MCMENAMINS OLD ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL, Bend

The hotel sits in the heart of downtown Bend, with easy walking access to shops, restaurants, breweries, and the Deschutes River trail. Drake Park and the river walk are a few minutes' stroll away. The Bend Municipal Airport is a 10-minute drive, while Redmond Municipal Airport is 26 km away. The property itself is a destination, with several bars, restaurants, a brewery, and a movie theater on site, so many needs are met without leaving the block. For those without a car, the walkability is excellent - a public parking lot three blocks south supplements the limited free on-site parking.

Rooms are spread across the Main Schoolhouse, the Art House, and the Ed House. All rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, a hairdryer, and free toiletries. Some rooms include a patio, a kitchenette, or a suite layout. Many rooms feature unique decor, custom light fixtures, and artwork, but room sizes vary - some can feel compact, especially for the price. Lighting in the rooms and hallways is intentionally dim (part of the property's character). There is no coffee maker, microwave, or fridge in the rooms; complimentary coffee is available in common areas each morning. Rooms in the Art House near the Broom Closet bar can experience noise from slamming doors and late-night foot traffic. For a quieter stay, request a room away from the main bar buildings. No rooms have a balcony. Bedding can be very firm; some rooms have a King bed. There are no elevators in the Art or Ed Houses, so rooms on upper floors may be accessible only by stairs.

The main Old St Francis Pub serves breakfast (7-11am daily), lunch, and dinner, featuring Northwest-style cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. The menu includes house-made pizza, soups, burgers, and hearty pub fare. Pizza is available to go. The on-site brewery, opened in 2004, produces award-winning beers, ciders, and handcrafted ales. A full-service bar is also available at the pub, the theater, and the Broom Closet (a hidden cocktail bar open 3pm-10pm). Happy hour runs Sunday-Thursday from 3pm-6pm. Breakfast is available; guests with early morning plans should note that the restaurant opens at 7am (or 11am on some days). Guests with gluten or other dietary restrictions should confirm their order directly, as the kitchen has gluten-free bun options. The dining scene within a block includes several well-regarded restaurants for those looking for variety.

The soaking pool is a large, warm saltwater bath open to hotel guests from 7am to 10pm daily. The pool area features stunning tile mosaics and custom light fixtures. The water is heated to a comfortable temperature (not as hot as a traditional hot tub) and is known for its softness and reduced eye irritation. Public day passes are also available (10:30am-4:30pm, $10/hour per person), which can make the space busier during the day. Towels are not provided, so guests should bring their own or use the robes available in some rooms. Children under 18 must be supervised by a parent at all times. Pool toys, outside beverages, and glass containers are not allowed. The pool atmosphere can be lively, especially if families are present. On-site movie theater seats up to 150 guests in overstuffed chairs and sofas, showing recent releases - ticket discounts on Tuesdays ($6 per person). The theater also has a full bar and food menu. Outdoor fire pits and patios are spread across the property, offering additional leisure space in cooler weather.

Free WiFi is available throughout the property with no password required. On-site parking is free but very limited and shared with day visitors; street parking is monitored and limited to 2 hours Mon-Sat 8am-8pm. An unmonitored parking lot is available 3 blocks south. The hotel is pet-friendly with a $25 per pet per night fee and no limit on the number of pets. Pets must be leashed in public areas and cannot be left unattended. The front desk is open 24 hours and can assist with luggage storage. Room service, a safety deposit box, and key card access are provided. Meeting/banquet facilities are available for an additional charge. There are no elevators in all buildings, and no spa, gym, or swimming pool on site. Bicycle storage is offered for bike-friendly Travel Oregon certification - bikes can be kept dry in rooms or in indoor safekeeping elsewhere.