Looking for a place to stay in Portland that was a little on the quirky side, I didn't know I'd be traversing into a cult following that I'd inevitably be sucked into. McMenamins' Kennedy School was our first stay at the McMenamins empire. I've stayed at quite a few since, and I will stay at quite a few more. The chokehold this dynasty has on me is insane.
Anyways, let's get into the Kennedy School! Located in a rather quiet section of Portland, OR, this converted elementary school opened their doors in 1915. 60 years later, this ol' gal couldn't stay open to safely house school children, as it was beginning to crumble. People don't generally like their children in dilapidated buildings, so I get it. Thankfully, the locals didn't want it to be torn down, so they were able to save it through the power of collaboration and friendship. Que the McMenamins who rode in on their white horses and brought this beauty to life as we see it today.
When you walk through the front doors, you can definitely tell this used to be a school, which is honestly kind of surreal. Walking through the building, there are HUGE windows, long hallways, and old-school drinking fountains. It really brought me back to a time where I was making failing grades and always in trouble (Just kidding. I constantly got good grades and was a huge teacher's pet. I can't relate to failure.).
We got to our room in the English Wing. Our room was based off of
the story The River Why by James Duncan David. I'd like to tell you that I've read it, or even the excerpt on the wall, but...I didn't. However, I've heard it's a banger. The room was very peaceful and had an exquisite headboard. I've learned that's pretty standard for McMenamins. Also, we've learned that all of their lamps are super retro and unique. And that they don't withstand an accidental booty-bump from my husband...but that the front desk is really cool and understanding and have explained that much worse has happened before in the rooms...and then shuddered. Ya'll are the real MVPs 'cause I don't even want to know...
After getting settled in, we decided to head to the Boiler Room. It was the
actual boiler room to the school! There are pipes everywhere and the original boiler...steam...shaft? is still in the room! A quick Google search couldn't even
help me on this one...but it's cool, original, and helped do boiler room stuff.
After grabbing a few drinks and downing their infamous tots, we threw on our suits and took a dip in the soaking pool. If you are not familiar with McMenamins, you may not know about their soaking pools. They are sent from heaven itself. They are salt-soaking pools and they're nice and warm, but not too hot. They are THE BEST!! This specific soaking pool was where the old teacher lounge used to be. I don't know why, but that really cracked me up. The pool was surrounded by huge, green, leafy plants that made you feel like you were soaking in the midst of a rainforest.
After the soak, we went to our room and ordered dinner from DoorDash. I know, I know. This is a cardinal sin when it comes to McMenamins. Their restaurants are incredible. But, we were newbies, okay?
Cut us some slack. We ordered from MrBeast Burger for the first time. I was hoping it'd come with a million dollar bill or some AirPods (if you don't know who MrBeast is, he's famous for just giving out wild gifts...so, it's not TOTALLY that far-fetched), but it just came with some delicious burgers. I'm not ashamed to admit it was good. It was.
If you're in the Portland area, McMenamins Kennedy School really is an awesome place to stop and wander around. There is so much to look at and experience without having to leave school grounds. No off campus visits are needed! Click the link here if you are wanting to visit them on your next trip! You might just become a McMenamins convert too.
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