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.

Quirky, cool and chalkboards!

We couldn't wait to spend the night and explore this old school turned hotel. It didn't disappoint. We wandered the halls soaking up the history and imagining children running through the hallways. The multiple staff we encountered and asked about this room or that space were all helpful and kind in helping us piece together history. There are adults alive that should be able to give a complete history - where was the library, etc? We were surprised it hasn't been recorded or we couldn't find it. My in-laws went with us and said it was the best they slept on their entire trip. Comfortable beds and pillows Several fun bars to try - and we tried them all. We did not use the soaking pool but it looked relaxing. Our room was large and the sound of chalk on the chalkboards transported me back in time. ❤️ We had a local friend meet up with us and he said he and his friends enjoy guys nights out here "sip and soaks"! They smoke their cigars in the detention bar - how apropos.

Such a wonderful way to use a space.

Had a school room which was big, probably the biggest on our trip so far. Has room service and you get free entry to the pool and theatre. Lots of bars in special little rooms. Had dinner on night of arrival. Good basic food. I had the vegan tuna sandwich which I would recommend. The whole place has a nice feel to it. It’s very relaxing and would be good for a stop over for a few days. Unusual and pleasure to stay in.

Great place to stay or dine but skip Breakfast

A real find to have a hotel with so much character close to the airport. We loved our stay at the hotel last week. Dinner at the Courtyard Restaurant was excellent. Then enjoyed 4 of the bars afterward. Room was large and comfortable. Enjoyed writing on the chalkboard. Front desk staff were very helpful and friendly. Breakfast was a real downer in the Courtyard Restaurant. We arrived just as it opened at 7 am. The waitress was more interested in lighting candles and setting tables than seeing to us. Our food took longer than expected to arrive and was cold once it did arrive. We did not have time to send it back (had a flight to catch) and had a prepaid voucher for the breakfast. Neither my wife or I could eat even half of it. It was the first time I had left food on a plate in years!!! The waitress also was very confused about our voucher for the breakfast which had to be sorted out at the front desk during check out.

More than a hotel!

I'd stayed in a McMenamins property before and knew that this was going to be something way above an average hotel stay. The rooms are themed to perfection and the conversion of the property is sympathetic and done with humour. The room we stayed in was in the English Block, which is a purpose built extension to the original building, but which maintains the feel and character of the school itself. The room was very comfortable with a fantastic bathroom with walk-in shower. There are numerous bars inside the hotel, each with a different theme. I'm not even sure how many places there are to eat, but the main courtyard restaurant was great with an interesting menu and friendly service. I absolutely LOVED the soaking pool; it's like a giant hot tub set in a peaceful garden area. So relaxing just to while away some time after a day pounding the streets of Portland. The other highlight for me was the movie theatre. It's free for hotel guests and there are usually a couple of different films showing every day at different times. The theatre has comfy chairs and sofas, and you can buy snacks and drinks to take in with you. The location is in a residential area, there's plenty of parking and it's about a 20 minute drive into the centre of Portland. Highly recommended.

McMenamins – Kennedy School

Virtual reality is almost as good as being there.

TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews

Quirky, cool and chalkboards!

Such a wonderful way to use a space.

Great place to stay or dine but skip Breakfast

Fun stay

More than a hotel!