The Governor History

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Governor was built in 1909, during the prosperous days following the Lewis and Clark Exposition. The hotel, originally called The Seward Hotel, was considered one of Portland's finest. Originally billed as the "hotel of quiet elegance," its guests paid $1.50 to $2.00 for a room, breakfast included. Postcards and images on display in our lobby show early postcards and our original lobby on 10th Avenue (now the entrance to Jake's Grill).

The west wing of The Governor was built in 1923 as the Portland Elks Lodge. It was loosely modeled after the Farnese Palace in Rome. Over the years, the west wing housed the WPA, a WWII induction center and later, several Portland businesses. In 2004, the west wing became The Governor Hotel's new entrance, including a beautifully remodeled and restored lobby and reception area and opening to the public - for the first time in over 50 years - some of the region's most breathtaking and unique meeting and banquet spaces. Welcome to the 'quiet elegance' of Portland's The Governor Hotel.

The Seward was designed by architect William C. Knighton, Oregon's first State Architect. Opened in 1909, The Seward featured Knighton's signature details still seen in the ornate art deco 'gargoyles' that surround the original building's facade and the bell-shaped architectural details seen throughout the hotel's original woodwork, column panels and even fireplace mantles.

Click here for more on the history of The Governor Hotel...