McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Spend the night in a former classroom or nuns’ cottage at this renovated 1936 elementary school, located in downtown Bend. No worries about disrupting class here! Have a scotch and some spirited conversation at O’Kanes Pub, settle in the outdoor courtyard to enjoy a pint in the central Oregon sunshine, take in a movie in the theater, rest your bones in our soaking pool after a day spent on the links or the slopes.

Best thing I've done for myself

McMenamin's offers elegant rooms with comfortable beds, large bathrooms, room service, and fluffy terry cloth robes and towels just like other high-end luxury hotels. However, McMenamin's offers more than simply a nice place to stay. I might not choose McMenamin's for a quick overnight stay. But as a destination unto itself no question, this is the place to stay! McMenamin's offers a fascinating and imaginative world that is not only relaxing but takes you to another place, an adventure in itself that is a luxury I find difficult to express. I loved; the artwork, the themes throughout, the stories and references to music artists and songs, the headboard in my room, the soaking pool, all the food wherever you ate it, the outdoor fireplaces, wood paneling, the warm feel, the atmosphere, the people both other guests and McMenamin's staff. The list is endless. Plus it was amazingly quiet. I did not hear neighboring rooms or bathrooms or even the public patio outside my building. All this is right in the heart of downtown Bend.

Funky but Deluxe and Lots to Do!

This was suggested to us by a friend who is a Bend local. We just stayed one night but ended up wishing we could stay longer! Room was pricey but worth it. Room was luxurious, with 2 full bathtubs and spa-like amenities, bathrobes we used for the hot “soaking pool” which is a one of a kind experience! Our 2 person room ended up having a (secret?) pull out couch so we could fit our daughter. We didn’t have time to take advantage of the movie theater unfortunately where you can be served with a full dinner! we did enjoy a pre-ski breakfast in the restaurant which was Uber-delicious, fast service got us in and out on our ski schedule. Biscuits to die for! And good cappuccinos. My husband had enjoyed a flight of beer at night and they also had very reasonably priced bottles of local OR wine that I was looking for as a gift to our friends we were visiting. Check in was a little overwhelming as there are many entrances, parking was hard to find, and check in area was not clearly marked from outside. But the experience improved from there. There was free parking in a small lot behind the hotel.

Undercooked

My family and I Went to enjoy a movie and dinner at the theater. First it was freezing cold even with our coats on with air continuing the whole evening. They did offer us blankets after complaining which made it bearable. Next disappointment was my dinner ordered a cheeseburger done medium. Of course, it was dark, my burger was cold from the start and the cheese was melted but when the show was over and the lights back on I saw that it was in fact raw in the middle! I will never order a meat dish from them in the theater again.

Charming but in need of updates

We stayed at Old St. Francis School for three nights. Loved the soaking pool, the quirky vibe of the bars and restaurants and the history of the hotel. We didn't love the weird square pillows that kept us tossing and turning, the extremely poor light in the rooms and the noise from the street in the Art House.

Dog-friendly stay on The Quest

Stayed one night in a ground floor “King Room with Patio” in the Art House, number 1106. The room is small with a cabin feel - pine-paneled walls and dim, yellow lighting - with a television, small table with chairs, and its own small bathroom with shower. It was mostly clean, though I found some clumps of hair atop the folded towels in the bathroom. The patio is enclosed by a metal fence, which provided better security without the convenience of lawn access for our pup. (Our 7-month-old dog got to stay with us for an extra $20.) Luckily, the room was next to an entrance which made potty breaks easy, and noise was minimal. A bonus or negative depending on preference, the faint scent of cigar smoke was detected from O’Kane’s, just around the corner. As we explored the property on our “quest,” we encountered many staff. Service was 75% positive, likely a result of the low staff-to-patron ratio; the property was busy on a Thursday evening and there was a private event. Overall value is marginal. McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School is one of the chain’s more expensive hotels. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone unfamiliar with the brand, but it checks all the boxes for those on The Quest.