The Benson Hotel
The Benson Hotel is an upscale hotel in downtown Portland. The hotel is within easy walking distance of many downtown attractions such as restaurants, the Pioneer Square Courthouse, downtown shopping and the Classical Chinese gardens. The Benson is also only a few blocks from Portland's downtown trolley system and the MAX light rail system, and has its own parking. The Benson Hotel is also one of the closest downtown hotels to Lady Golf, a women's golf course in southwest Portland, about two and a half miles away.
All rooms at the Benson come with cable TV, Nintendo game consoles, high speed Internet access, work desks, newspaper delivery, 24-hour room service, coffee makers, and other amenities. The hotel staff will gladly help guests locate nearby golf courses or other activities. Pets are also allowed at the hotel with a small fee. The Benson has three restaurants. The London Grill offers private dining and a very large wine selection, and is open for breakfast Monday through Saturday, Sunday brunch, and dinner starting every night at 5 p.m. The Palm Court is in the hotel lobby and is the more casual dining choice in the hotel. The Palm Court has a full bar, happy hours 4-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close daily, and a menu consisting of choices like pizza and smoked oysters. El Gaucho serves Argentinean cuisine including steaks, seafood, and desserts.
The Benson Hotel
309 Southwest Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 228-2000
www.bensonhotel.com
RiverPlace Hotel
RiverPlace Hotel is in downtown Portland along the waterfront of the Willamette River. According to the hotel website, the RiverPlace is rustic and intimate. The hotel is near Portland's downtown trolley system and is just three and a half miles from Eastmoreland, Oregon's second-oldest golf course, rated among the top 25 courses in the country by Golf Digest magazine. Hotel amenities include a 24-hour business center, wireless Internet access, an athletic club, a gift shop, a DVD library, valet parking, and a deck. The hotel restaurant, Three Degrees Waterfront Bar and Grill, faces the Willamette and uses local and seasonal ingredients in its menu. Prices and menu items vary according to season. The restaurant has a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m..
RiverPlace Hotel
1510 SW Harbor Way
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 295-6190
www.larkspurhotels.com/collection/riverplace
Portland Marriott City Center
The Marriott at Portland City Center is another popular downtown hotel. It is near many downtown attractions such as shopping, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Powells Books, Portland Classical Chinese Garden, Oregon History Center, Portland Art Museum, and Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, which are all less than 10 blocks away. Room rates as of 2009 start at around $190.
Amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour fitness center, nearby golf and tennis, safe deposit boxes, and catering for events and meetings at the hotel. The hotel also has a restaurant called Mez on Broadway, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. According to the hotel website, it serves local produce and meats and has a large selection of local wines and microbrew beers.
Portland Marriott City Center
520 Southwest Broadway
Portland, Oregon 97205
(503) 226-6300
www.marriottportland.com
About The Author
Lisa Chinn recently graduated from University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science with honors in psychology and is currently writing up a manuscript of her honors thesis for publication. After two years of working in a library, Chinn has very strong research skills. She also writes articles about nightlife in Portland, Ore.
