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.

A destination In It’s Self

This was the first stay in a McMenamins property and i was not prepared for the incredible value in these locations. I wish i had planned more relaxing time into my schedule since i had to rush to see all the property had to explore. The staff was awesome and i know since i tasked them several times ... from finding an item that we forgot to pack to even checking on a list of students at the school during a point in the school’s history. Thanks for the stay and we’ll definitely be back to school after summer break.

Mini Class of 77 reunion.

We picked the Courtyard, since it had outdoor seating. Ten of us in total, so much fun to see everyone. The selection of brews, ciders wine and hard spirits was outstanding. We all tried a different liquid libation, all were very tasty. Ashley was great, she did a stellar job and got all the orders right. The food... Hummus plate was okay, soft pretzels and cheese was good. $34. for a large pizza? It was disappointing the lack of toppings for that kind of money it should have been piled high with meat, vegies and oozing with cheese. You know, the kind that has gooey cheese trailing off the pie. It also should have been hotter, tepid pizza isn't very nice to eat. Two burgers were also ordered, neither was anything to rave about. Meat was dry no flavor and they also were not hot. A couple salads were ordered, again for the money you expect to see lots of goodies and plenty of dressing. They were under whelming. The salmon that was ordered was the only meal that was finished, and it was shared by a couple. What saved the visit was the table under the trees, even if they had us all seated at a table that was set up for 6 to start with. Not impressed, doubt we will return. Cheers

Disappointed

Since moving to Portland, we've enjoyed seeing the McMenamins properties and concepts. Especially liked the Boiler Room concept and ambiance. However, they posted an ad on their web site for a July 4th BBQ. Great big FREE button on the ad. Further down the page they advertised music that would also be playing. On arrival, we found out the music was free, but they were charging for the BBQ. $11 for a cheeseburger. I don't know that I have seen such blatantly misleading advertising in a very long time. Was going to strongly recommend their hotel to family coming to Portland. Now, I don't think so. And with the phenomenal food and drink venues all around Portland, I'm not sure I'll be back at all.

Night school

We stayed here for one night while in the PNW. It is truly a school turned hotel. Our boys, ages 8 and 10, loves the chalkboard in the room and movie theater full of couches. We watched Detective Pikachu and are dinner on a folding breakfast table while munching on fresh popped popcorn. The kids meals were tasty. I had a few bites of the grilled cheese and tater tots. Later we tried the soaking tub. It’s big and the boys loved it as us parents relaxed in the warm salt water. There is a bunch of people not staying at the hotel on the grounds for the theater, soaking tub, bars, and restaurants that are on site. It didn’t bother us. We had two Roll always in the room for the boys and they reported they liked the beds. There isn’t a tv in the room or air conditioning if you were expecting that. We were ok without both, but wanted to give fair warning to anyone expecting the norms of a hotel. I recommend a stay here, especially for a family!

McMenamins Kennedy School

Virtual reality is almost as good as being there.

TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews

A destination In It’s Self

Unique

Mini Class of 77 reunion.

Disappointed

Night school