309 SW Broadway 503-228-2000 800-426-0670

BENSON HOTEL

citations & references:

Per https://pcad.lib.washington.edu/building/9802/ Overview Opened on 03/05/1913, this skyscraper was originally built as an annex to the Oregon Hotel next door. Just after opening, it was called the "New Oregon Hotel," but was rechristened 16 months after opening as the "Benson Hotel," named in honor of its new owner and most famous inhabitant, Simon Benson.

Building History The important Portland architectural firm of Doyle, Patterson and Beach designed this hotel for Simon Benson (1852-1942), a lumber magnate and James Beach's father-in-law. Benson, like most really wealthy people, relocated to Beverly Hills, CA, and died there at age 90.

Building Notes The much larger Blackstone Hotel (1909) in Chicago, IL, designed by Benjamin Marshall of the firm of Marshall and Fox, inspired A.E. Doyle's design for the Benson Hotel.

Alteration A large addition was made to the Benson Hotel in 1958-1959.

PCAD id: 9802

 ·First listed in Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA 1996 Under: hotels “This 1912 building is Portland’s grand dame. Its lobby is one of the most stunning of any city hotels; guestrooms are less fancy but perfectly charming, with much of the original architectural details and such touches as crystal chandeliers.”

·listed in Fodor’s Gay Guide to the Pacific Northwest 1997 Under:  Hotels

·listed in Out & About Gay Travel Guide 1997 Under:  Stay

*MANY STORIES ABOUT BENSON – LOOK UNDER HOTEL OREGON – VARIETY HALL ETC.