Overview
When a little boy appeared at the side of a former Benson Hotel guest’s bed, her first instinct as a mother to a three-year-old son “was to reach out to the boy and pull him into bed.” The results were terrifying. “As I touched his arm it actually felt solid for a moment…He jumped in my face making a scary face and frightened me…I hid under the cover for a second thinking he’s playing around being silly. I actually peeked out again and there he was still standing there. I reached out again and he jumped in my face again. After that I positioned the cover in front of my face to not see him anymore even if I happen to open them.” The ghost of the little boy is said to have taken up residency in the 9th floor of The Benson hotel in Portland, Oregon, along with various other ghosts and apparitions.
One of the ghosts is said to be that of the establishment’s previous owner, Simon Benson. He is often seen roaming through the halls and corridors of the 12th, 9th, and 7th floors. Guests that come in contact may want to keep a firm grip on their cocktails, as it is said that Benson did not advocate drinking in his hotel, and his spirit has been known to knock drinks over. One former employee happened upon a man who was dressed decidedly less formal than the staff and crowd at The Benson’s London Grill. “I saw a man in overalls with a plaid shirt. I thought it was strange, as we wear tuxedos, and so most people are well dressed. I looked up and right when I could say ‘can I help you?’ he was gone…When I described him, someone reminded me that Simon Benson was a lumber baron.”
Two female spirits coined “Lady in White” and “Lady in Blue”, respectively also haunt the hotel. The Lady in White roams the corridors, while the Lady in Blue is said to appear as a reflection in the lobby’s mirror. A particularly friendly ghost is known as the “Helpful Porter”, who is said to have helped a guest with a disability who found himself having difficulty getting into bed. The porter vanished immediately after the man was safely in bed.
Both gorgeous and ghoulish, a stay at The Benson hotel is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.
Suggested Haunted Rooms
- Floors 7, 9, and 12 are said to see the most activity.
- Hotel elevator has been said to make unexpected stops and get very cold all of a sudden.
It’s a great and luxurious hotel. We stayed there this weekend and got a great story. The Bellhop told us his manager was trapped in the elevator one time. She was taking the elevator to the lobby well after midnight. The elevator passed her stop and went to the basement. The door wouldn’t open and it began to get very very cold in the elevator. A deep feeling of sadness overwhelmed her. Then, quite suddenly the coldness lifted and the elevator returned her to the lobby where she took the stairs the rest of the evening.
We did not experience any paranormal activity, but the hotel is spooky by itself. Long corridors with carpet that resembles something out of The Shining help set the mood. Definitely visit the 7th, 9th, and 12th floors if you can. Perhaps alone? They are said to be where the most activity happens.
The architecture of the hotel is a bit interesting too. The stairs take you outside and are a bit different. Making for some great views and helping you get to the 7th and 9th floors. The 12th was locked from the inside.
The whole place kind of reminds you of an old cigar smoking gentlemen’s club. It’s worth the stay if you’re making it into town.
I stayed at the Benson, December 2019, specifically because I had read about it being haunted. I however did not look at specifics not wanting my experience to be influenced. I was unable to sleep since the very first night. I felt watched and a foreboding feeling. Next morning I researched a bit more and learned that the 9th floor is haunted by the little boy and that he favors scaring women traveling alone. Well not only was I a woman that was traveling alone I happened to be on the 9th floor. I didn’t sleep during the night for the 4 nights I stayed. I felt watched and I’m not one to scare easily. As I said I chose the hotel because I knew it to be haunted. As I was reviewing my pictures today I noticed a face in the curtains. Gave me goosebumps, no wonder I felt watched.