McMenamins Kennedy School, Portland

We fell in love with the historic building, the artistic decor, the restaurant and the knowledgeable staff. The attention to every detail made our experience at the Nines unique and memorable. We can't wait to return!

I live not more than a couple miles away from Kennedy School, and it is FANTASTIC. The movie theatre is the usual place, where you can sit on a couch, have a slice of pizza and one of McMenamin's microbrews made on-site, all for a reasonable price. The detention room scotch and cigar bar is fantastic as well, as is the restaurant (with courtyard seating outside on a rare Portland sunny day), and also the boiler room bar, which is two levels. Whenever I have guests from out of town, that is one of the first places we go. They did a fantastic job some 15 years ago of purchasing and completely renovating Kennedy School; the decor is eclectic, matching some traditional McMenamin's art with some of what the almost century-old school had left over. The ONLY downside is getting in and out - parking fills up very quickly and street parking on the very narrow streets in NE Portland is almost nonexistent.

I visited a friend in Portland in February and this was one of the stops we went to while I was there. I feel in love with McMenamins and can't wait to go back! It will definitely be one of the places I frequent when I move there myself! The drinks were good, the atmosphere was fantastic and I thought you got the best bang for your buck during their happy hour. I didn't get to stay there but I did get to see the soaking pool, which is a nice amenity. Definitely a place to stop at if you get to visit!

We've been coming to Kennedy School for years as a friends and family retreat for movies, dinner, wine tasting or drinks. By far this is my number one place to watch a movie while enjoying Pizza and my favorite wine. We recently held a large catered event at Kennedy School Gymnasium. The staff was excellent and atmosphere perfect. They made the event a sucess with no stress. We also stayed overnight here for the first time and it was on par with the other McMenamins B&Bs. Don't expect TV and hotel type amenities..its all part of the charm ( but they do have a great soaking pool). Enjoy the atmosphere and they even have some activities such as shuffle board and pool in the "Boiler Room" By the way, they have the best freshed squeezed drinks...fresh magaritas or greyhounds...and mommie matinees..this is just a great all around family place.

Probably THE coolest place in Portland. Loved this former school that was revamped into a B&B with a movie theater and teeny tiny bars dotting the halls. The artwork was reason enoughto visit. Drinking a beer and eating great pizza while watching a movie is reason enough to visit.Sleeping in a former classroom is another reason to visit. We loved this place! Why oh why doesn't someone do this in San Diego??????

I loved the charm of a hotel that was once an old school house. I attended a similar building as a youngster and am now a teacher, so this really appealed to me. The themes of the room are cute -- I stayed in the "Thumbelina Room" complete with wall designs and blackboard. The thing that I didn't like was no TV in the room and no way to adjust the heat or air to suit my needs. Also, there is no insulation between the rooms so I could hear everything going on in "Mr. Toad's" room! Even so, the charm was first rate. The atmosphere seemed great for the younger crowd too.

Last July I visited my friend. He kept telling me how great this place was and all the history behind it. Well he was so on the mark! Fun hip and a really swank place. Lot's to look @ and enjoy. I felt like I went back in time. The staff was on point and the beer was amazing. I'm going back to PDX in 12 days and you bet I'll be back in Dentention again!

Kennedy School was a hoot ... a great way to keep the local identity by converting the old school into a brewpub. The service was very friendly and knowledgable about the beer. Food was high end pubgrub and the courtyard/bar area a forest of interesting lightshades. Loved the blackboard in the room - which was spacious with a great bathroom. A fun place for baby boomers who never grow old!

Hotel is an interesting conversion of a school. Room we had was fairly basic but was large. No tea/coffee provided in room was disadvantage. Hotel way out of Portland. Dining was very good and the inclusive Hammerhead package we had was very good value. Recommended

I lived across the street from Kennedy School and 6 of us kids attended all 8 grades there. Of course, I have great memories of this place. We enjoy the pictures throughout the halls there. Have lived in the Seattle area for 46 years but have visited there on several occasions and had a small but great 70th birthday party there. Have spent the night there, as well. In September my nephews are having my sister's 90th birthday dinner and also a brunch there. They are all coming from California for the occasion. Many of us will will be spending the night there, as well. We are thankful the McMenamins saved the building and improved the neighborhood, as well.