Since its 1915 opening, this historic elementary school has been a beloved fixture of its Northeast Portland neighborhood. McMenamins renovated the once-abandoned scholastic gem and turned it into Portland’s most unique hotel. Here you’ll find 57 comfy guestrooms with private baths and telephones (some fashioned from former classrooms complete with original chalkboards and cloakrooms – others with an author’s theme), a restaurant, multiple small bars, a movie theater, soaking pool, gift shop and a brewery (just wait until the principal hears about this!). Extensive original artwork and historical photographs cover the walls, ceilings, doorways and hallways.
About McMenamins Kennedy School
Reviews & Ratings
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September 22, 2025KVOinrochesterUnique Portland experience and comfortable
The Kennedy School is a unique experience which feels very in line with the quirky Portland vibe. It is an actual elementary school transformed into a hotel, community meeting space, and gathering place, with several bars and restaurants. There is something to discover around every corner and art everywhere. There is a soaking pool as well. The rooms are comfortable and clean and there is coffee in the morning. It feels like an experience—more than a hotel!
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August 28, 2025Sarah B
Charming and immersive experience
My partner and I stayed here the night before an early morning flight out of PDX airport. We loved it. The room is pretty basic. We stayed in one of the classrooms. The bed was comfortable and everything was extremely clean. Despite the heat wave, we were cool in the room with the help of the ceiling fan. While I had a lovely time, I'm not sure I would stay there again unless I got a big discount on the room. The cost comes from the charm of the hotel, not the charm of the room, as the rooms are designed not to have TVs, mini fridges, coffee or tea. I knew to expect this so it was not a problem at all. The restaurants and bars were lovely and we enjoyed happy hour at the restaurant. Next time, I'll opt to go there for food and drinks and then use the money saved to stay in a more luxurious room someplace else. I'm very glad we stayed there. The experience was one-of-a-kind.
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August 16, 2025GuidoKarp
Allow yourself a lot of time to explore this
Even though I travel the world touring with "my" artists, this was my first time in Portland, Oregon. Our friends booked us a personal guide (Adam Thorn Smith, highly recommended! ) who showed us around and made Yelp even sent us a message on the day like "wow - you know how to explore all hot spots on one day". This was my first time at a McMenamins place. What a fun place! Loved the ambiance, their food (their Cajun Tater Tots are a must-try), and the service. This will be the #1 spot to visit whenever we return to the area and try out all the little gems inside this gem that were closed during our afternoon visit. Would I do a 30+ min detour to go here (mandatory in my rating scheme to achieve 5 stars)? Oh yes! Next step: get the McMenamins Passport!
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June 28, 2025Jerry G
Hippy Dippy Heaven.
This place was simply amazing! Housed in an ancient school decorated in a Hippy/Bohemian style, the food was out of this world. I had their "Dungeon Burger" with mushrooms and Swiss cheese and a side salad. Everything was fresh and delicious and my wife and I finished off the meal with a heavenly Blueberry-Brown Butter cheesecake. Outstanding. My only complaint is that our server seemed bored and not really attentive. Nevertheless, if you are traveling near Portland then by all means stop here. You'll be glad you did.
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June 14, 2025calvininSF
Get Schooled
What a delightful place! I wish I'd read up ahead of time because I wasn't prepared for the soaking pool (i.e., no swimsuit), but it looked wonderful. Our room was comfortable. We enjoyed the Boiler Room and the Cypress Room, but Detention was closed the two nights we could have checked it out (Monday and Tuesday).