McMenamins Anderson School: Oregon's Eeriest, Most Stunning Hotel?
McMenamins Anderson School: Oregon's Eeriest, Most Stunning Hotel? A Review That's Seen Some Ghosts (Maybe)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex of McMenamins Anderson School. Is it "Oregon's Eeriest, Most Stunning Hotel?" Well, that depends on your definition of "stunning." And "eeriest," for that matter. Let's just say, it's memorable. And I'm here to spill the tea, the beer, and probably a ghost or two (or, you know, evidence of a ghost. Who knows?).
First Impressions & the Creepy Charm (and Imperfections):
Pulling up to the Anderson School is like stepping into a Wes Anderson film…if Wes Anderson was really into haunted reformatories. The architecture is gorgeous – that classic brick, those imposing windows, the whole "massive old school" vibe. But let's be real, there's a palpable undercurrent of…something. I swear I felt eyes on me as I checked in.
Accessibility & Navigating the Halls of History:
Okay, let's get practical. Accessibility is a mixed bag. There's an elevator, which is fantastic, but it's an old building, so expect some wonky layouts and potentially tight spaces. They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a good sign, but I didn't personally test them out. The exterior corridor design might be a pro or con, depending on your taste and weather preferences.
Internet, Glorious Internet (and the Lack Thereof Sometimes):
They shout about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas, and thankfully, they mostly deliver. The Internet access [LAN] is available too, but honestly, who uses that anymore unless you're a tech dinosaur? I did notice the signal was a bit spotty in some of the more "remote" corners of the building. You know, the places that probably housed the most… interesting students back in the day.
Oh, the Things You Can Do…or Just Stare at the Walls:
This is where McMenamins shines! You can literally get lost here.
Things to do: Honestly, just wandering around is entertainment enough. Check out the art, explore the hidden passages, and soak up the atmosphere. They regularly host seminars and meetings, and the place is perfect for on-site event hosting, with both indoor and outdoor venue for special events. Plus, they have audio-visual equipment for special events on hand.
Ways to relax: Ah, yes. The quest for zen. They boast a Spa, a Sauna, and a Steamroom. But I went for the Pool with a view! (more on that later). There is also a Body scrub, Body wrap, and massage, so, they have everything for your relaxation.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness: For the more motivated than me there is a Fitness center, but I've to be honest. I wasn't brave enough to visit it.
The Pool: A Splash of Sanity…Or Not?
Okay, this is where the hotel really got me! The swimming pool [outdoor] is absolutely gorgeous, a stunning geometric design, the water is clear. It is like a movie set! You can get a cocktail from the Poolside bar and, just soak in the whole scene. But even then, it’s a McMenamins experience! I swear, as I was swimming, I saw… a face? (Probably just from the wine and chlorine, right?) It’s a Pool with view too!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Ghost Hunt (or Just Your Appetite):
The food situation is… McMenamins-esque. Think pub grub meets elevated comfort food.
- Restaurants: Multiple Restaurants scattered throughout the campus, each with its own vibe. I tried the (insert any restaurant name) and had a decent meal. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant, so, everyone can find something.
- Bars: They have a Bar to grab a beer. A Poolside bar is available to refresh you.
- Breakfast: They have Asian breakfast, Western breakfast and Breakfast service so you can eat what you want.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Snack bar Plenty of options to replenish your energy.
- Other Details: I did see they have Breakfast [buffet] and A la carte in restaurant. They also offer Alternative meal arrangement
Cleanliness & Safety: Modern Comforts in a Spooky Setting:
They're taking things seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, anti-viral cleaning products, and staff trained in safety protocol. They even have hand sanitizer everywhere. It's good to know, considering the… history of the place. And the fact I swear I heard whispering in the library.
Rooms: Haunt-Free or…Not?:
The rooms themselves are surprisingly comfortable.
- Amenities: You get the basics: Air conditioning, air/heating you can control, a desk, a safe for your valuables (though, what would a ghost want with your money?). They have some non-smoking rooms and also Soundproof rooms.
- Little Things: Bathtubs, free bottled water, bathrobes, coffee/tea makers, slippers, and even complimentary tea.
- My Take: My room had a good working Wi-Fi [free] and a window that opens. I can say the Seating area was comfortable. They had a satellite/cable channels and a mirror. The bed was fine.
Services and Conveniences: Catering to the Living (and Maybe the…Others):
- Conveniences: They have a concierge, luggage storage, laundry service, and a dry cleaning.
- Other services: The daily housekeeping was great, and they offer a Doctor/nurse on call.
For the Kids: Ghostbusters in Training?
- Family/child friendly: Kids facilities are available.
- Babysitting service: They offer a Babysitting service.
Getting Around: Car Park and other things.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], a Taxi service, and Airport transfer.
- Other Details: Bicycle parking, and Valet parking.
The Eerie Verdict:
Look, McMenamins Anderson School is a unique experience. It’s not perfect. There are some quirks, some rough edges, and a whole lot of atmosphere. But it's precisely that… atmosphere… that makes it special. It’s not just a hotel; it's an experience.
Here's my messy, honest take:
- Good: The pool is amazing. The food is decent. The staff is friendly (and probably used to the weirdness). The history is fascinating. The overall vibe is undeniably cool. AND you can buy awesome merch.
- Bad: Some areas might be a bit run-down. The accessibility could be better. The internet can be spotty. And, well, I'm still convinced I saw something in the pool. Oh, and you're paying McMenamins prices - be prepared for that.
- Worth it? Absolutely. If you're looking for a cookie-cutter hotel, stay somewhere else. If you want a genuinely memorable, slightly spooky, and genuinely fun experience, book a room at McMenamins Anderson School.
The Sales Pitch (Because We're All About That Now):
Tired of boring hotels? Craving a getaway with a side of mystery?
Book your stay at McMenamins Anderson School NOW!
Here's what you get:
- A room with a view (maybe a ghost view, too!)
- Access to that incredible pool. (Yes, the one with the potential paranormal activity).
- Delicious food and drink options to fuel your exploration.
- Free Wi-Fi (so you can share your spooky selfies!).
- A unique historical experience you'll never forget.
- A Chance to relax in a Spa and Sauna
But wait, there's more!
For a limited time, use code "GHOSTHUNTER" and receive 10% off your stay!
Don't miss out! Book your adventure at McMenamins Anderson School today! You won't regret it…or maybe you will. Either way, it'll be a story!
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Villa Awaits (Pool & Hot Tub!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because attempting to create a travel itinerary for the Anderson School? Well, that’s less a schedule and more a descent into blissful, glorious chaos. Here we go… (And apologies in advance for the grammar gremlins – they’re a constant travel companion, especially with McMenamins.)
The Anderson School: A Chaotic Love Letter (aka My Trip)
Day 1: Arrival & Fuzzy Brains (and I mean that literally)
- 1 PM: Arrival – The Gate Opens! (and I’m already late, per usual)
- Okay, so I picture myself, all dewy-eyed with excitement, strolling in with perfect timing. HA! More like: frantically flailing out of my car, wrestling with luggage, the GPS screaming directions to…well, somewhere. I finally roll into the Anderson School’s parking lot (which, let’s be honest, feels a bit like a treasure hunt) and mentally prepared to accept the wonderful pandemonium that is McMenamins.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in – The Front Desk Dance (and a possible existential crisis)
- The front desk… it's a vortex. I imagine the front desk staff are wizards, juggling reservations, lost keys, and bleary-eyed guests. There was a brief, almost soul-searching moment when I realized I'd forgotten my ID. Thankfully, the staff were kind, and didn’t even blink when I muttered something about "leaving my brain at home." The room key in hand - finally feeling at home.
- 2:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance & The Great Bed Test
- We're talking "The Library" room. I am, obviously, immediately obsessed. The whole place is just gorgeous. The first thing: the bed. A critical test. I flop, I bounce, I sigh contentedly. SUCCESS. (Also, the sheer volume of pillows? Heaven sent.)
- 2:30 PM: The Pub Crawl Begins (and the stomach rumbles)
- Alright, I'm here for a reason! A good brew and a chat -- must do, must do! Of course, it was already packed. A delightful overload of people, chatter, and the rich smell of… EVERYTHING. After navigating the labyrinthine hallways, I settled on the Woodshop. Ordered a Terminator stout. It was…amazing. My first bite was a burger and fries. Delicious, messy, utterly satisfying.
- Anecdote: During the burger-eating frenzy, I accidentally squirted ketchup across my own face. Mortified? Maybe. But, hey, at least it looked like I was REALLY enjoying myself, right?
- 4:00 PM: The Pool Room & The Art of Laziness
- Wandered around the halls and stumbled upon the pool room. I am not a great pool player, more a "watch-the-ball-bounce-off-everything" type, but the ambiance was fantastic. Just watching people having fun made me smile. The pool, as always, was a hit.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Tavern on the Hill (Attempt #1)
- Tried to snag a table. Absolutely bonkers. (My fault for not planning!). The waiting list? Longer than my to-do list (which, let's face it, is a novella). Got my name down, wandered off to the "Lawn" area, and watched the world go by. It's kind of perfect.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at the Tavern on the Hill (Attempt #2: Success!)
- Finally! Got a table. Ordered fish and chips and basked in the glow of the place. It was busy, loud, and PERFECT. The buzz in this place is palpable. This is where magic happens.
- 9:00 PM: A Movie at the Kennedy School Theater (Maybe?)
- Okay, this might happen. It depended on my energy levels and the movie schedule. But let's be honest, I was probably going to pass out from happiness.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime (Maybe). With a book. And possibly a midnight snack. (Definitely.)
- Back in the glorious Library, I promised myself I wouldn't fall asleep reading (ha!), but I did. Clutching my book, I dreamt of burgers and pool tables and beautiful McMenamins chaos.
Day 2: Exploring & The Great Espresso Struggle (and a LOT of Coffee)
- 8:00 AM: Wake Up – The Sunbeam Surprise (and the lingering buzz of a good time)
- Woke up and I didn't want to move. Sun was pouring in, the room's charm felt like a warm hug.
- 8:30 AM: Explore!
- The Anderson School is huge! I decided to wander. Everywhere I went. The art, the atmosphere, the endless little nooks and crannies just make you feel like you've stumbled into a secret world.
- 9:00 AM: Coffee & The Great McMennamin's Breakfast Quest
- The coffee shop was on the list! Espresso, the lifeblood of any good adventure. Then, a breakfast burrito. (The best breakfast I've had in months.)
- 9:30 AM: The Art of Being a Tourist (and Embracing the Imperfections)
- Took a lot of pictures. Some were blurry. Some were crooked. All were beautiful. That's my philosophy here.
- 10:00 AM: Shopping
- Checked out the gift shop.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Tavern on the Hill (Again!)
- (Yes, I went back. Sue me.) This time, I was a pro. Fish tacos. Sunshine. Bliss.
- 1:00 PM: The Pool Room: Revenge of the Ball (Maybe)
- I tried again. Let’s just say I'm not getting on the professional pool player circuit anytime soon. But the laughter? Priceless.
- 2:00 PM: Spa Time! (If I Can Get a Booking…)
- This was the plan, anyway. My feet were aching from all the wandering, and a massage sounded like heaven. Fingers crossed.
- 3:00 PM: Pre-Dinner Drinks & The Art of People-Watching
- Find a cozy corner, order a pint and just…watch. This place is a character study.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Tavern on the Hill (Yep, Again!)
- (I have no regrets.) This time, I vowed to try something new. The special of the day! I'm adventurous, I swear.
- 8:00 PM: Live Music (If There Is Any!)
- Fingers crossed! McMenamins always has something going on. Hopefully, there’s some good tunes.
- 9:00 PM: Final Stroll & Goodbyes (Kinda)
- Final wander around the grounds. Admiring the details, the art, the history. Feeling a little sad to leave but already planning my return. This place gets under your skin.
Day 3: Departure & The Sigh of Leaving (and the promise to return)
- 9:00 AM: Wake Up – Dragging Yourself Away
- Dragging myself out of that amazing bed and thinking about what I was leaving
- 9:30 AM: Last Coffee & The Morning's Reflection.
- The last coffee, last breakfast… This time, I was getting the breakfast burrito again.
- 10:00 AM: Check-Out (With a heavy heart)
- The staff were incredibly kind, as always, especially as I fumbled with my bags and whispered promises about my return.
- 10:30 AM: One Last Look & The Goodbye Sigh.
- One last walk around the grounds, taking it all in. One last deep breath of the McMenamins air. It's a magical place.
- 11:00 AM: The Drive Home (With a Mind Full of Memories – and a stomach full of McMenamins food)
- Hit the road, feeling slightly melancholy. But also filled with joy, and the knowledge that I would be back. Because, let's face it, the Anderson School? It’s not just a place. It's an experience. And I need a lot more of it.
McMenamins Anderson School: Asking the Real Questions (and Getting Kinda Messy Answers)
Okay, seriously, is Anderson School ACTUALLY haunted? And should I be worried?
Alright, let's rip the band-aid off. Is Anderson School haunted? Look, I've stayed there, right? Multiple times. Sat in the principal's office. Drank beer in the Detention area. Experienced... things. So, yes, I'm going to say, probably, it's haunted. Did I see a full-blown ghost doing a jig in the hallways? No. But did I feel eyes on me in the old pool (now the Boiler Room restaurant)? Absolutely. Did I hear whispers when I was dead sober, curled up in a comfy bed in the old classroom rooms? Yep. Did I get a distinct feeling of someone standing *right* behind me by the old principal's office door when I turned around and saw nothing? You betcha.
Should you be worried? That's a tough one. Mostly, the vibes are more mischievous than malevolent. Think playful poltergeist, not Freddy Krueger. Unless you're the type to get freaked out by a cold spot, a flickering light, or an unnerving feeling, you should be fine. Honestly, the cocktails are far scarier. I would worry more about the bar tabs honestly.
What's the *vibe* of Anderson School? Is it creepy all the time?
Creepy *all* the time? Nah. It's more like this… imagine a really cool, slightly eccentric grandpa's house. He collects weird antiques, loves a good story, and maybe, just maybe, has a secret room where he keeps his taxidermied pet squirrel. (Just kidding... I think.) The atmosphere is definitely moody, with low lighting and lots of dark wood. The original architecture, the old classrooms, the history – it all gives it a unique air.
One minute you're laughing with friends over a plate of tater tots, the next you're staring into the darkness, wondering if the portraits on the wall are following you with their eyes. It's a weird blend of fun and a little... unsettling. You're never *completely* alone. Even when you are.
Tell me about the food and drink. What's good? What should I avoid?
Alright, food and drink. Let's start with the good. The Boiler Room restaurant (in the old pool) is a must-do. The atmosphere is incredible, and the food is solid McMenamins fare: burgers, fish and chips, the usual comfort food suspects. The little bars scattered around the property, each with its own personality, are pretty cool. Great places to sink into a corner and have a drink or several.
Try the Ruby's Spa for a cocktail, and the Kennedy School's 'Detention Bar' which is inside the old detention room. It adds another layer to the creepiness, which makes all the fun. For drinks, go for their own-made beers. And their wine. You'll regret it, but you'll have some great stories.
What to avoid? Hmm... Honestly? I've never had a truly *bad* meal there, but the menu is kinda *samey*. So, if you’re expecting Michelin-star dining, you're in the wrong place. But for pub grub with a side of ambience, you're golden. Oh, and maybe pace yourself on the cocktails. Trust me on that one.
Okay, let's talk rooms. Which ones are the best? The worst? (And which ones give you the creeps?)
Rooms... ah, the heart of the matter. Look, every room at Anderson School has its own quirks. Some are in the old classrooms, some in the main building, some in the cottages. I have stayed in a few, and I can give you my frank opinion.
Best? I liked the old classrooms. The history is thick in those rooms. They feel cosy, even if a little... haunted-y. They're spacious and have such a unique vibe.
Worst? I'm told some of the cottages are a little… cramped. And you might hear the other guests a lot if you're unlucky.
Creepiest? Oh, boy. This is a question for a whole other article. I once stayed in a room on the top floor of the main building, and I don't think I slept a wink. Every noise, every creak, every shadow… it was a nightmare. By far the spookiest. Especially at night.
What's the best way to spend a day at Anderson School? Give me a plan!
Okay, here's my perfect day at Anderson School. (This is assuming you don't mind a little spookiness, and you like beer. If you don't, well, maybe stick to Disneyland.)
- Morning: Arrive, check in, and immediately explore. Wander around the grounds. Visit the "theater" (more like a school assembly hall), and peek into every nook and cranny.
- Lunch: The Boiler Room for a burger and a pint of whatever they have on tap. Soak in the ambiance of the old pool.
- Afternoon: Hit Ruby's Spa. Get a drink there. It’s beautiful. Soak in the hot tub. Drink more beer. Find a quiet corner in the library and read a book for a while.
- Evening: Dinner at the Tavern in the main building. Drink more beer, try the cocktails. Explore the grounds one more time, preferably after dark. Then, if you're brave (or perhaps slightly lubricated) wander around the property again, looking for ghosts.
- Night: Back to your room. And then... well, the night is yours. Just remember, you're not alone.
The key is flexibility and embracing the weirdness. And don't say I didn't warn you.
So, you said you had a spooky experience? Spill the tea! The *juiciest* one.
Alright, alright. Buckle up, buttercups. My *juiciest* Anderson School ghost story? It involves that room on the top floor. I was foolish enough to book a room there during a solo trip, thinking "I'm tough! I can handle it!" Famous last words, am I right?
It started subtly. A flickering light that I dismissed. A cold breeze that I blamed on the old windows. But then, the weird stuff started. I was reading in bed, door locked, when I thought I heard a *child* giggling outside my door. I chalked it up to some weird street noise. Then, a faint tapping on the window. My heart started *thumping*. I went to investigate. Nothing. Empty. I then locked the door. The second I turned around, I had a *distinct* feeling that I was being watched from the corner of the room, my hairs stood up. And the tapping on the window? It returned, only fainter. Then I heard a deepWeb Hotel Search Site
