From the protests that followed the economic devastation of COVID-19, to the wildfires that threatened many homes and resulted in evacuations across the state, The Benson remains resilient in these times of crisis. Having never closed its doors in 107 years, our commitment to serving the community remains intrinsic to our tradition. The power of humanity in the Portland community is something of which we can all be proud.
Hotels are a fixture in the community, and tourism is vital to our economy. Hotels and business leaders are invested in ensuring downtown Portland is clean, safe, and welcoming for guests to explore. Two Hospitality with Heart clean-up events have been facilitated in partnership with the Portland Business Alliance, Portland Lodging Alliance, and SOLVE, an Oregon environmental nonprofit agency. Over 400 volunteers participated in the most recent September 3 clean-up, along with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. These efforts send a message that Portland is unified, strong, and its champions are resilient in their efforts to lift each other up and take care of the place we all call home.
As wildfire ravaged the state just one week later, local authorities issued evacuations spanning multiple regions, including Clackamas and Washington counties, near Portland. Portland-area hotels offered discounted room rates for families forced to evacuate their homes. The Benson welcomed several of those evacuees and their pets with discounted compassion rates that included two glasses of wine or beer nightly, grab-and-go breakfast each morning, a credit towards snacks or sandwiches, and half off their secure overnight parking. The Benson, along with over 20 hotels and shelter sites in downtown Portland, provided a safe haven for evacuated Oregonians.
With waves of social change still swelling around the globe, it’s safe to assume there’s still a lot of history left to be made in 2020. Coast Hotels recognizes that essential workers are working hard every day across a variety of industries including healthcare workers, first responders, grocery workers and delivery service drivers. We want to ensure that these heroes get the rest they deserve. Special discounts are available exclusively for these every day heroes by visiting www.coasthotels.com.
The Benson, a historic downtown Portland hotel, has long catered to celebrities, CEOs, dignitaries and nearly every U.S. president since William H. Taft. It offers guests 287 tastefully appointed guest rooms, including a variety of suites, 18,000 square feet of meeting space and abundant guest amenities. Whether you are traveling for pleasure or business, The Benson offers safety, comfort, luxury and proximity to all Portland has to offer.
