Hotel Multnomah, 319 SW Pine 

Portland’s Multnomah Hotel opened in 1912 and was the Northwest’s largest and
most modern at the time until 1961. It hosted nine U.S. Presidents, Queen Marie
of Romania in 1926, Charles Lindberg in 1927 and Elvis Presley when he was in
Portland in 1957. John F. Kennedy spoke from the balcony during a campaign
stop in 1960. In 1928, KXL Radio opened new studios in the Multnomah.

Western Hotels operated the Multnomah from 1931 until 1963 when it closed. It
was restored to prominence and is now known as Embassy Suites.

1921 postcard

Early postcard of the Benson Hotel

“The Benson” in 1920

Portland’s Benson Hotel, briefly known as the New Oregon Hotel, opened 
March 5, 1913 at 309 Southwest Broadway. The hotel was named after the
notable businessman and philanthropist Simon Benson.
 

                   Simon Benson
(October 2, 1852 – August 5, 1942)

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