McMenamins Kennedy School

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.

Bookworm boutique hotel dream!

I have always wanted to stay here and it was just as much of a delight as I hoped it would be! The classroom style guest rooms are darling but the best part of this hotel is all the “extras”! The soaking pool was incredible and I made sure to end every night with a long soak, I loved that it wasn’t crowded in the evening and that you could bring a drink out with you. The movie theater and restaurants on site are all lovely additions and even just a walk around the historic building is a fun activity. Location is great as well, having off street parking while still being in the heart of Portland is a big plus. Definitely worth a stay or even just popping in for a soaking pool dip!

Great stay but hesitate on room 101

Lovely property in a residential area of Portland, several pubs and restaurants on property as well as a very fun courtyard heated soaking pool. You stay in converted classrooms, ours had the old cloakroom and sliding doors to cover it with blackboards. Great food and drink like all McMenamins properties. With plenty to amuse and interest right there on site, small movie theater (complementary with room) and plenty of free parking. We stayed in room 101 that was by an access ramp that had people clomping up and down it (rather than take the stairs) late into the night, otherwise rather quite for in "town".

Historic Kennedy Elementary School for All Your Entertainment

I have finally visited McMenamin's Kennedy School for afternoon drinks and snacks in this beautifully restored old school. But I could have visited to attend a live concert, watched a movie, had a dinner or stayed in one of their hotel rooms! Truly a multi-purpose entertainment venue. The ambience would be described as laid-back, with The Grateful Dead playing over the speaker system. Peaceful, cheerful and welcoming.

A Neighborhood Gem

We specifically chose the Kennedy School due to its close proximity to family members in the neighborhood and couldn’t have been more pleased. As others described, this is a former grammar/high school which was closed in 1975, reopening 10 years later as a hotel. Although brought up to date with free Wi-Fi, there remains the charm and feel of the old school, with plenty of mementos and photographs throughout the buildings as reminders of the way it used to be. We stayed in the 2-story English wing where the rooms are given literary names and the interiors reflect the theme. Be aware there is no elevator. Room 208 “The Secret Life of Bees” was dominated by a king bed; the bathroom sink is located inside the bedroom with the toilet & shower located within the bathroom. There is a small closet as well. There was a thermostat within the room to control the heat and kept the room at a very comfortable temperature (73 for me). The room is clean with an old fashioned feel, large windows provide plenty of natural light, no real “view”. We ate at main restaurant as well as the Boiler Room, both provided delicious food & drinks. We checked out the movie theater although our schedule didn’t allow us time to enjoy the film. There is a Walgreens within a block, for water or forgotten necessities, and several wonderful restaurants within a few blocks (check out Gabbiano’s on 30th Ave). The Alberta Arts district is about a mile away, definitely walkable or take the bus for $2.50 (charge cards welcomed).

McMenamins Kennedy School

Virtual reality is almost as good as being there.

Bookworm boutique hotel dream!

Great stay but hesitate on room 101

Very cool and unique spot

Historic Kennedy Elementary School for All Your Entertainment

A Neighborhood Gem