With more than 1,200 high-tech companies in our greater Portland “Silicon Forest,” The Benson Hotel enjoys its fair share of business travelers. Many of these guests are following the growing national trend of “bleisure” stays, where the first few nights of business are extended a few more days to explore all the Rose City has to offer. When your business trip brings you to Portland, The Benson staff can help extend your stay to enjoy great dining, world class skiing, taste through Oregon wine country, marvel at Multnomah Falls and of course, to gain insights to Portland’s rich history right within our landmark hotel property.
Why not start with a true sense of place in a property at the heart of Portland’s beginnings? Enjoy a visual journey of the town’s history by visiting our Historic Stairwell. This twelve-story original marble stairwell tells the story of how Simon Benson, founder and designer, and architect A.E. Doyle, built The Benson in 1912, and its transformation over 100 years. Benson’s many contributions are highlighted in the stairwell, along with 50 other famous Portland landmarks shown, with photos dating back to 1847. These points of interest may just spark your “bleisure” stay itinerary!
When it comes to Portland dining, you’re in for a treat. In a fall 2019 report, Portland ranked first in the country as the best food city in the nation by WalletHub. The study compared more than 180 of the largest U.S. cities across 30 key per capita metrics ranging from affordability and accessibility of high-quality restaurants to food festivals to craft breweries and wineries. Portland ranked top for coffee and tea shops, craft breweries and wineries, and affordability and accessibility of highly-rated restaurants, the study found. Portland also landed in the top ten for restaurants and gourmet specialty-food stores.
In winter months, skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing abound. Just 50 miles from Portland, Mt. Hood is Oregon’s highest peak and part of the Mt. Hood National. Here you’ll find Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark (which offers the longest skiing and snowboarding season anywhere in America), as well as Mt. Hood Meadows, Ski Bowl, Cooper Spur, and Summit. When the snow finally melts, Ski Bowl, Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows bring entertainment and outdoor recreation such as hiking, mountain biking and trail running. Speaking of natural wonders, don’t miss Multnomah Falls, with its two-tier, 620-foot high waterfall…and just a 45-minute drive from our hotel.
No trip would be complete without a visit to a Portland microbrewery or a wine-tasting in Oregon Wine Country. Oregon Craft Beer cites that within Portland city limits alone there are 58 breweries just waiting for your stein. Zwicklemania on Feb. 15, 2020 in Portland is a great way to taste many brews at once! For wine, self-guided tours through wine country are ideal to choose your own adventure; many roadside tasting rooms through the Willamette Valley are open weekends and limited hours on weekdays. Our Benson Hotel staff can lend helpful suggestions to maximize your time in Portland.
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 comfort, luxury and proximity to all Portland has to offer.
