Tucked in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon, The Benson Hotel stands as a testament to timeless elegance, classic hospitality, and—if the stories are true—a rich history haunted by spirits who haven’t checked out. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture admirer, or a ghost hunter with a taste for the eerie, this storied hotel offers more than just a warm bed. With a blend of luxury and lore, The Benson Hotel is one of Portland’s most iconic lodgings, and it has a few lingering guests from the past who might agree.
In this post, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of The Benson Hotel, explore the paranormal tales surrounding it, and help you decide whether it should be your next spirited travel destination.
The History
A Vision of Elegance: The Birth of The Benson Hotel
Originally opened in 1913, The Benson Hotel was the brainchild of Simon Benson, a wealthy philanthropist, lumber baron, and teetotaler with a vision to create a premier hotel that would rival the grandest in America. His mission was clear: bring sophistication and culture to what was then a rapidly growing yet still rugged Portland.
The hotel was designed by the renowned architect A.E. Doyle, who employed materials and motifs reminiscent of European elegance, especially from French Second Empire and Italian Renaissance styles. Benson spared no expense: Italian marble, Austrian crystal chandeliers, and Circassian walnut from imperial Russia adorned the lobby. For over a century, The Benson has wowed guests with its mix of opulence and old-world charm.
Hosting the World’s Elite
From presidents to musicians to Hollywood royalty, The Benson Hotel has hosted its share of luminaries. Notable guests have included President John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, and The Rolling Stones. Its central location and reputation for sophistication made it a favored choice for dignitaries and performers traveling through the Pacific Northwest.
Though ownership has changed hands over the decades, the hotel has remained an icon of Portland’s downtown. Now managed as part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, The Benson continues to blend its historical presence with modern comforts, preserving its classic appeal while consistently updating amenities for new generations of travelers.
The Architecture and Design Legacy
One of the most endearing features of The Benson Hotel is its commitment to architectural preservation. While many historic buildings undergo modernization that risks erasing their unique charm, The Benson strikes a masterful balance. Step inside and you’ll find original woodwork, antique furnishings, and marble staircases that echo an era gone by.
The lobby remains nearly identical to its 1913 opening and is often highlighted on Portland architecture tours. It’s no surprise that the building appears on the National Register of Historic Places—a designation well earned.
The Haunt
The Ghost of Simon Benson
When a hotel has stood for more than a century, it’s bound to acquire stories—and a few spirits. The most frequently mentioned apparition at The Benson Hotel is that of its founder, Simon Benson himself. Sightings of an older gentleman in formal early-20th-century attire wandering the hotel’s corridors are not uncommon.
According to multiple guests and staff accounts, Simon often appears to ensure that his beloved hotel remains in proper order. He’s been seen adjusting lighting fixtures, straightening pictures, and even appearing momentarily at the bar—ironic, considering his aversion to alcohol.
Room 301 and Other Paranormal Hotspots
Among ghost hunters, Room 301 is often whispered about. Guests report strange occurrences at night—cold drafts, flickering lights, and an overwhelming sense of being watched. Although not malevolent, the experiences are enough to leave a lingering impression on even the most skeptical traveler.
The elevators are another source of mystery. On more than one occasion, they’ve been known to move between floors without any passengers or button presses. Housekeeping staff sometimes claim that voices and footsteps are heard—especially on floors that are supposedly unoccupied.
Playful Phantoms and Odd Happenings
Not all of The Benson Hotel‘s spirits are of stern pedigree. Some have a more mischievous bend. There have been numerous reports of televisions turning on and off by themselves, toiletries being mysteriously rearranged, and even doors locking—or unlocking—on their own.
One staff member recalled cleaning a room only to find the bed unmade moments later, despite no one being in the room. Another guest described waking up to a faint whisper in her ear and the sensation of someone sitting on the bed—yet no one was there. Paranormal investigators who have visited the hotel often leave with curious EVP recordings and temperature anomalies, pointing to the presence of something—or someone—just beyond our realm of understanding.
Paranormal Investigations and Ghost Tours
While The Benson Hotel doesn’t officially host ghost tours, its presence on many local haunted Portland itineraries is well-established. Some local paranormal groups have recorded unusual electromagnetic field (EMF) readings and captured chilling audio and thermal visuals during their exploration of the building’s older floors.
If you’re equipped with a spirit box, EMF reader, or just an open mind, the hotel provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring ghost hunters. Many believe late nights hold the best chance of witnessing a spiritual encounter, especially in the winter months when the veil between realms feels notably thin.
Conclusion: Why Paranormal Lovers Should Visit The Benson Hotel
Whether you’re chasing history or haunted tales, The Benson Hotel offers a perfectly blended cocktail of sophistication and ghostly intrigue. Its century-old hallways echo with stories of yesteryear, told not just by the living but by those who may still linger in shadowy corners and shimmering mirrors.
For paranormal investigators, the hotel presents both a dignified base of operations and active terrain for spiritual encounters. Even if you don’t see a ghost, the sensation of being surrounded by decades of history will haunt your imagination in the best way possible.
So pack your gear, bring your bravest friends, and make a reservation. The Benson Hotel awaits—with open arms and, perhaps, a few extra unseen hosts.