Benson Hotel

Recommends

Sarah S.

Joined 1 year ago

Categorically the best lobby in Portland. Old world style: wood paneling, chandeliers, a grand staircase overlooking plush sofas and lovely carpets. I sit by the fire when it's cold and you can get cocktail service there. Even though I live here, I take a staycation in their lobby at least once a month. Fun place to meet a date or family. Rooms are well-appointed, but not as special as the lobby.

Doesn't Recommend

jaclab

Joined 3 years ago

disappoinyed. for the last five years me and my husband and children been spending birthdays, anniversaries at the Benson Hotel but with the last experienced we had this year we will never go back at the Benson Hotel.With a big surprised when we checked into a room we smell moldy room, I opened the window and saw a big hole on the drape, went to the bathroom and I was shocked and asked my husband what happened with the Benson Hotel, Motel 6 is better we found mold in the corners of the tub, then when we were ready to go sleep more shocking because our sheets were so wrinkled, we never experienced this at the Benson Hotel.

Doesn't Recommend

lizzardb

Joined 3 years ago

Poor brunch service. My hubby, 12 yo and infant strolled down to the hostess podium and waited about 4 minutes before someone acknowledged us. The host asks if we have reservations and I informed him we did not. He informed us it was brunch and we said that was fine. He looked at us like we were crazy. Granted we were wearing jeans and had nice tops on (several people in the restaurant were also wearing jeans) but we got the impression that we weren't stuck up enough to eat there. The hosts made us wait 15 minutes (the restaurant was half empty) before seating us. We sat at our table for about 5 minutes. During that time the wait staff acted like we were invisible. We got up and left.

If we weren't dressed the par, the host should have said something. We would have totally understood and taken no offense. If they were booked, then they should have communicated that to us. We got the feeling they just didn't want our business for whatever reason. This was a shock considering the front desk was extremely helpful and polite when we checked in the night before. No one should be treated like that for any reason.

Recommends

tommymc59

Joined 4 years ago

Overrated, Overpriced. I recently had out-of-town visitors - as my loft is too small to accommodate them, I reserved two rooms at the Benson Hotel for them to stay in. These are dear friends of mine and I wanted them close to me and I wanted them to be pampered.

Regretfully, I made the reservation based on the Benson's reputation and their impressive lobby. I really should have done more research.

My friends did not really complain, but, when I went to viist them, I was appauled by the size of the room - it was just large enough to fit the bed. We couldn't really visit there and went down to the lobby which had plenty of room.

Several times, we asked to have some service there and felt we were treated poorly because we were dressed somewhat casually.

While I really enjoyed the visit from my friends, I definitely will consider another hotel in the future.

Doesn't Recommend

Gregory A.

Joined 5 months ago

the benson is a dump. this hotel is a dump my recomendation stay at another hotel for your own sake

this hotel is a 2 star hotel maybe 3 star on a good day if if your lucky

looking for a 4 star hotel? then this is not your place

if looking for a 2 or 3 star hotel then maybe you will be ok with the place however the service is lame and the doe eyed desk people are of little to no help and the rooms have a noxious chemical smell so i dont recomend taking a room service meal i did and it made the food taste like insecticide or cleaning chemicals im not sure which

old crt tv poor picture old lumpy mishapen pillows faded bed cloths devoid of color dinge ripped curtains really poor room anyway i suggest you just keep looking for a good experience when visiting portland

good luck !

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Timbersfan

Joined 4 years ago

Brunch Perfections. I've never been to a better brunch, including the Hilton in SF that was supposed to be the best. Large selection of seafood, outstanding Eggs Benedict, best waffle syrup I've ever tasted, endless champagne and orange juice, and their creamed potatoes are to die for. Pace yourself!!

Doesn't Recommend

ambrtd1234

Joined 5 years ago

Horrible service for Christmas Dinner. We had family in town for Christmas and were so excited to bring them to the Benson for Christmas dinner. We heard the Jazz piano player was wonderful (which she was) and the holiday decorations were beautiful (which they were). Sadly the service was horrible and the food less than mediocre. We had made reservations in advance for dinner in the lounge. We sat down wondering if we were in the wrong place and inquired with our server. We explained we were there for Christmas dinner. For some reason she was immediately rude and did not want to share a wine/beer/drink menu. In addition she did not want to be bothered explaining the set 'Christmas Dinner' with us. So, while we were figuring out the menu for ourselves we asked for bread. She said she could not bring bread unless we ordered food first. (I could not believe this since we had already ordered and were served drinks, and we were obviously ordering dinner) We ordered soup, salad and entrees. Everything came at once. The crab salad was good as was the corn chowder. However, the prime rib (for $50) was not good. It was dry...like it had been sitting under a heat lamp for hours.. Huge waste of money! Still, the most disheartening part of the whole experience was not the food, but the waitress. She was beyond rude. She totally ignored our table. We could barely even get her to give us the time for our check. Too bad for her and The Benson, because it was Christmas and we were more than ready for spend a few more dollars on drinks and dessert. We finally got our check and had to request someone else process it as she continued to ignore us. Without a word we left a 10% tip and walked out the door. I have heard great things about The Benson, and I know it has a wonderful history in Portland. Unfortunately, I will not eat there again nor would I recommend any family or friends to eat there. I know it was only one experience...but come on, it was Christmas.

Recommends

lancebu

Joined 5 years ago

White glove service all the way. We attended the Sunday brunch and loved it! It was 5 star quality, service and food. The cheese selection was to die for, the fruit was fresh and flavorful. The eggs benedict was one of he best I have ever eaten. My companion had an omelet made which they described as perfection. The entree selections were tasty and different like beef tips in wine sauce and a seafood pasta. The breads and desserts were all freshly baked and delectable and a wide variety. The drinks never went dry because the service was friendly and quick. Go the next Sunday you want a relaxing, wonderful and special experience.

Doesn't Recommend

sff00die

Joined 9 years ago

Wedding Brunch Bomb. My friend held her wedding and subsequent brunch at the Benson. Brunch was horrific at best. 1 server for 24 people with a horrible back waiter. Server yells asking how many mimosas/bloody marys throughout the entire brunch. I told the Benson event coordinator that some water upon arriveal would be nice. Nothing happened. I told the front desk manager that our concerns about the horrible service were not being addressed. She sent the food and beverage manager. After 15 minutes and more yelling by our server the F&B manager arrived. He said "I just got here" after I explained all my concerns. Sorry for your lack of internal communication but that's not my problem. There should have been another server or at least a professional one. It was like Denny's servers in fancy clothes. I manage restaurants and was shocked at the utter lack of concern that management demonstrated. Food was okay. My over medium eggs were over easy. Those who got eggs benedict were surprised to find hard poached eggs smoothered in thin layer of hollandaise sauce. Food was warm not hot. There were no condiments on the table so after 3/4 of our meal was finished some hot sauce appeared. Hello Benson - maybe with the economy they way it is you should perhaps ask your staff to be a tiny bit professional. Your F&B manager did absolutely nothing to remedy the situation! Perhaps your staff shouldn't yell in a private room - maybe walk around the table and ask people what they would like (like a normal restaurant), if your servers suck-coach them! It's a reflcection of your poor management! Don't hold any special occasion there unless you want an auctioneer on your most special day!

Recommends

PortlandWineChick2

Joined 5 years ago

Good Brunch!. I went here for brunch with my family and ti was delicious. The desserts are to die for. And the selection of food is endless. Fabulous Salmon, great sushi and all the regular breakfast selections. I wish they had an Egg's Benedict station to order - but that is because it is my absolute favorite dish. I can't say anything negative except it is a large hotel chain-type atmosphere and ,eave a bit to be desired for personality in service. A really classy bloody mary bar may be an interesting addition to this great brunch.