McMenamins Kennedy School

Visit Portland's Northeast Neighborhoods for Food, Fun & Great Beer

May 3, 2009

The Kennedy School is great for families as well as the single traveler. Here guests can enjoy a fun atmosphere, good food and drink, as well as a little entertainment.

Nestled in Portland's northeast Concordia neighborhood, the Kennedy School offers its guests a unique alternative to lodging downtown. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere is highlighted by the hotel's former use as an elementary school with classroom chalkboards and cloakrooms intact in the rooms. Located on 33rd Avenue just north of NE Killingsworth Street, the Kennedy School is perfectly situated for a nice afternoon stroll around one of Portland's up-and-coming neighborhoods.

History of the Kennedy Elementary School

The Kennedy School opened in 1915 and at the time, was located in a rather remote area of the city. The school remained in operation until 1975 when the building's deteriorating state and declining enrollment forced officials to close its doors. Faced with demolition of the neighborhood landmark, the McMenamin brothers proposed renovation for use as a hotel as one of several alternatives to the city. The building reopened in October 1997 as the McMenamins Kennedy School.

McMenamins Kennedy School Accommodations

The Kennedy School offers 35 guest rooms situated in old classrooms throughout the building. There, visitors are invited to "fall asleep in class." Upon entering the hotel, guests are ushered down the maze of school hallways to reach the Principal's Office, which is now the front desk and gift shop.

Each guest room is situated off of a private hallway (for hotel guests only) and has a queen or king size bed with a private bath and internet access. The room prices range from $100 -130, depending on the season and room packages are also available at an additional cost. The Hammerhead package includes lodging, breakfast, dinner, and two pints of beer for $159-189. The Romance Package includes a bottle of Edgefield sparkling wine, two champagne flutes, massage oil, and chocolates for $35.

There are several attractions at the Kennedy School to occupy guest during their stay, but they also draw members of the neighboring community. The Kennedy School provides a number of places to relax and have fun, including five small bars, one of which doubles as a movie theater, a restaurant, and a soaking pool. The newest bar, located in the old boiler room, features a jukebox along with pool and shuffleboard tables.

For guests who are interested in art and history, McMenamins provides a self-guided tour of the historic photographs, murals, and paintings that tell the history of the school through its artwork. Another way to learn about the school's history is by strolling through the Concordia Brewery, located in the former girls' bathroom. The brewery was installed as part of the 1997 renovation and brews several of the beers served on tap at the Kennedy School. The fermentation tanks serve as canvasses for portraits of former principles and students, as well as tell the history of beer making.

The Kennedy School offers a menu comparable to many McMenamins restaurants and pubs that range from afternoon snacks to full meals. The fare is reasonably-priced with ample portions that live up to the quality and care that makes the McMenamnins so popular.

A stay at a McMenamins establishment would not be complete without sampling the range of handcrafted beer and spirits. Whether guests are fans of the Terminator Stout, an Edgefield Chardonnay, or prefer to sip the popular Vintners Gin, McMenamins Kennedy School has a spot for them at the bar. For more general information for popular breweries in the area, including The Rams Head by McMenamins, see Beer Tour of Portland, Oregon.

For more information on the Kennedy School and details about upcoming on site events, visit the McMenamins website.

The copyright of the article McMenamins Kennedy School in Oregon Travel is owned by Erin Brasell. Permission to republish McMenamins Kennedy School in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.