Stay Overnight In The 108 Year-Old Benson Hotel, An Allegedly Haunted Spot In Oregon
By Catherine Armstrong|Published October 17, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
You’ll be immersed in history when you stay at The Benson in Portland, Oregon. This beautiful hotel was built in 1912, and its “Historic Stairwell” features more than 160 vintage photos and stories about its early days. During your stay, you night catch a glimpse of the original owner, Simon Benson…who has been dead since 1942.
The Benson Hotel is a landmark in Portland. Built by Simon Benson in 1913, this historic hotel is full of classic elegance. Some visitors and staff say that it's also home to several ghosts, including Simon himself.
Born in Norway in 1851, Simon immigrated to the United States in 1861, and moved to Portland in 1880. Simon was hardworking and innovative, and eventually became a successful businessman and philanthropist.
Simon spared no expense when building The Benson. The 12-story hotel features Circassian walnut walls and pillars imported from Russia, Italian marble floors, and Austrian crystal chandeliers.
A teetotaler, Simon was not fond of alcohol. In order to encourage Portlanders to drink water instead of beer, he donated 20 bronze water fountains. Still in service today, these cool fountains are known as "Benson Bubblers."
Many guests and employees have claimed to see Simon Benson at the hotel. He's been seen lurking around the restaurant and bar area, and some patrons swear that their drinks have been tipped over at the bar when no one is nearby.
From all accounts, Simon Benson's ghost is content and mostly easygoing. His pranks in the bar are the one exception, but people feel as though even his grumpy attitude toward drinking isn't malevolent.
Simon may not be the only ghostly resident at The Benson. Some guests claim to have seen the reflection of a woman in a fancy blue dress in this large mirror in the lobby.
Another woman, this one in a white gown, is said to lurk around the hallways.
A couple staying at the hotel several years ago were pleased with the service provided by the porter, who carried their bags to their room, but when they turned to tip him, he vanished right in front of their eyes.
She awoke to find a little boy standing next to her bed. The boy played a game of hide-and-seek with her, jumping toward her, then hiding in the bedsheets. After a few minutes of this game, he simply vanished.
The spirits who roam the lobby, hallways, and rooms of The Benson all seem to be happy, friendly folks. If you happen to catch a glimpse of Simon during your visit, say hello!
