The Benson Hotel, A Coast Hotel

The hotel itself is in a great location and the lobby is fantastic. The king deluxe room we stayed in was so so. Nothing fancy, very basic. The valet and door man never greeted us during our numerous in and outs. They were always on their phones texting or chatting amongst themselves. Not a big deal but just unprofessional. The check-in staff was quite […] pleasant. Overall a good experience but for the price i may check around since there are tons of hotels in the area. Read more

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

shower kept on dripping next to maid closet vacume cleaning at 8.00 am.On a Sunday carpet in hallway worn.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Good restaurants and shopping close by. Small rooms but elegant. Classic, historic and elegant.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Benson is a very nice hotel and must have been luxurious in its hay-day. The rooms are clean and very comfortable albeit a bit old. The tub is deeper than at most hotels, so if that's your thing, it's quite nice. The staff is friendly and helpful. The lobby has a faint barbecue smell which probably comes from the Gaucho restaurant next door.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Expensive breakfast

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Pleasant stay, pleasant staff, very noisy room.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Overall very nice, old hotel. Close to good food and entertainment. Live music Fri/Sat was a very nice way to finish the day. Way to much noise from hall and street, needs some good sound proofing. Toilet would not re-fill when flushed and maid service did not clean room or provide fresh linens even though we were out of the room for many hours. The […] rest of the staff was excellent. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The visit wasn't too bad. A few draw backs included very loud noise coming from the street as well as hallway and through walls (a garage alarm across the street went off almost constantly morning, day and night), warm to cool showers, unreliable wifi, tight quarters, coffee not replaced everyday (I asked the floor maid if we could get some one morning […] and, although she said she'd bring some by, it never arrived), finally, the hotel alarm went off early EARLY one morning and we were to prepare for an evacuation. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel is conveniently located near the Pearl District with lots of cool shops and restaurants near by. Unfortunately there is a very large homeless population and a very pungent urine smell to the area. We were not bothered or harassed by anyone throughout our trip so Portland is doing something right there. Our room was very comfortable especially […] the bed. The windows are single pane so it will be loud. Our room was clean but the toilet didn't seem to have been cleaned. Overall a positive experience. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We were looking forward to staying at The Benson being that it is such a well known hotel. We had booked a standard one queen room, and upon arrival were informed that there are actually two types of one queen room. One that is an average size for a hotel room and the other a much smaller studio. We were told that all that was left was the small rooms […] even after I had told the front desk that we were having a few friends meet us here for a drink before going out to dinner. We were told there was nothing they could do. Does not seem fair that I paid the same price as someone with a larger room. Also we were packed in like sardines once our friends had arrived. The only positive was the tempurpedic bed, it was super comfortable! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room is not worth the price paid. The room was small, the bathroom even smaller, an average TV. The room was worth half of what was paid. The hotel lobby is very attractive with its wood paneling. The rooms need updating to keep up with the "luxury" price.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stayed at Westin for the first half of our trip and the Benson for the remainder. I remember coming here years ago with my Dad when he traveled for business and I must say its really getting tired...Needs some freshening up, Westin beats this hotel hands down, service and all... Our room was falling apart, curtains, sheetrock splitting, door lock […] broken...and our late night room service was really bad. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Benson hotel is ideally located in Downtown Portland, and has a rich history and tradition, but it is typical of an older hotel, and lacks many of the amenities and features one would expect at this price point. The staff was courteous and helpful and the lobby is beautiful, but ultimately the room itself was unremarkable.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great location -- really enjoyed walking around the neighborhood the next day. Although the decor should be maintained in the original style, it could still use some touching up (upgraded wallpaper, doors, fixtures, etc., though in an "antique" style). Why in the world do the vending rooms require key access to get back onto the floor? My wife forgot […] hers and had to call me from the lobby to get back to the floor/room, when she used the vending machines. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

place is really nice and staff was great, but charged a fortune for parking. not even free coffee in the morning. and I hate when bathrooms with no windows have no fan or ventalation.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We found the Benson Conveniently located in downtown Portland. Unfortunately valet service is required and the overnight charge to park the car was a little unexpected and pricey. The room was fairly clean, but in need of a deeper clean as there was mold in places. For one night, it was just fine. Wouldn't stay there for much longer than that.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I think rate is very high for a cement building view!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room was very small, and the lighting was not very good either.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The room was nice, but the bathroom was underwhelming... The lighting was poor (very dim and yellow) and the tub didn't drain well which made my shower feel like a flood. The shower curtain was way too long and floated in the pool of water that wasn't draining fast enough as the shower ran. I think I had an older room because the ones on their website […] looked slightly different. I would certainly go back, but will request another room if the bathroom is not vibrantly lit. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I felt pretty nickel and dimed during the visit, from the $15 breakfast, $150 hold for incidentals (which we never used), the $20 hold for using the business center (which was never disclosed), and the rather expensive printing charge ($1.38 for printing two pages). I've stayed in multiple hotels with less stars and never been charged for these items. […] Why is a four star hotel then charging? Other than nickel and diming, it was a beautiful hotel, wonderfully located and with good customer service. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Several problems with our room: 1. curtain off it's rod. 2. shelf over sink broken. 3. shower curtain rod coming loose from wall! 4. door didn't close all the way - we came back from a day out and found that housekeeping had left our room OPEN and UNLOCKED because they had not pulled the door all the way closed!!! Luckily there was nothing missing.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I have stayed in Benson a dozen of times, always good, however this tome they sent me to the smallest room ever!!! Instead of a desk I had an additional night stand...

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

ok

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Small, cramped bathroom, furniture dinged up, staff seemed too busy to care. The lobby is beautiful, without a doubt. $31 for valet parking, way too high. 1/2 a block away you can park for $17 in a parking garage.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Arrived on Saturday to a lobby full of a wedding party, the staff setting up, it appeared like cocktails for the wedding and on the other side of the lobby, a wine tasting. This is not a big lobby. Our room was not ready. This was 3 in the afternoon. I waited a half an hour and asked. It was ready. No one notified us. Seemed the staff was more interested […] in the other events. There is no "coffe shop" type eating place that would accomodate children. There is a bar/eating area and an ethnic restaurant. Not appropriate for a child. When asked where we could eat, the staff person, said we could order and sit in the lobby. Unacceptable. We should sit and eat while people are walking through the lobby. I don't think so. We ended up with room service both nights. Sorry, not a hotel for families Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

At the rate that I paid, I had a room across from the ice machine and the stairs. It was really noisy and every time someone went out the door to the stairs it slammed and woke me up. Also noisy on the street side. The rate was ok, but not a great room.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room was resonably clean but there were areas in the bathroom that had not been wiped down. Housekeeping was disappointing and one evening I complained to the desk about the condidtion of the room. Too many other great hotels to stay here again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is a beautiful and well maintained hotel. The staff were great. The problem is the hotel is very near the less desirable part of town and the windows are not well insulated from sound. I was awoken on multiple nights to the sound of screaming and foul ranting by a homless man across the street. This went on for hours. After the 3rd night I complained. […] The hotel staff were responsive to my complaints and agreed to have night security and bellman watch out for this. I just wish they had been more proactive. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The Benson is in a beautiful historical building downtown Portland and it´s a place I´ve wanted to stay for a very long time. My husband and I made that happen last weekend as part of our plan to see the art festival in the north blocks and for a romantic getaway. While I was quite taken by the beauty of the common area of the hotel, and the service […] was good, our room was very disappointing. It was small, the bathroom was in definite need of an upgrade and the bed was very uncomfortable (squeaky). Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I do love this hotel for its history, location in Portland and proximity to El Gaucho! The disappointments were the small and dark bathroom and the very squeaky bed. Every time you moved the slightest bit, the bed squeaked! I did not get a good night sleep in the end.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great location, friendly staff, but the rooms are a little dated. My bathroom smelled strongly of urine....gross, it needed a good scrubbing.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel has seen better days. A fine lobby but our room needed a major upgrade, especially the bathroom. Carpets in halls need a good clean too.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel felt comfortable. Lounge bartender very nice. Valet a little slow. Staff cordial.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is the second time I've taken Expedia up on it's blind offer - low price on a 4-star hotel, somewhere in Downtown Portland. It's a great deal - no doubt - until you see the room you end-up in. Now don't get me wrong...the Benson is a high-end hotel, where many a dignitary has stayed when in Portland. I very much doubt they stayed in the room I […] was in, though. Tiny, cramped, and a view that consisted of the back of a very ugly building - it could have been a prison, by the looks of it! The last time I had a view that bad was when I tried the blind offer the first time! I think I've learned my lesson. Sad part is, these hotels should want return business, and not be giving this customer their worst room. It really doesn't make sense to me. So, to add to my dismay, the bed was very hard, the bathroom very small with a toilet that only sometimes worked, and the noise level in the halls very loud. Even room service folks were too loud, first thing in the morning! I did not sleep well at all, which is sad, as I came into town for R&R. I will say a positive note: The Sunday brunch at the London Grill was one of the best I've ever been to. They had everything under the sun, and then some! Thanks to the champagne and great service from waiter Bobby, I felt much better upon leaving. All in all, a beautiful hotel...just be careful what room you get! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Had always wanted to stay at The Benson in Portland and although it was nice it was nothing special. Location is everything I guess but I don't think I'll go back. There are plenty of other options with great locations.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Beautiful hotel in the historic sense, friendly, polite staff. Room was nicely furnished. Issues were the elevator noise throughout the stay, don't get a room anywhere near it. Also they have an extensive room service menu including night owl service but when you call you are told it doesn't exist. Need to update their guest services book. Beds were […] well made and loved the round pillow but the mattress is very firm. Morning room service breakfast was excellent and food was hot. Check out was too business like and could have been friendlier. Give the hotel a try but other hotels close by offer much more for the same rates. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I've stayed in Holiday Inns and such with better amenities and nicer rooms/bathrooms. The tempur-pedic beds were like sleeping on giant marshmallows, I had a backache the whole time. The TV didn't work half the time, it kept saying "weak or no input signal" and you'd have to mess with the channels to get it to work. The free wifi was malfunctioning […] the first 36 hours and I couldn't get online. I called AT&T for support, and then got charged .75 each by the hotel for the two calls (that the automated line hung up on me during both!). The only parking was a paid garage; we paid an average of $11-$17/night to park there, and no one would validate except Nordstrom's Rack. The fan didn't work in the bathroom, and by the morning the condensation on the inside of the windows was so bad it looked like we'd had a horrible downpour-inside! We couldn't get the place aired out, and I've lived in Portland, I know the air is damp but this was ridiculous. We all left the hotel with a terrible cough and didn't get better until we'd returned to Denver and drier air to sleep in. Overall we could have had a hotel with as nice as or a nicer room, a cleaner, better-ventilated bathroom (oh the tub wouldn't drain, either!), and better amenities like in-room microwave and refrigerator, with free parking, just a little further outside of town. It would definitely have been worth it. Unless you're shooting for the penthouse suites, I'd pass by the Benson for the basic rooms. Not worth the cost! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

No early check-in. Told to call early the next morning to see about late check-out (that kind of defeats the whole reason for late check-out). The concierge was aloof and arrogant. The hotel itself was nice, although the room could have had a few more perks. The coffee pot was inside a cabinet that made it very hard to fill with water. I would recommend […] this hotel ONLY in a pinch. There are better hotels in the neighborhood Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I was pleased with the friendliness of every staff member we met. We were in the older part of the hotel and while we both found it very comfortable and the furnishing pleasing to the eye, I felt the curtains and carpet could be cleaner and perhaps replaced.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The room had previous guests mess in the corners. We never used the mini bar or even broke the tab on it and they still charged us. They were extremely friendly and did credit us quickly. We didn't get our robes, even though we asked three different times until the day before we checked out. I expected better service from them. Every thing else was […] great. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

When I checked in, I thought I would be getting a wonderful room. They put us on the 3rd floor and the bathroom was filthy. I could not even believe that the housekeeping staff had turned over the room for the next guest. There was urine and feces on the comode. The bed had been made but I am guessing that was about it. There was also an odd and loud […] humming noise coming from a major generator outside. I am amazed no one notices this, it can keep you awake. Luckily I expressed my anger to the front desk at 11pm after a long day. They gave us a new room (oddly they believed me, a good hotel should be surprised at the horror of a bathroom I had) on the 6th floor. The noise was less but still audible. The bathroom was decent at least. The hotel is old but has a charm to it, so I don't give it a total failing review. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I love the hotel and everything about it EXCEPT, it was very loud at night out in the street. Not sure if it was jus the night I was there, or if it is always. Other than that it is a lovely place to stay with very helpful staff.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel is having issues with air conditioning. Yes, it was warm in Portland, and the room never cooled down. The offices in the lobby had fans running, so it must be a system-wide issue. Also, with the room open, all I heard all night was the party by the front door of the hotel. I think it was conventioneers whooping it up. Gee there was a strip […] club down the street they could have used ! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Sink and tub did not drain. Other than that room was old but well furnished. Great bed!!!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel Benson is a very nice hotel except for the small bathroom with very low lighting. It made it very difficult For my wife to get her make-up on. But the worse the NOISE!!!!!! . This hotel has only single pane windows so every noise from the bar,cars people,buses,alarms at 3:30AM we could hear. Plus the inside wasn't much better. I heard the elevator,people […] walking past,and very door slammed close . When young neighbors where coming back from fun night out. That door slammed from 2:30am till a little after 4:00am. If you like a nice quiet night DON'T STAY HEAR!!!!!! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very noisy room. It sounded like everyone was slamming their doors when they closed them--even gently. Service was indifferent.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Its a nice hotel, nothing wrong with it at all, but the price is a little much for a dark (though spacious) room with a view of another building a few feet away and relatively basic accommodations.

Genuine Expedia guest review