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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July 13, 2026gretchenandsNeeds an EV charger
Excellent place. Comfortable rooms, nice restaurant, lovely soaking pool. But, no EV charger. The location is in a charger desert, for Portland. We drove around for a while to find a charger that we could use. I saw other EVs in the parking lot. Get a charger, McMenamin’s !
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July 6, 2026Georgia RCome here for family reunions and family dinners or just you
We have used the Kennedy School Restaurant for family gatherings twice now about 6 years apart. No decline in quality or service. There is a range of food offerings and they are well made with quality products. The drinks are good too. I had a raspberry shake that was nummy. We had a varied menu. There is also an outside covered patio where you can eat if you have an animal. They wouldn’t take reservations when we asked for outside with pet. It was hot so we sat inside. Our relative with the dog just visited with us for short while. All in all nothing negative to say. Accessible.
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June 1, 2026fireinjunjoe
McMenamins - good not great this time
Paid a visit at the restaurant again for lunch w/ family Food was good but not at the normal McMenamins level great The drinks were good but not as great as usual (hence 4 stars..... not the 5 star level). The mixed drinks were good not stellar. The beers were just OK. and I love beer This location is starting to get a little stale and needs some energy and menu update. Service was very good Will we go back.... Probably
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September 22, 2025KVOinrochester
Unique 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.