Comfort and warm welcome! From many years of much travel in the US and Europe, I have developed a short list of the hotels that I look forward to returning to and are a key part of the enjoyment of a trip. The Benson is one of them. I was first here in 1958 when my mother – a great thrill at age 9 – allowed me to push the elevator buttons! These days I return to the Benson whenever in Portland, and while pressing the elevator buttons are perhaps not quite the thrill of 66 years ago, the warm welcome, the beautiful, dignified and relaxing lobby, the well-appointed and comfortable rooms – are all still there and ready for you to sink into with warm satisfaction. – Don’t forget to check out the sitting area in the mezzanine; it’s a quiet corner for good conversation. Or relax in front of the fireplace in the main lobby. I came to Portland for a concert a short time ago, and all the old welcome was still there. Johnny and Richard in the restaurant and bar, long-time staff (their length of service speaks well for the Benson!), welcomed and served us the way you wish hotel staff everywhere would, and capped the pleasure of staying at the dear old Benson.
December 2024
