The Soaking Pool is a great option for those cold nights where you are sick of curling up in a blanket and want to relax for a bargain. The price is fair and the pool itself is spacious even when crowded. My only gripe about this place is each time I have visited (4 times now) there has been an individual or couple who get a bit too rowdy. I understand that this pool is part of a hotel where people come to vacation and relax but if you are going to drink too much and then make it an annoyance around a public space, please reconsider coming in. I am a little shocked that they let people in at times who are visibly drunk. Anyway, that was just my experience. I recommend bringing waterproof shoes and of course your own towel. The space and the Kennedy School itself are very interesting, given their history and vibe and even location in Portland. If you are looking for a more private space this isn't it but if you are down to share and relax surrounded by noise, this is a safe bet. read more

The soaking pool is a savior after a long week! Grabbing a drink, relaxing in the pool, and ending with lunch at the courtyard restaurant is a must! I recommend the bbq chicken pizza read more

McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool - So many eclectic lamps - Swimming Pools Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Fun place to wander around and discover the Mcmenamins brand. I enjoyed the steam room speakeasy and all of the hidden gems around the school! About a hour's worth of original art to browse through. read more

Wow welp... if you're headed here for a private soak, would not recommend. It doesn't feel super hygienic, and there is nothing private. Very crowded even on a Monday night. Highly recommend Commonground if you're looking for a clean relaxing place to soak. Ya not only are you going to have to check in and get a pool key card from the hotel receptionist in the lobby of the Kennedy School, the changing room before you enter the pool is very public, very crowded and in order to take a shower before or after your experience, you have to walk across the hotel thoroughfare... I don't know, maybe 39 is the new old but this place just wasn't it for me. Can say teenagers and vagabonds will probs find this place very acceptable. read more

Excellent service for large party or small. So many choices, so little time!! Must come back and explore all the possibilities!!

I love the food, especially the spicy pizza. You can buy locally produced wine and beer for consumption on premises or to take home. The facilities are wonderful. The service is great. Movies are cheap. My only complaint about this place is that the back of the movie screen is not properly blacked out resulting in reflections coming back through the screen and severely degrading picture quality. read more

It's warm, it's bubbly, it smells like chlorine (not overpoweringly), and the ambient lighting refracting off the tiles after dark is quite romantic. Come at night to avoid mobs of kids and, as Douglas Adams advised, bring your own towel. read more

Depending on the time of day this pool can be fabulous or it can be packed and not so great. I've stayed at the hotel multiple times, and I think the best way to go is coming later in the evening during the week. I've been there when only one other person was in the pool and it was divine. It's fabulous in the rain and fabulous in the sun. The changing rooms suck. The bathrooms are across the way and not easily accessible. Makes you wonder how many people don't make the trip there. I try not to think about that while I'm soaking in the pool. Definitely not as nice as Edgefield, but I keep wanting to go back. read more

McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool - Bring a drink abs stay for a soak! - Swimming Pools Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This place is just awesome! Just remember, being a former elementary school, it's definitely situated within a neighborhood. From the moment you walk in, you're immediately thrown back in time. There's a restaurant, hotel, movie theatre, six bar rooms, soaking pool, hotel rooms, and a gift shop. I would suggest giving yourself at least 2 hours here... I know what you're thinking, I don't wanna stay 2 hours, I wanna ditch school. Well, not anymore. There's soo much too see and drink here. Also, as a bonus, all the artwork on the wall are inspired by the original school. Lots of original school pictures as well as custom items. Various display cases with historical items, facts and information. If you've never heard of this place, or were unsure of going to this place, GO. You won't be dissapointed. read more

I came on a Saturday and it was very busy. There was an hour and a half wait time to use the soaking pool. Wasn't really a problem since there is so much more to do at mcmenamins Kennedy school. We ate and went to the different bars while we were waiting for our turn. When it's your turn they will send you a text message. You are limited to an hour to use the pool. You are able to take drinks to the pool with you just make sure they are in a plastic cup when you get it at the bar. The pool is all ages though. It is $6 a person and they give you a keycard. Make sure to return the keycard after so you can get your ID's back. Also bring your own towel. They have changing stalls and lockers to put your stuff in just make sure to bring a lock. I would recommend coming on a weekday if you can because weekends are always busy according to the staff. read more

McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Went there yesterday and the food wasn't good, the place looked very dirty, the carpet hadn't been vacuumed in days and the table was sticky! read more

McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Very , very relaxing place!! We used the salt water pool in the afternoon. Our last stop in Portland, Oregon before our trip back home. A really unique atmosphere - very calming and a great way to take time and find some inner peace. read more

The pool is nice but the wait to get in is in no way worth it. We got there at 11:20 am, were told it's an hour and half wait and didn't get in until 2.5 hours later. You can only stay for an hour, although it's an honor system that few seem to honor, hence the long waits. When I left, I heard them telling ppl it was a 2.5 hour wait...who knows if they even got in. Mind you this is on a random Sunday on a NOT BUSY weekend for them! It's not even a hot tub, just a luke warm bath with overpriced beer that you have wander through halls to get room temp beer. read more

How can you give this place low reviews? (Edit: saw the not so great stories about kids so I can relate now but just not here in my experience!) They cap it so it isn't too crowded in the actual pool even on the busy nights when you have to wait to get in. The most I've waited is a half hour. It is usually pretty dead on weekdays. It's warm water, you can bring drinks in plastic cups out there from the bar, it's romantic and it's fun! Perfect for talking, soaking, groups and couples. I've been here every time I'm in Portland! And unlike other McMenamins pools, this one is open for public use for a very fair price. I've mostly been here in the day and evenings during "off season," but I've also been during the day in August on a weekday, perhaps Portland schools were in session the first week of August? Not sure! It was completely all adults. I've, myself, never seen children, not even teenagers. Perhaps that was just good luck! As others stated, you can get your drink at the numerous cute and cool bars. This was formerly a school and it looks still like one. There's also a movie theater which is very nice too! A movie and then soak or vice versa is a great night too! :) Anyway, you get a key card to get into the changing room which then leads to the outdoor soaking pool. It's not designed for swimming, it doesn't go deep or anything. It's designed to be a restful and relaxing experience in a very pretty courtyard. You're supposed to limit your time to so long in there, (hour or two? I can't remember right now) and you definitely should to be polite, particularly when it's crowded. They also have fire pits in front of the main entrance of the hotel, it's another great spot for drinks to be enjoyed! Bathrooms are located outside of the pool and dressing area so keep that in mind, don't forget the key card. Oh and try to bring your own towel! Sometimes I've seen towels and other times I haven't, so bring one! Lastly, they also have water and cups usually in the changing room to hydrate which is nice. read more

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Soaking Pool FAQs: The last adult soak starts at 7:30 PM, last kids soak at 5:30 PM. You get half an hour soak then since you have to be out of the water by 8:00 adults/6:00 minors. The people still in after that are staying at the hotel's 52 rooms. Hours are: 10:00 AM-8:00PM for adults 11:00AM-6:00PM for adults w/ minors Closed the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month for deep cleaning; 1st & 3rd Wednesdays = crystal clear water, especially before the kids get there at 11. $5 for an hour soak, kids 6 and under are free. You'll definitely know that kids hours start at 11:00 AM because of the parents with rugrats lined up at 10:30 AM! Bring your own towels. They rented them out years ago ago but don't anymore. You need a photo ID to leave at the little podium in the hall (or if it is not set up, at the front desk) while you soak. Bring your own combination lock if you want to lock up your wallet, phone, keys, etc in a cuby in the co-ed changing room. Portland is generally trustworthy, but it's better to be safe than sorry in your wet swimsuit. If you want to bring a drink in you go to the bar with your ID FIRST, order one in a plastic cup, then go pay and leave your ID at the podium or front desk. No more water bottles- just get a plastic cup of ice water from the bar. People were sneaking in booze in their water bottles (!) so they are nixed. There is an outdoor shower to rinse off and full showers in the restrooms across the halls. If you have a legible, valid ID with your Concordia neighborhood address you can soak free. (Here are the boundaries: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/oni/article/58366 ) Check out the map, especially the southeast corner where Concordia goes up by two blocks at 33rd. Don't try to bring an old ID or mail. There can be a MASSIVE WAIT LIST on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and holidays. If the pool is at capacity you sign up on the waitlist in person and give them your cell phone number. You'll get a text when a spot opens up, then you go pay and give them your ID. When it is busy there can be 40+ people ahead of you. Expect to wait around an hour, sometimes longer. You can call ahead and ask if there IS a list, but you can't get on the list until you are there in person. Environment: I love this place but honestly, it can be too much when the preschool set invades at 11 and it goes from soaking pool to kiddie swimming pool. The evenings can have a frat party/hookup/drinking feel, which is not my favorite vibe. If you want something more peaceful, go right when the soaking pool opens at 10 am. The only kids then are staying at the hotel. Another factor is that it is a very popular pool and the water is only changed every 2 weeks, so it is not always at its cleanest. If you want a more serene experience (and are comfortable with co-ed nudity) make a reservation at Common Grounds Wellness Center down 33rd. It is more expensive but it is quiet, there is a sauna, the water is clean, they rent towels and there is no alcohol and rarely children. It is a very respectful environment and you can wear a swimsuit if you want. And frankly, if you want a sexy date night just go to Portland Tub and Tan for private tubs. Portland has options for you to find the right fit for whatever kind of soak you want! read more

McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool - The skinny on soaking - Swimming Pools Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Edit: went back during slower hours and was lovely. Although I still would have liked more drying, changing, and storage space. I went here with a friend and had expected more of a quiet, relaxing experience. We came in sometime around 7pm. It had a college party with a hot tub vibe. The pool felt overcrowded and noisy. There were lots of couples showing displays of affection, which was somewhat uncomfortable. Everyone was drinking and there were a fair amount of plastic cups all over the place. The water was pretty grimy, but there were a lot of people going in and out of there. It was a nice temperature and very nice being outside in a warm pool. The changing rooms were definitely the worst of the experience; they smelled terrible, there were only 3 changing stalls, the floor was soaking, there were not enough lockers. I would probably not go here again. I mean I realize I did choose a Sat. Night, but looking at other reviews it seems like it is pretty busy throughout the week. read more

My girlfriend has been coming to the soaking pool here for years. She has the way it works down to a science. We walked to the front counter and were told there was a wait for the pool, but we would be texted when we could go. We were also texted a link that allowed us to see how many people were ahead of us. A neat way to do it. Since the pool is part of a middle school, my girlfriend showed me around. There are 4-5 bars built into the building as well as hotel rooms you can rent. There is even a movie theater to boot. We entered one of the bars and got a pitcher of apple cider while we waited for our spot at the soaking pool to open up. The pitcher was $19.50, but it looks like the single drinks are around $6-$7 and you get 4x as much in the pitcher, so the pitcher is the better value. Since you can bring your drink to the soaking pool (and it's easier to carry), she opted for the pitcher. After about 15 minutes, we could go to the pool. There is a unisex changing area with 3 changing stalls. The lockers are in front of the stalls. My girlfriend just changed in front of the lockers. I went across the hallway to the men's bathroom to change and that was awkward as there really isn't a place to do it. I guess you are supposed to wait for a stall, but that takes forever. The soaking pool itself was great. Kids can't be in there from 6pm-8pm, so that's when we went. The pool isn't that big, so when it started to fill up, people were occasionally bumping into us. And since my girlfriend is fairly attractive, there were many people wanting to talk to her there. The pool isn't too hot (like a hot tub where you sweat). It was just right. It is also outdoors which is kind of neat. We got the boot at 8pm, when only people staying at the hotel can remain in the soaking pool. With so many people leaving, it would take forever again to get a changing stall. So my girlfriend and I just changed in front of complete strangers. It would have taken 15 more minutes to do it otherwise. We decided to see a movie (007 was showing) at 8:15pm, so we went and got seats. They don't have normal theater seats -- it is MUCH BETTER here. There are loveseats and recliners. Up front they have tables so you can eat (there is an ordering station outside of the theater and they bring you the food!). So we snuggled up on a loveseat and our food was brought out to us while the movie was playing. The food was pretty good. Was reasonably priced for what it was ($12 or so for the burger and fries). It was very comfortable and we got to be up against each other while we watched. Overall, this is not a bad place. I wish they had more changing stalls, so if I go again, I apologize in advance because you will see more of me than you probably want to. But other than that, it was a blast and I will definitely go back with my girlfriend again! read more

$5 dollars to take a dip in a large heated, partially jetted tub with an adult beverage in hand -count me in for the fun! Birthday Stop #4 Soaking Pools what I have learned: -get your adult beverages first, upon checking in and paying for the soaking pool, they will hold your ID and in return you will get a card key to enter in, so again, get your drinks in hand first. -change in the bathrooms and store your stuff in the soaking pool room. the door to the soaking pool is co-ed, rather small and the changing rooms tend to be wet all day, skip this place, change in the bathrooms where there is often an unused shower that you can shimmy out of your clothes with ample room. -don't expect to get a tan, the soaking pool is outside but it is flanked on all sides with greenery and palm trees. the only time to get prime sun is during the high sun. -there are no servers, so if you would like another beverage it is up to you to get out, grab your id and head back to the bar. one thing I really like is they will not let the pool get overrun with too many, they will hold down a wait list when the pool his max occupancy, so why not have an other drink while you wait? read more

McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool - so slimm shady - Swimming Pools Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Soaking pool is absolute best Imagine swimming in a pool, which feels more like a big hot tub, and soaking in it for hours, as you gaze up at the stars on a clear night. I found this soaking pool purely by accident, taking a wrong turn for the bathroom. I thought that I was tipsy and was imagining people swimming in the middle of this maze outside. After all, why would there be people swimming outside, just around the corner from the restaurant/bar? I know it's also a little hotel, but come on, who would have expected to see a soaking pool right there? It's free if you live in the neighborhood or are staying there and only a few bucks to use it that night. I know it might sound a bit strange to do this on a night out, but not for me since I'm such a water girl. Warning, though, once you get in, it's awfully hard to get out between the glorious relaxation and gazing up at the stars. Tip: Don't bring any valuables with you since you have to change and leave your stuff in a locker room. read more

McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Wow - went here with a friend and her daughter. It took an hour to get our food. The waitress warmed up to us towards the end but she started out with an attitude (won't name her though not that mean) I paid 13.50 for a small cheese pizza, with some vegetables on it and pesto. I believe it was 8 inches? I may be wrong that was way to thin in the middle and doughy in the crust. We were there for 2 hours from start to finish. It took forever to get a cider to our table and the plates came out at different times. Worst McMenamins I've ever been to and likely the most expensive too. read more

We loved it here, it made our trip to Portland very cozy and vibey. Thanks a lot to all the staff, the pool was great under the rain, we had our cocktails in there and then went back for the truffle pizza, omg yum! read more

I want to love the soaking pool, but it's just not possible. It has all the elements - lovely tiles, warm but not too hot water, enclosed outdoor location with lush foliage. Unfortunately it also has screaming, yelling, jumping, splashing, sliding down the handrail, children. They harsh what would otherwise be an outstanding experience. Let me be clear. They call it a soaking pool. It is no such thing. It is a child's play pool. Don't believe anything else. You can go to the bar, get your beer in a plastic cup, then drop your $5 at the desk and get a key. The changing room is basic but it isn't dire. Bring a lock, or keep your stuff in a bag and haul it out on deck with you, no big deal. Then ease into the water, grab an edge to lean on, and let some kid jump in right next to you, splash water in your beer, get your glasses wet, and generally make you regret the whole idea. Toys. Toys for diving, goggles, masks. If they don't have a toy an empty beer cup will make a nice water flinging device. The little shit who swam too close to me underwater with his mask turned toward my ass the whole time came real close to being held under by my foot. Parents are present. When I asked one kid to please not jump next to me (painfully polite, I swear to God), his mom gave me a look to tell me what a huge child hating monster I am. No lady, I don't hate kids. Well, maybe yours. Yeah, definitely yours. Be a parent FFS, and reel that kid in. I blame the facility. Post some rules and enforce them. I was told that kids aren't allowed before 11 or after 6 and that I might try back at that time. That's not entirely true. The public kids don't come in at that time, but kids of the registered guests sure can. And before 11 might work to a point, I mean at least there will be fewer kids (there were 10 in the pool today while I was there, with their water wings and abundant pool toys), but after 6 is a joke. If they get in at 5:45 they aren't leaving until 7 or later, because nobody enforces the time limit. The cult of parenthood wins this one. Boogers eaters rule the pool. You were warned. read more

This was one of the most interesting places we visited while in Portland. We wanted to find something unique to do and our our air bnb host recommended the soaking pools. So I of course hopped on yelp. I was super excited they had so many options at one location. When you enter, you are walking into an old elementary school that has been completely converted to an adult play ground :) there where multiple bars, hotel rooms, resteraunt, soaking pools $5/ hr (make sure to bring a towel) and a really cool movie theater in an old auditorium. Really good food and drinks. They make their own pretzels!!! read more

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If you're in Portland you have to check this place out. There is so much to see and if you want you can grab one of their own beers at one of the 4 bars and wander around looking at all the history and art while sipping your beer. The boiler room bar is probably the coolest spot but the detention room bar a close second - its tiny but full of atmosphere with soaring ceilings a pot bellied stove and a friendly bartender. We didn't see the rooms but I think this would be a really fun place to stay in Pdx with movie theater and pool and the hallways to roam. Highly highly recommend. read more

What the heck happened to the Kennedy School soaking pool? It used to be a great place to quietly chill. Tonight the pool was packed with people drinking and loudly socializing. The changing room was also packed. Plastic cups around the perimeter of the pool. Noise, noise, noise! So freaking obnoxious! I want my zen back. I am surprised to see Kennedy School allows drinking in the pool as they were staunchly opposed to drinking while soaking years back. It definitely compromised the integrity and enjoyment of my experience tonight. I'm never going back to this soaking pool. Bad experience. Ugh. read more

While I am generally a fan of the soaking pool, my last visit was less-than-idyllic. Having decided to go in the early morning rather than late at night when the shroud of darkness veils the horrors that lay beneath its surface - I was profoundly disturbed to see what appeared to be CLOUDS of dead skin floating in the water and forming soggy little iridescent piles along the benches. Cutting my visit short, I left the pool drenched in the smell of stinky feet and running desperately for a shower. Also, Moms -- while I appreciate your homogenized attempts to raise your sons into annoyingly entitled white men, perhaps while they are still just annoyingly entitled young boys, you could stop them from continuously flailing about and kicking water into the faces of the people around them who came to the soaking pool for a relaxing, quiet soak? read more

Welp. I came and saw. And participated. I love they have socio-political events and a movie theater! I didn't try the food as the soaking tub was the main draw for me...I had been wanting to come for YEARS. And it was finally on hotels.com therefore I could also get the points too. Beautiful soaking tub set at a temp that's not too hot. I don't consider myself a germaphobe as I've been in many a outdoor bathtubs, hot tubs, swimming pools, etc but you could see the grime, skin flakes, hairs of those who soaked before you. I was caught between staring at everyone else's skin flakes floating in the water and enjoying the concept of/moment in this beautiful tub. In the end I was not grossed out enough to get out but I probably won't return unless I'm faced with minimal lodging options. read more

Yeah the Soaking pool at the Kennedy School used to be an alright place. The pool used to be divided between children/family friendly hours and adults only hours. this system worked out alright actually. However now that children are allowed in all times of the day and the pool is free for people who live in the neighborhood, this means the pool is always overcrowded with children. This once relaxing soaking pool, is now overcrowded with screaming, splashing noisy, rowdy children that take any enjoyment out of the experience. read more

The Kennedy School soaking pool used to be an amazing experience but that has all changed in recent months. I attribute the change to the fact that McMenamins decided to officially allow alcohol in the pool. It used to be that weeknights after 8pm (when the kiddies are kicked out) the pool was usually quiet and relaxing. Tonight (a Wednesday) the pool was packed to capacity and beyond and nearly everyone was drinking (someone even came in with an entire pitcher of beer, which he sloshed all over the place). Many of the patrons were loud and rowdy. It had the feel of a meat market. Someone in this drunken crowd was even crazy enough to think it would be okay to smoke a cigarette in the pool. For the first time in my experience, the employee at the front desk marked my hand when I paid and there was an employee stationed at the door checking people's hands before they went in. McMenamins...alcohol and pools are a bad combination. Especially hot pools. It's only a matter of time before something very, very bad happens. Soaking should be calm and relaxing. As it stands, this soaking pool feels like a bar. I imagine that if I were a guest paying for a room I would find this experience especially disappointing. read more

I'm never gonna soak again, guilty kids pee in the soaking pool. Though it's easy to pretend you know I'm not a fool. So I'm never gonna soak again the way I soaked with you. Remember when the Kennedy school soaking pool was peaceful, serene, and heated to a proper temperature? Me too. Now it's over ran with kids whose parents allow them to bring flippers and snorkeling gear and pool toys. They're loud and splash and wiz in soaking pool. Notice how I said SOAKING pool NOT SWIMMING pool? And because children are weak they have turned down the temperature to that of tepid bath water. Onto the good. Great artwork in a repurposed old school. Cheap movies and decent seats in the movie theater. Food is ok and beer is decent. All of the food is over priced and the service is slow just like every other McMenamins. read more

I so enjoy coming here and I love Kennedy School. I've been here a handful of times, both when it's been crowded, to just a few people, and at various times of the day. It's very relaxing to go grab a drink and soak whilst still basking in the outdoors. My big gripe however though, is that I really believe it should be adults only. For one, it's a soaking pool, not a swimming pool. Secondly, I've seen some pretty young kiddos in here, I thought they aren't even supposed to be in hot tubs?! Most of the adults have alcohol or are chatting away and frankly aren't really even supervising their children anyway. And not to go all over the top here, but I wouldn't think OLCC could be too happy about this- alcohol present, all ages, no staff, I don't know, some sort of liability thing? I mean if I were 20 and had some of age friends bring me in drinks purchased from Kennedy School, I think that would be pretty darn easy to get away with. That being said, they could even make participation 21+ and I wouldn't complain! I can imagine there would be some fairly upset parents if they did this, and I'm sure they especially want to respect the hotel guests actually staying there, who may not have a choice not to bring their kids in. However, at the absolute very least I think they ought to change up the hours a bit, perhaps have 1-2 designated hours in the afternoons/evenings that kids can participate. read more

McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I never had any issues with the customer Service at McMenamins Kennedy School, However today was a different story. Went to the soaking pool to meet up with a group of moms and their youngins when a young man at the front desk named Matt said that it was full and that there was a wait list (ok that's fine). But when i told him that I was apart of the mom group that was already at the pool his response was that he didn't care (literally those were his exact words). Now, I understand that the pool exceeded its full capacity of people, and i also wouldn't have mind waiting; what I didn't appreciate was Matt's response and that he had no interest in making any accommodations (which they're customer Service in the past has always been great about doing). Very disapointed in Matt's customer service today. Maybe better luck next time. read more

Of my dear PDX! Every Sunday night I think about all the fun I had in Portland. If by any chance you are in a cloudy, cold, rainy day ... which is not really common in PDX. LOL. Please take yourself to The Kennedy School. Walk to the re reception and ask to the keys to the soaking pool. It would cost you around $4 dollars per person including the towel. it is totally worth it.. It is a place to relax and why not talk with your partner about the stuff. Yes stuff... I don't know what would you talk about? You can talk about global warming or talk about that weird noise that you car started making on Monday. The point is: spend some quality time in a great soaking pool and why not grab a beer afterward. read more

Used to love, love, love this pool for a relaxing child-free retreat after work (after 8pm)...but was just told by a rather snooty sounding desk attendant that the pool is now only for hotel guests after 8pm everyday. I was very surprised at how dismissive and rude she was. That means there is no time regular locals can soak without the irritant of children (and I love kids, but not when I'm trying to wind-down after 8pm). I cannot stress more- I'M REALLY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS DECISION KENNEDY SCHOOL! I have no reason to go here anymore (or suggest it to out-of-town guests)...food is mediocre, drinks are too expensive ($6.50 for a 14 oz hard cider) and I'm not dealing with Portland parents who have no concept of "manners" for their children when it comes to splashing, shouting, throwing leaves and other debris into the pool, etc.. BOO! to you Kennedy school soaking pool! read more

I was really looking forward to trying the soaking pool but was disappointed with the experience. The pool was filled with young children and toddlers many of whom were practicing their swim strokes resulting in lots of noise and splashing that was far from relaxing. Clearly this is a popular spot to bring the kids but there were too many of them! All I could think about were all those swim diapers filled with.... The other thing that was a negative was that the pool was just not hot enough - outside on a chilly day it just was not warm enough. read more

An absolute oasis on a dreary mid-winter's day. I set my expectations low, anticipating a slimy, cold changing room; nasty looks for bringing small child with; and a smallish, less-than-hygienic pool. What I found was: *Clean, warm changing room. With doors that shut and lock AND lockers that shut (and lock, if you bring your own lock). *Completely unoccupied, clean, large, VERY warm pool. You could be among a dozen people hanging out in there and probably not feel your personal space invaded. *Pool is lush and plant lined. Look straight up through the foliage to the gray winter sky and laugh at it - you're nice and toasty in there. All this for $5 - the kiddies are free and welcome until 8pm or so. read more

I am so disappointed by McMenamins recent decision to close the soaking pool at 8pm. I love it here, but before 8 is when they would let children visit the pool. Now if i go, not only does it have to be early early early, but it will also be child infested. The lady at the counter offered no explanation as to why this was, but I really couldn't be more let down. Other than that I've had generally good experiences here, albeit the time a woman started puking violently from consuming a large amount of alcohol. Since there isn't any staff in the pool area it took a while to get her escorted out, and by then the pool had seen it's better days.... read more

This review is mainly about the theater than anything else. The food and service is pretty typical for a McMens, which is to say good bang-for-the-buck and great beer/wine too. The theater however is possibly the best experience in all of Portland. Oh yes, I've been to Cinetopia and gave it an equally high rating, and people might think I've lost a part of my brain in comparing the two. But Cinetopia is great for when you want to blow a lot of money on the ultimate movie experience. Kennedy School is where you go when you want the ultimate of relaxation and casualness. It has a sense of community and casualness that can't be beat. From comfortable, mismatched furniture to waitstaff that are properly casual and friendly. Don't go to see some action flick here (do they even show them?) but DO go see the comedies and suspense movies. I don't think they do horror, but that'd be a blast too. All I learned is do NOT go see a kid's movie unless you have kids yourself and want to bask in the bliss of screaming babies and poorly attended children that decide a game of tag in the middle of the movie is appropriate. ;) I even have to mark this as 'good for kids' since it really is. read more

To address the speculation as to whether alcohol is allowed, my experience was that they nobody will hassle you just as long as you order your beverage in a plastic cup. After reading conflicting Yelp reviews, I decided to find out for myself. I headed to the 'Honors Bar' which is the nearest bar to the Soaking Pool. I ordered two beers and one of staff (after possibly noticing I was in a swimsuit and towel) asked if I was taking it into the pool. Just in case he was planning on lecturing me, I lied and said 'no'. Then suprisingly he turned to the bartender and informed the bartender that to 'remember to use platic cups if they're headed to the pool'. I ordered two beers in plastic cups and successfully made it back into the soaking pool. The soaking pool is like a giant hidden jacuzzi. The median age when we went after 8pm on a Monday night was probably around 20-30. But seriously, delicious beer while soaking in a giant non-cholorinated, heated mineral pool? I don't know where else to go for this. ps: If you're feeling hungry after your soak, happy hour at the Boiler Room is your best and cheapest bet. read more

So this is a really cool and interesting place! So this chain of a few restaurants take old schools or buildings and fully transform them! This is a very cool place where they have school rooms transformed into hotel rooms. The cafeteria is a restaurant where you can dine without staying overnight. They alway have a theater that actually has showings. Old school bathrooms and hallways with authentic artwork on the walls. There is a few bars that have chill atmospheres. Overall this is a go to place when you are in the area! I've eaten in the cafeteria a few times and the food always delivers! The have happy hour daily! 3p-6p and 10p-close. They have a great variety on the happy hour menu. Like the Cajun tater tots! Yum! I had the communication break down. And let me tell you...this was broken down like any communication you would want! It was so good! You can have a choice of fries salad or tots! They had such a great selection of pizza that is made fresh too! My cousin that was dinning with us let me try the bbq pizza and it was need I say bomb.com! Service was nice and the atmosphere was lay back. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!!! read more