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McMenamins Old St. Francis School

From $195/night • Score: 4.7★ (4250 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Stepping onto the grounds of the McMenamins Old St. Francis School in downtown Bend, Oregon, is akin to crossing the threshold of a living, breathing museum where whimsy, local history, and bohemian luxury collide. Long before it became one of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated hospitality concepts, this sprawling campus served as a Catholic parish school, educating local children from 1936 through the late 20th century. When the visionary McMenamins brothers acquired the abandoned brick compound, they did not merely renovate it; they imbued every square inch of the historic structure with a vibrant, artistic soul that honors its ecclesiastical origins while completely subverting traditional hotel conventions.

The architectural exterior immediately sets a tone of nostalgic grandeur. The primary school building, constructed with classic 1930s brickwork, features large, arched multi-pane windows that flood the interior corridors with natural Oregon light. Original architectural details—such as stone entryways, steeply pitched gable roofs, and subtle religious iconography—have been meticulously preserved, anchoring the property firmly in its historic Pacific Northwest roots. Yet, even from the sidewalk, subtle hints of the McMenamins signature aesthetic emerge: hand-painted murals peek from behind wrought-iron light fixtures, and whimsical metallic art installations adorn the exterior brickwork, hinting at the creative wonderland waiting just beyond the heavy wooden doors.

Upon entering the main lobby, guests are enveloped in an atmosphere that feels simultaneously sophisticated and delightfully eccentric. The reception area blends dark, polished wood with vintage schoolhouse memorabilia, globe lighting, and rich, jewel-toned textiles. Rather than the sterile corporate minimalism found in many modern boutique hotels, Old St. Francis envelops you in a warm, storybook embrace. Original hallways retain their authentic classroom doors—now fitted with antique brass hardware and custom stained-glass transoms—while the walls are entirely covered in vibrant, narrative-driven murals painted by resident artists. These murals depict local folklore, historical figures, whimsical flora, and mythical creatures, ensuring that mere transit down a hallway becomes an immersive gallery experience. The scent of seasoned timber, artisanal malt from the on-site brewery, and burning cedar from the central courtyard fireplaces drifts through the halls, immediately signaling that this is no ordinary downtown stay. It is a place designed to slow the pulse, spark the imagination, and invite unhurried exploration.

The Room Experience

Accommodations at the Old St. Francis School defy conventional hotel categorization, offering a deeply individualized lodging experience where no two rooms are entirely alike. Ranging from cozy, character-rich quarters to more expansive suites, the guest rooms are cleverly adapted from the building’s former classrooms and administrative spaces. This idiosyncratic structural lineage results in soaring ceilings, oversized windows that frame charming views of downtown Bend or the interior courtyards, and architectural quirks that lend an undeniable sense of historic charm.

Upon entering a typical guest room, guests are greeted by a harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and modern comforts. The interior design leans heavily into arts-and-crafts sensibilities, featuring custom-built wooden headboards, wrought-iron reading sconces, and hand-painted original murals that cascade across the walls above the beds. These custom artworks often weave local historical narratives into the room’s decor, ensuring a profound sense of place. Plush, pillow-top mattresses dressed in crisp, high-thread-count white linens offer an oasis of rest after a day spent exploring the Cascade Mountains, while heavy velvet drapes ensure total privacy and a pitch-black sleep environment when desired.

Thoughtful amenities elevate the quarters from charmingly rustic to genuinely luxurious. Antiques sourced from Pacific Northwest estate sales—such as retro writing desks, vintage dressers, and mid-century armchairs—sit alongside modern conveniences like flat-screen televisions, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and individually controlled heating and cooling units. The bathrooms, while varying in layout due to the historic footprint, are impeccably appointed. Many feature classic clawfoot soaking tubs, heritage-style pedestal sinks, custom tilework, and an array of organic, locally formulated bath products that pay homage to the surrounding flora of Central Oregon.

Lighting plays a pivotal role in the room experience, with dimmable fixtures, antique lamps, and natural sunlight filtering through historic windowpanes creating an intimate, fireside ambiance. Whether you are staying in a compact room that once housed the school's administrative archives or a spacious corner suite overlooking the bustling Bond Street corridor, the accommodations at Old St. Francis provide a tranquil, highly personalized sanctuary that feels deeply connected to the cultural fabric of Bend.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

Without question, the crown jewel of the Old St. Francis School—and one of the most famous hotel amenities in the entire Pacific Northwest—is the subterranean, open-air Roman-style soaking pool. Tucked away beneath the property, this architectural marvel is a sanctuary of warmth and tranquility. Lined entirely with shimmering turquoise artisan tiles and punctuated by stunning stained-glass windows that cast kaleidoscopic ribbons of colored light across the rising steam, the pool evokes ancient bathhouses while maintaining a distinctly bohemian, modern-Oregon spirit. Overhead, a retractable glass roof allows guests to soak under the crisp high-desert stars during evening sessions or bask in the warm afternoon sun. Surrounded by lush tropical and native plants, comfortable lounging areas, and a dedicated bar service that allows you to sip a local pint or glass of Oregon Pinot Noir while soaking, the pool experience is nothing short of transcendent.

Beyond the aquatic sanctuary, the property’s atmosphere is defined by its collection of hidden spaces and communal courtyards. Winding corridors and secret staircases lead guests to unexpected corners, most notably the legendary 'Broom Closet.' Tucked secretly behind an unassuming door, this diminutive, candle-lit bar accommodates only a handful of patrons at a time, offering an intensely intimate, speakeasy-style vibe where expert mixologists craft bespoke cocktails using house-made syrups and top-shelf spirits.

For cinephiles and casual viewers alike, the on-site historic movie theater is another standout feature. Styled with plush velvet couches, private tables, and vintage cinema seating, this intimate theater screens a curated selection of current-release films, indie darlings, and classic favorites. The best part? Guests can order hearty pub food, gourmet pizzas, and fresh pints of McMenamins ale directly to their seats, transforming a standard movie night into a deeply luxurious and indulgent ritual.

The property’s central open-air courtyards tie the entire complex together. Outfitted with flickering fire pits, robust wooden picnic tables, and dense ivy-covered brick walls, these outdoor oases serve as the social heartbeat of the hotel. Here, travelers, locals, hikers, and artists mingle effortlessly under the Oregon sky, sharing stories of mountain summits and river descents against the crackle of open flames.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Culinary and beverage offerings at the Old St. Francis School are deeply integrated into the McMenamins legendary craft brewing and pub culture, providing an exceptional gastronomic experience right on the property. The main pub serves as a sprawling, visually stunning culinary hub. The walls are covered from floor to ceiling with vibrant oil paintings, historic photographs, and quirky artifacts, while massive timber beams and a central stone fireplace create a warm, enveloping tavern atmosphere.

The menu focuses on elevated Pacific Northwest comfort food, crafted with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Highlights include hearty grass-fed burgers, artisan wood-fired pizzas topped with locally grown produce and artisanal cheeses, fresh Northwest seafood dishes, and vibrant vegetarian options. Every dish is thoughtfully designed to pair seamlessly with the stellar lineup of house-brewed beers, ciders, and wines produced within the McMenamins family of properties.

As an on-site brewery, Old St. Francis produces small-batch ales, IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews just steps from where you pour them. A visit to the brewery taproom offers beer enthusiasts a chance to sample experimental releases and core classics crafted by resident brewmasters who are deeply passionate about the art of fermentation. For those with a sweet tooth, the property’s on-site bakery supplies fresh artisan breads, pastries, and decadent desserts daily, ensuring that breakfast, afternoon snacks, and late-night treats are handled with exceptional culinary craft.

When you are ready to venture beyond the property gates, the hotel’s "walkable-core" setting places you directly in the heart of downtown Bend’s vibrant nightlife, culinary, and retail scene. Step outside, and you are mere minutes away from world-class coffee roasters, chic boutiques, upscale cocktail lounges, and innovative farm-to-table restaurants. Whether you choose to spend your evening tucked away in the hotel's own subterranean pub or exploring the bustling craft beverage trail of downtown Bend, the Old St. Francis School positions you at the absolute center of Central Oregon's cultural renaissance.

Who This Stay Is For

Practical Travel Notes