small but all the amenities were available, including comfortable chairs and plenty of light from the window. Two upscale restaurants in the hotel and public parking across the street connected by a safe well lighted tunnel under the street.”

Apr 15, 2009 by Sean from Hoquiam,WA
Overall Rating: 5

• It has a lovely lobby and clean rooms.
• The tempurpedic beds were rock hard!

“It's a venerable landmark in the heart of downtown, but it does not live up to its reputation. The staff was not particularly friendly. The rooms were pleasant but small. The TV set was small and ancient. Parking costs $29 a night unless you're smart enough to ask the attendant about the regular rate for non-guests, which is only $20!”

Apr 15, 2009 by Charlotte from Brooklyn,NY
Overall Rating: 8

• Clean and friendly. The service at the front desk was very helpful.

“Conveniently located in downtown Portland. Friendly service. Clean rooms.
”

Apr 11, 2009 by Hank and Charlotte from Medford,OR
Overall Rating: 8

• Great location, staff, and location.
• Parking, bathroom was a little old.

“This is a well situated 3.5 star hotel that reveals the opulence once expected of good hotels. I remember staying there years ago and referring to the Benson as a mini Palmer House.”

Apr 10, 2009 by Tim from Medford,OR
Overall Rating: 6

• Beautifully designed and decorated.
• Staff less than friendly never acknowledged.

“Staff basically ignored us. At check-in, employee was rude. Only had one bellboy approach us the whole time regarding bags, etc. They charged for so many extras that we began wondering if they were going to add a fee for using the toilet in our room. Automatically charged $20 for second bed. No pool/spa. No Continental breakfast. Only one computer in business office that charged some $20/hour for internet access. I wish I could get the River place every time I name my own price in Portland because they were awesome there.”

Apr 1, 2009 by Paul from Eugene,OR
Overall Rating: 8

• The lobby and lounge are beautiful and the location is great.
• The view from our room was terrible.

“The hotel itself is beautiful and has every amenity. The location is great. The only problem was that many of the rooms have a terrible view.”

Apr 1, 2009 by from San Francisco,CA
Overall Rating: 5

• Clean and good location.
• Staff not friendly.

“I went to this hotel with 7 more! Bellboy don't care when we ask about parking and never help us move baggage. We have to do everything ourself.”

Mar 31, 2009 by MiYong from The Dalles,OR
Overall Rating: 8

• This hotel is very historic and beautiful. The service was very good.
• The room was pretty dated and very small. It needs freshing up.

“My experience was wonderful. The service was great and the restaurant was amazing. I was a bit surprised at the room. It could use updating, and it was a bit small. I did feel the room was clean.”

Mar 29, 2009 by Dennis from Kansas City,KS
Overall Rating: 6

• Lobby and Bar were excellent.
• Rooms were old. Including, carpet, TV, shower etc.

“More work needs to be done in the rooms.”

Mar 28, 2009 by Sue from Lebanon,OR
Overall Rating: 9

• Elegant lobby and fixtures.
• There was no counter space in the bathroom. Certain areas of our room were not clean.

“This is an older hotel from the grand age of hotels. The lobby and other areas of the hotel are absolutely beautiful. Because it is an older hotel, the room and especially the bathroom are a little on the small size. However, it was not musty smelling inside in spite of being older. It is not located in the best area, anymore, but we felt safe on the street.”

Mar 14, 2009 by Todd from Fairbanks,AK
Overall Rating: 9

• Perfect location.
• No free anything - parking, WiFi, phone calls, breakfast - nothing.

“Very nice hotel. Room was fairly small, but very clean and nice. Staff was friendly. Beautiful lobby with bar downstairs. Also two restaurants.”

Mar 5, 2009 by Maria from Seattle,WA
Overall Rating: 5

• Location.
• The room was crazy small. Insanely small. Embarrassingly small.

“Great location. Nice staff.”

Feb 17, 2009 by Jane from Eugene,OR
Overall Rating: 9

• Grand style, tempurpedic beds.
• Parking fee of
  $29! Lack of Saturday early morning breakfast options nearby.

“For those who appreciate old world style, the Benson is class. Back to the gilded age with capable, likable staff. Loved the lobby. Breakfast at the hotel was reasonable for a 4 star. Room well appointed. Tempurpedic beds were nice.”

Feb 5, 2009 by Diana from The Dalles,OR
Overall Rating: 7

• Old world and very convenient to city center.
• Not as modern as newer hotels.

“The room was fine, staff was friendly and willing to help. Car park charge was pretty expensive.”