Review of The Benson, by Shelley Seale

The Benson Hotel is a landmark in downtown Portland, Oregon, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Benson provides modern luxury in a classic, stately setting with original moldings, staircases and marble floors. In 1912 architect A.E. Doyle created this opulent hotel reflective of that golden era, and maintained impeccably to this day. The location is prime, in the heart of the city and within minutes of walking or a free trolley ride away from the Pearl District, Old Town, museums and performing arts, shopping, dining and everything else that Portland has to offer.

Service is paramount and Chief Concierge Mike Roland, member of Les Clef D'Or, is at the service of guests for theatre tickets, reservations, sightseeing or any special requests. The hotel is pet-friendly, and if you do not have a pet you need not be lonely - the catering staff offers you very own pet goldfish for the duration of your stay, a small but charming touch.

The Benson has a fitness center and business centre available for guests, although both are rather basic and small. 24-hour room service is always available, or try the comfortable Palm Court in the lobby for cocktails and a terrific Happy Hour menu.

The London Grill is a Portland favorite and memorable culinary experience, with a menu including fresh seafood, steaks and locally grown ingredients, as well as a gorgeous Sunday brunch. Executive Chef Serge Selbe spent his formative years in Southeast Asia before training in the south of France and the prestigious Centre International de Gilon in Switzerland. Its wine cellar has been awarded Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence, and also offers private dining.

Thirteen meeting rooms and banquet facilities, along with a full catering service, can accommodate exquisite events for up to 600 people. Two beautiful ballrooms are also available for weddings, parties, meetings and events; and its location three blocks from the MAX light-rail system and near the convention center offer the ultimate convenience.

Rooms at The Benson are designed and furnished with luxury and comfort in mind. Tempur-Pedic sleep system beds and high thread-count triple linens ensure a great night's sleep, while the workstations equipped with dual-line speakerphones and complimentary high-speed wireless internet make productivity easy. All rooms include plush bamboo robes and slippers, Garden Elements bath products, in-room coffee and tea service, televisions with in-room movie library and games, and individually controlled heating and air conditioning.

The rooms are extremely comfortable and spacious, and junior suites include sitting areas with a couch and chairs. Go for over-the-top luxury with a panoramic-view penthouse or the Grand Suite with fireplace, Jacuzzi and baby grand piano. The Benson's incredible Presidential Suite is the ultimate in the stately luxury of nearly a century ago - every President since Taft has slept there.