Arriving at the Benson Portland Hotel, Oregon after a full day of travel from Australia, I was hopeful of a room that ticked all the boxes. Given I was checking in around midnight, all I really cared about at that time was a comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep. What I found was a truly luxurious and spacious room with the bed comfort I was craving.
The Benson Portland Hotel review
Waking up fresh in the morning I could fully appreciate the features of the historic Benson Hotel and I certainly appreciated the downtown Portland location, meaning many of the local attractions were within easy walk or wheel. It’s no wonder nearly every president has stayed at the hotel since its opening in 1913.
The Benson Portland hotel is now part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and features 287 elegantly appointed rooms and suites.
A cosy vibe has been created with warm tones and decorating accents within the room. The design successfully combines old world charm with modern conveniences and good accessibility.
Good circulation space on either side of the bed allows ease of access for wheelchair users or those using mobility aids. Additional seating including a comfy lounge make for a homely feeling at the end of a day’s sightseeing.
The light-filled room and warmth of the decor ensures guests don’t feel like they are staying in another cookie-cutter hotel chain. The Benson Hotel has personality that’s reflective of its Portland location.
Book accommodation at the Benson Portland here.
The Benson Hotel’s accessible room facts – entry door clearance 88cm (34.5 inches) and bed height 61cm (24 inches) and the bed has a solid bed base.
An accessible bathroom adjoins the bedroom and offers guests a shower bench, lever taps and a hand-held shower wand.
Toiletries are out of reach for anyone showering in a seated position so BYO toiletries if you are planning on using the shower seat.
Grab rails surround the toilet and all features are in a lowered position including many of the towel rails.
Bathroom facts -bathroom door entry 89cm (35 inches), shower bench height 46.5cm (18.5 inches) and toilet height to pan 42cm (17.5 inches) and height to seat 44cm (16.5 inches).
If you’d like to take a walk through of the room with me, check out the video below. If I sound sleepy it’s because I’d travelled for 24 hours and it was nearly midnight.
Watching the sun rise over Portland from the room was a real treat.
But for this busy mother and traveller, breakfast in bed was the ultimate luxury. Both the omelette and the staff member who delivered breakfast each day were delightful.
Access throughout the hotel is good with an accessible entrance offering hands-free entry via a press button at the side of the building which activates the door.
The Portland MAX Light Rail is located nearby but there are plenty of sites within walking distance.
A good place to start with planning your activities in Portland is at the Visitor Center which is within walking/wheeling distance of The Benson Portland. Staff are knowledgeable about the area and can also guide visitors as to the best way to get around the city if you have access needs. The Portland Visitor Center also offers a quiet place to retreat from city life if you have sensory sensitivities and offers free sensory kits in partnership with KultureCity.
Be prepared to get lost in the literary heaven of Powell’s Books, the largest independently owned bookstore in the world. Over multiple levels you can explore every genre of book with lift access making it easy. Powell’s and other shopping and dining are also within walking/wheeling distance of the hotel.
I was hosted for my stay at Benson Portland but as always, my opinions are my own and I hope that the photos, video and measurements allow you to decide if this is the right hotel for your Portland visit.
Book accommodation at the Benson Portland here.
