Any recommendations as to the best high end (price is no object) hotel in central Portland for business? Is it the Benson?

For some unknown (to me) reason, the Benson is where Washington DC VIPs always stay when they come to town. But I think Hotel Monaco is the most highly rated in town. Vintage Plaza is another Kimpton property that gets high marks. Nothing Four Seasonsish around though.

Have stayed at the Benson and was VERY disappointed. It is supposed to be "gentleman clubby" but in fact the decor is very dreary. The rooms have none of the amenities female travelers prefer (decent make up mirror etc) and I found them extremely uncooperative overall.

We held a meeting there and booked a total of almost 200 room nights. I was flying back to the east coast and asked for late check out since I was taking the redeye - so I could work after the meeting and before the flight - and they made me go through hoops to get it. And were quite unpleasant about it. Also - I was given an extremely basic room with not a single sign of recognition that we had booked such a large meeting. (Typically you get at least a fruit basket, bottle of wine or some chocolates or something - I didn't even get $10 worth of flowers.)

IMHO - this is not a high end hotel at all - even if they think they are. And customer service leaves LOTS to be desired.

I don't disagree with you, nytraveler, but I had an experience very similar to yours when I stayed in The Waldorf Astoria 10 years ago. And ever since, I've often described the Benson as Portland's version of The Waldorf.

The Benson has that boys cigar room and the over priced Steakhouse...could that have anything to do with it?

My recommendation is always The Monaco Portland..originally the 5th Avenue Suites, a Kimpton Hotel.
We always stay in a suite..which is a real suite , not like that silly Symphony Suite in the Heathman.it is large too.. in fact the same size as a one bedroom apt we rented here not long ago lol.

Rock stars and sports people like the Monaco.. I think it has to do with taste more than anything..the Benson is stuffy, like the Heathman..old guard.
Some people think that is the last word in poshness