TL;DR

Unique setting: A historic Portland school converted into a boutique hotel.
McMenamins charm: Part of the quirky, family-owned Pacific Northwest brand.
Creative vibe: Hand-painted murals, soaking pools, and cozy spaces.
Relaxed atmosphere: Comfortable and adventurous rather than luxurious.
Check prices here

It’s hard to find something in the hotel industry that hasn’t been done before, but the novelty of this Northeast Portland school-turned-boutique hotel won’t wear off quickly.

Managed by a family-owned Pacific Northwest-based “chain,” the Kennedy School is in the top tier of unique buildings transformed into hotels, pubs, and restaurants.

They share the McMenamins name with a slew of transformed schools, chapels, bowling alleys, you name it.

The company’s beginnings are relatively unorthodox in the boutique hotel world, starting with pubs and breweries then opening their first hotel in the mid-90s.

Perhaps this is why everything from the hand-painted murals in the rooms to the saltwater-soaking pools feels different.

If you’re looking for gold-accented, velvet-curtained luxury, this might not be the place.

If you want to feel comfortable, cared for, and like you’ve got some adventures ahead of you, the Kennedy is the place to be.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 35 across two wings.
Original classrooms: Converted into Queen Rooms with chalkboards and cloakrooms.
Literature theme: Newer King rooms decorated with a bookish vibe.
No TVs: Designed for unplugged stays and relaxation.
See all rooms in detail here on the booking page

The hotel is divided into two Wings. One has Queen Rooms constructed in the school’s original classrooms.

The other is a newer wing with literature-themed King rooms that add a little schooliness.

The classrooms still have their original cloakrooms and chalkboards, as well as cozy beds, comfy chairs, working areas, and standing wardrobes.

The newer rooms might not have chalkboards, but they’re well-decorated, homey, and generally more sound-proof.

Bathrooms won’t blow anyone’s mind, but they’re comfortable and will keep you clean and happy.

If you’re a lie-around and veg-in-your-room kind of traveler, note that the rooms don’t have TVs.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Plenty of bars: Multiple themed spots, from whiskey dens to reggae lounges.
Main restaurant: The Courtyard Restaurant serves hearty meals.
Onsite theater: Converted auditorium showing movies with comfy seating.
Soaking pool: Heated saltwater pool surrounded by greenery.

For anything but the many foodie havens you’ll find throughout the city, you don’t actually need to leave the hotel.

The Kennedy School is full to the brim with bars, many of which offer pub fare and snacks to keep you well-fed.

The old cafeteria is now the Courtyard Restaurant, the number one stop for actual food. The Theater Bar offers soft drinks, hard drinks, and movie-theater classics, and the Cypress Room vinyl classics, reggae and rum specials.

Adults-only spots like the whiskey-focused Detention Bar and the operatic Honors Bar give you a break from any kid-based chaos.

Finally, the crowning jewel, the Boiler Room, is a multilevel bar offering pub food, shuffleboard, pool, and a jukebox.

If eating and drinking seems a bit monotonous, don’t worry. They’ve got one-of-a-kind facilities you’ll definitely enjoy.

The heated saltwater soaking pool is situated in the courtyard, set in patterned terracotta tile and surrounded by lush greenery.

It is open to the public in the middle of the day, but morning and evening are guests-only. We recommend a night soak or two to really experience the full magic of the space.

Then, we’ve got the old auditorium, which has been converted into a movie theater offering second-run viewings of a wide variety of films.

You’ll get Miyazaki, Hollywood horror flicks, Indie Film Festivals, and more. The best part is being able to curl up in the armchairs and couches that take the place of those foldy-tech chairs you find in typical theaters.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Airport access: Conveniently close to PDX and city venues.
Artsy area: Walking distance to Alberta Street murals and eateries.
Easy transit: Access to buses and city bikes for getting around.
Explore Portland: Quick trips to Pearl, Downtown, and Nob Hill.

Northwest Portland has the benefit of airport proximity. Plus it means you’re out of the center, but an easy distance to most everything. The city’s largest venues like Moda and the Convention Center, are close by.

For those who prefer smaller venues, it’s Portland, and there’s a cool bar and a great restaurant around basically every corner.

You’ll be walking distance from the artsy Alberta Street, lined with murals, cool bars, and some truly excellent sushi.

To get to the famed Pearl, Portland downtown, or the charming Nob Hill, driving in the city is a cinch. There’s also an excellent bus system and easy access to the orange city bikes right by the hotel.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

”Wonderful place full of “keep Portland weird” Oregon charm. Great historical legacy with a touch of whimsy, fantastic plantings and community garden behind the lodgings….”

”A great location & beautiful stay! Kennedy School has a great history & you’re able to explore it via the murals & yearbook pictures that are maintained in the halls. The Courtyard Restaurant was charming & the Boiler Room bar was funky & fun….”