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McMenamins Kennedy School

5736 NE 33rd Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97211

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on 764 reviews

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.

Amenities

Air Conditioning
Pet Friendly
Spa / Hot Tub
Non-Smoking
Family Friendly
Restaurant / Lounge
Handicap Accessible
Internet Access

Bike Friendly Business Amenities

Dining
Bike Parking
Charging
Complimentary Water
Lodging
Wi-Fi
Shipping
Public Restroom

Virtual reality is almost as good as being there.

TripAdvisor

September 27, 2023

wrenbarlow

Time for a deep cleaning

We are at the McMenamins Kennedy now, and so disappointing! (We were in the McMenamins Elk lodge just before up in Tacoma which was much better.) Our room is sadly so dirty. The floor molding hasn’t been washed in a long time. Very dusty. Even a cobweb and dust on the ice bucket. Dead flies on windowsill. Floors in closet haven’t been mopped in how long?? Bed is comfortable and clean (tg!). The Courtyard Restaurant is really dirty, and in need of a serious paint job in the booths. Saw a kitchen worker carrying stacks of plates with his long beard literally laying on the top plate. Couldn’t eat our lunch! The neighborhood is super cute and green with lush vegetation, but nothing to do unless you walk about ten minutes to Alberta Street which had some cool little places. Shout out to Kris the bartender at The Cypress Bar (Which is LOVELY!) She is a fun hoot, and was a bright spot! I rarely leave negative reviews but I want to be honest here as cool as the McMenamins transformations are… please update rooms and clean!
September 20, 2023

ppipub

Worth a visit

The restaurant has charm and great food. The staff is very professional. The beer choices are good. Be sure to explore the entire building especially the bar area. The parking lot was a pleasant surprise.
August 23, 2023

Pauls_Travel_Tips

Mostly Good

Good: Quiet area, good parking, friendly staff, nice atmosphere, good neighborhood, comfy bed, walk to Safeway and a couple of restaurants. Bad: No fridge, microwave, TV. The AC is a little loud.
July 25, 2023

TravelingMerm

Fun dose of nostalgia!!

This is another gem in the McMenamins line of fun, historical establishments - and by far my favorite! Been here many times over the years - actually even had my very first lobster roll EVER here (as a special item years ago) and it was amazing. The vibe is so quirky - you definitely feel like you’re walking the halls of your old elementary school - except there are bars and a lively restaurant and even a brewery haha!! The staff has always been super welcoming and friendly. The food at their main Courtyard Restaurant has always been great. On my last visit (July 2023), I had their chicken salad sandwich on croissant and it was SO GOOD!! Even their tater tots were perfectly cooked. And they even have some of the best iced tea I’ve had outside of the south! Their menu changes seasonally so it’s always a treat to try something new. After eating, leave time to explore - the grounds are just gorgeous and you’ll get lost in the nostalgia as you wander around the old school’s hallways. They have several bars - one is huge and has total steampunk vibes. They have a small hotel and a salt water pool - even the bathrooms are beautiful. I’d definitely like to stay here next time - but I imagine it can be a tad spooky at night haha! The school opened back in 1915 so it’s a historic building. The wall art is gorgeous and there are lots of info signs and historical pics scattered around. It’s in a good location in north Portland with plenty of parking and easy to find. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in the area!
July 5, 2023

Marsha M

What a fun place to stay

This is a fun place to stay. We enjoyed all the bars that were open (a couple are closed Monday and Tuesday), the free movie theater (that has the best unique seating), and enjoyed the food and drinks. Room has ac, but I am not sure we have control, so the room was a little warm for us. The Devore and old school feel was so cool! I understand why people rave about these properties.

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Virtual reality is almost as good as being there.

Time for a deep cleaning

Worth a visit

Mostly Good

Fun dose of nostalgia!!

What a fun place to stay