Portland Lodging - Benson, Heathman, or Other?
Sep 28th, 2001, 05:35 PM
#1
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Portland Lodging - Benson, Heathman, or Other?
Has anybody stayed at a great hotel in Portland ORE? Going next weekend and would appreciate any information from folks who have actually stayed at these two hotels or any other that are nice, charming, and in the city. Also, any recommendations for things to do while in the city would be very much appreciated! (hoping johnsevy reads this! 
. Thanks.
. Thanks.
Sep 28th, 2001, 11:30 PM
#2
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Some of the Benson's rooms need updating but others are great.
The Wed. before you leave, check www.willametteweek.com for a list of what's going in town.
The leaves are beginning to turn, it's a pretty time to visit the Japanese Gardens.
The Wed. before you leave, check www.willametteweek.com for a list of what's going in town.
The leaves are beginning to turn, it's a pretty time to visit the Japanese Gardens.
Sep 29th, 2001, 06:26 AM
#3
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Portland lacks a really nice hotel.
The Heathman and Benson are dated, and while they maintain a certain old world charm, that "old" part carries over to the feeling one gets from the rooms as well.
The RiverPlace Hotel has had the highest rating in recent years, and is now in the American Express Platinum program. I haven't been there, however. It is right on the Willamette near downtown.
Otherwise, you're left to choose among upper mediocre properties.
The Heathman and Benson are dated, and while they maintain a certain old world charm, that "old" part carries over to the feeling one gets from the rooms as well.
The RiverPlace Hotel has had the highest rating in recent years, and is now in the American Express Platinum program. I haven't been there, however. It is right on the Willamette near downtown.
Otherwise, you're left to choose among upper mediocre properties.
Sep 29th, 2001, 07:06 AM
#4
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Haven't stayed at the Benson for eons - ought to still be very nice, though. Ditto the Heathman - both operated through respectable chains. However, we really like the Vintage Plaza, more or less across the street from the Benson. More boutique-y, a sister property to the Monaco and Vintage Plaza in Seattle, similar hotels with similar names all over the place.
More funky, more fun IMO is the Kennedy School, a McMenamin's property in a converted elementary school in NE Portland, a few miles from downtown. On-site brewery, restaurants, movie theater, cool art in the halls and blackboards in the bedrooms (former classrooms.) Car needed, though.
As for things to do, the Gorge is an obvious, or Powell's Books, or strolling up Hawthorne St. for shops or a movie-with-beer at the Bagdad. Portland is also a great antiquing town, followed by afternoon coffee with something-mit-schlag at Papa Hayden's on 23rd, oh, my.
More funky, more fun IMO is the Kennedy School, a McMenamin's property in a converted elementary school in NE Portland, a few miles from downtown. On-site brewery, restaurants, movie theater, cool art in the halls and blackboards in the bedrooms (former classrooms.) Car needed, though.
As for things to do, the Gorge is an obvious, or Powell's Books, or strolling up Hawthorne St. for shops or a movie-with-beer at the Bagdad. Portland is also a great antiquing town, followed by afternoon coffee with something-mit-schlag at Papa Hayden's on 23rd, oh, my.
Sep 29th, 2001, 09:53 AM
#5
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I've stayed at all the nicest hotels in Portland, and the one I keep going back to is the Fifth Avenue Suites (another Kimpton property). I prefer it to the Vintage Plaza--bigger, brighter rooms. The Heathman would be my second choice (I have a strong preference for smaller hotels, and the Benson was too big for my tastes).
To add to John's suggestions, I love browsing and eating in the Pearl District and the NW 23rd area. The Portland Art Museum often has interesting exhibits. I also love to walk the length of Waterfront Park and wish that Seattle had something similar (same with the Park Blocks and the boulevard-like feel of Third and Fourth Avenues, around the courthouses).
And no visit to Portland is complete without a stop at Bijou (on SW 3rd in Old Town) for blueberry pancakes!
To add to John's suggestions, I love browsing and eating in the Pearl District and the NW 23rd area. The Portland Art Museum often has interesting exhibits. I also love to walk the length of Waterfront Park and wish that Seattle had something similar (same with the Park Blocks and the boulevard-like feel of Third and Fourth Avenues, around the courthouses).
And no visit to Portland is complete without a stop at Bijou (on SW 3rd in Old Town) for blueberry pancakes!
