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Built in 1912, The Benson exudes old-world sophistication and elegance. In the French baroque lobby, walnut paneling frames a marble fireplace, Austrian crystal chandeliers hang from the ornate plasterwork ceiling, and a marble staircase provides the perfect setting for grand entrances. The fact that presidents stay here whenever they're in town is a good clue that these are the poshest digs in Portland. The guest rooms, housed in two towers (only one of which is part of the original hotel), vary considerably in size, but all are luxuriously furnished in a plush Euro-luxe styling. The deluxe kings are particularly roomy, but the corner junior suites are the hotel's best deal. Not only are these quite large, but the abundance of windows makes them much cheerier than other rooms. Bathrooms, unfortunately, include little shelf space for spreading out your toiletries.

In the vaults below the lobby you'll find The London Grill, which is well known for its Sunday brunch. Just off the lobby, there's El Gaucho steak house, and in the Lobby Bar, there's live jazz in the evenings.

© 2005, Wiley Publishing, Inc.