The iconic Portland hotel continues its time-honored holiday tradition with an elaborate gingerbread display of Eltz Castle
PORTLAND, Ore. (December 4, 2024) – The Benson Portland, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, invites the public back once again to see its Gingerbread Masterpiece, a beloved 53-year holiday tradition. This year, the historic hotel unveiled a castle inspired by Germany’s Eltz Castle, described as a “fairy tale in stone,” and the epitome of a knight’s castle. The event took place December 3 in the grand lobby, surrounded by festive trimmings. The masterpiece will be on display through January 5.
Burg Eltz or Eltz Castle or can be found in the hills of the German town of Wierschem, between Koblenz and Trier. It remained unscathed by wars and has been owned and cared for by the same family from when it was built until today. Burg Eltz was the inspiration and blueprint for Disney’s Cinderella movie.
The Benson invites visitors to admire the spectacular Eltz Castle, with its towers, turrets, and oriels. This majestic creation is made entirely of confectionary delights, with over 150 pounds of house-made gingerbread, 50 pounds of marzipan, 30 pounds of chocolate, 12 pounds of Rice Krispies treats and buckets of royal icing.
Accomplished architect and professional pastry chef David Diffendorfer has been revered as the culinary mastermind behind the renowned annual gingerbread display for three decades. A graduate of the Western Culinary Institute, he studied industrial design at the Art Institute of Portland, earned a degree in geography and taught baking and pastry at the Art Institute for eight years. His past masterpieces for The Benson include Neuschwanstein, Château Loire, Saint Vitus Cathedral and his first American castle, Biltmore House.
“With this special, time-honored tradition, we are delighted to bring tidings of comfort and joy to our guests throughout the Holiday Season,” said Ryan Kunzer, general manager of The Benson Portland. “We are so thrilled to have Chef Diffendorfer continue to create these works of art for us and that he has shared his holiday magic with our community for the past 30 years.”
While visiting The Benson Portland and the gingerbread masterpiece on display, guests are invited to make the holidays brighter for countless children in our community this holiday season by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to support the annual Fox 12 Les Schwab Tire Centers Toy Drive. Toy donations can be dropped off at The Benson’s hotel lobby through December 11.
For more information on the 2024 Gingerbread Masterpiece and The Benson Portland, please visit www.bensonhotel.com.
About The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
Established in 1913, the historic Benson Hotel is the city’s only premier hotel that unites the charm and civility of the Old World with the elegance of contemporary design and mindful service. In homage to the hotel’s namesake, Simon Benson, guests are invited to experience legendary service, European design, opulently sized guest rooms and suites, five-star dining and an acclaimed lobby bar. The Benson seeks to cultivate the best in all of us. For more information, visit www.bensonhotel.com. If you would like to stay in touch, please like The Benson Hotel on Facebook or follow @TheBensonHotel on Twitter and Instagram.
