McMenamins Grand Lodge

Great place with a fun frisby golf outdoors area. My allergies did go crazy here which may have had something to do with being by a busy street. Make sure to over some tater tots to go with your beer!

Awful treatment of weddings. This place literally treats disc golf customers in way higher regard than their wedding clients. I was day-​of wedding coordinator for a wedding here and after the ceremony, and without any staff around to direct us to do anything else, we went to the lovely field across the path for pictures. It was empty when we arrived and we started taking pictures of the bridal party and family. Then disc golf customers showed up and literally started playing right through the pictures — I mean between the bride and the photographer. I’ve never seen anything like it. The family got understandably upset and wound up arguing with the disrespectful disc golf customers until they relented. Pictures began again. A few minutes later the manager came out, stood IN FRONT of the photographer taking pictures, and YELLED at the bride on her wedding day, «We have some disc golf customers who are very upset!» Bride responded, «I paid $ 10,000 to be here, don’t yell at me!». And he continued to do so until I obviously stepped in, talked with him for 2 minutes on the side, by which time the pictures were done. He told me that this is a public park and disc golf customers can do whatever. I reminded him that I coordinate wedding ceremonies and photograph sessions regularly in public parks, like Laurelhurst, Powell Butte, Mt. Tabor, etc., and people usually have basic respect and wait a few minutes while pictures are taken. We didn’t interrupt anyone when we started. And since it’s public, we have the same right to be here. He said that was not the case and it’s different for weddings, which I never quite understood since I was told several times that it is a public park.
I can understand if the bride and groom were advised ahead of time of where they may best take pictures, like many other venues. But a manager yelling at a bride on her wedding day? Especially when she was not doing anything wrong. Unacceptable and unprofessional.

Kicking butt mountain biking, I sure worked up an appetite. Hungry fat tire biker! I stopped at the Grand Lodge for their juicy 6 ounce grass fed burger with lettuce, swiss cheese, pickles and onions on a sesame seed bun. Bacon optional! Hand cut fries too. Really hit the spot. Good service. Eat inside, on the patio or the front porch.

My husband and I have come here for my last two birthdays. It’s exactly what we need to relax: spa treatments, heated soaking pool, crackling fire, delicious food and beer, and a nice quiet location. Employees here are some of the best McMenamins has (we’ve visited them all).

We had an excellent stay. Definitely quirky, but would love to stay again in the same room! We had room 217, «The Walker Brothers’ Room.» A grand suite with a separate bedroom and living room, with a bathroom separating the two. Perfect room for sharing with doors between the rooms, and a hide-​a-​bed in the living room. The furniture was gorgeous and comfortable. Loved the real wood burning fireplace, and that unlimited supply is provided. While I enjoy tending a fire, they will build this and help you with it, and give you all the tools. I was concerned on arrival that this room is above the lobby and across from the theatre, however noise of those could not be heard at all. It was super convenient having the theatre bar and snacks directly across the hall any time we wanted!
It was fun walking the halls seeing the pictures and information about the area. We looked at the shared restrooms/​showers in the hall and they were gorgeous too, marble panels dividing the stalls, showers in private stalls with their own dry area to leave your things and change your clothes in privacy. Also, the shower/​restrooms for hotel guests require a hotel key, so those visiting the grounds do not have access. Each room in this hotel is named for it’s prior residents and has information about them and quotes on the walls.
I would agree with the review that says to never rent 218. When i heard the door open and close while our fire was going on the wall between, I felt bad to know someone was on the other side, in that tiny room next to our roaring fire hearing us enjoy our birthday drinks (not on the date mentioned in the other review however). I would recommend renting the two rooms if you had a larger group, as there is an adjoining door and you would have that private bath and nice living room to share with friends or family with plenty of privacy.
Check in was quite chaotic, being asked to return repeatedly to see if our room was ready. We were treated a bit like we would be assigned a king suite when one was available like most hotels, later to find out we had rented the only room of it’s kind, and it would be very obvious (if someone had checked), that our room was or was not available, and that someone was waiting to check into it. I think that is the disorganization typical of McMennamins which leads to some negative reviews, however I would say these kind of hiccups are also to be expected a privately owned location that is so unique. We also enjoyed the Ironwork Grill restaurant, room service, and the bars and live music downstairs; as well as the fire pits in front of Pat’s. Great drinks and food everywhere we went, and very polite staff even when service was slow due to the hotel being very busy with a festival.

Love the creepy spiderwebs and the curt dismissive staff members. They are sooooo cool when they treat guests like an inconvenience. I want to come back and tell eveyone ! #suckitMcMenamins

A great and unusual place to stay. Acres of beautiful grounds and gardens to explore. Many restaurants and pubs. Lots of fun for the whole family but also a romantic getaway. Based on our experience here we will be investigating the many other McMenamins unique lodgings!

Oh dear, oh dear… this visit went very wrong for me !!! I arrived, ok fine, and checked in to the hotel and was assigned room 218. It is the worst room one can be assigned to. It is one of the itty bitty ones right next to biggest suite in the hotel with fireplace and bathroom, sitting room. everything this hotel can offer. Well, I too would have a party as well so to fully enjoy the experience of being in ROOM 217. Well, the only bummer for me is that I felt I was at this party but left out because the only thing that separated me from them was the ever so thin wall. I thought it was a gymnastics team that called it home for this night. I don’t begrudge them from having a good time. I sure would have as well. 6 – 30 rolls around and I heard loud thuds against my wall. What the heck? I packed up and go to reception to ask why I was put in that room when the hotel was empty. The banging against the wall separating my room from the suite was preparation for a fire in the fireplace in room 217, the suite next t me. The response… this is one of the few rooms (room-​218) with a «smaller» bed. I was traveling alone and when I called to make a reservation, I requested a simple accommodation and that it would only be a place for me to hang my hat for one night. I didn’t think that they would get the impression that money was an issue. I gladly would have paid a few sheckels more for an uninterrupted nights sleep and be assigned a remote room from #217. They said I could have been moved, but who wants to change rooms in the middle of the night? A bed, few inches bigger, did this really upset their co-​ordinates as to where they should put me in the scheme of things, which was an empty hotel? They also denied that there was not a car alarm incident.
As soon as I got there I wanted to do a «soak-​atation» as I call it, as when I go to the other McMenamins locations. and can’t wait to go in the soaking pools; By the way the one at the Crystal Hotel is the best one ever. Anyway, I dunk into the pool, which is within view from the restaurent (yuk) and I am thinking (seeing) that you may be monitored by a security camera. actually, all of Portland is on camera??? So I start to enjoy the experience and then starts the clicking on and off of the pool motors… on and off-​click click… on and off; then shortly realizing that the pool equipment is very close that noise violation ruined my «soak-​atation. So, know this when you go there. On my way to the pool, I scampered with my bare feet around to the ramp that takes you to the different floors and, oh my god, I nearly fell on my ass, but had the rail to grab on to. Please don’t tell me that I was the first one to make you aware of this; In bare feet it is like walking on ice. I told the «pro-​tem manager» to take HIS shoes off and give it a whirl. Well, this seemed all new to them as well. The common baths did not have the lovely claw tubs that Edgefield has.
The hotel is rather «dark-​ish» and doesn’t hold the creativity and the imagination that went into the Kennedy School location.
I do say though, that the restaurant had the best scones ever that I took two extra for my travels. The in house bakers are very good at what they do. I don’t know about the rest because the McMenamins eateries don’t have the best reputation for their food, but the muffins and gravy, and again, the scones, best ever. Food service was impeccable. On the flip side I am turned off by restaurents that have carpets, especially older dirty ones. Think about this! I did receive an adjustment on my room charge.
I would re-​evaluate this hotel if I knew that my «OPINION REALLY MATTERS» as stated on «opinion matters» cards. And, what the? .those cards are not confidential between guest and management because they just fold up and there is no room for additional comments. Just tell them to call you instead. this has been a long discertation and I feel it necessary. After all, it is a McMennamins’n, one of Oregons’ best name’s in hotels. Claudia

The Grand Lodge is adorable! I stayed here after a wedding along with the rest of the party last Saturday night and had a great time! The lodge is a maze (and I mean maze) of pubs, restaurants, and lounge areas. The rooms are B&B style with minimal furnishings and community style bathrooms so not quite hotel status. However, my room seemed pretty clean and the décor was kitchy and unique.
I love Pat’s Corner pub outside with the nice fireplace areas and the live music indoors. I forgot my bathing suit or else I would have jumped in the heated pool with some friends.
I also attended a work luncheon here last summer by coincidence so it doubles as a party and formal destination!

I’ve been a fan of the McMenamins establishment, visiting the Kennedy School and Edgefield locations quite often. For that reason I guess I had higher expectations out of this location. After our clinical skills examinations, we wanted a place to relax so we chose to sit outside. Usually when I go anywhere with a group, I tend to be less attentive to the speediness of the service, as there are people there to keep me company while I wait. But service was noticeably slow. The pomegranate hard cider was okay, nothing to really rave about. Apparently, the servers who bring out your food aren’t allowed to take your order, so you have to wait for your server if you want anything extra. On the bright side though, the truffle oil fries were pretty good. Also, outdoor seating is very nice on warm summerish days. I guess living in Forest Grove has some perks, since the stars are nice and visible from the outdoor restaurant area.

Enjoyed a gorgeous night at the outside restaurant. Service was crazy slow, but that wasn’t our waiter’s fault. Margarita here isn’t quite as good as at Imbrie Hal, but it was decent. Bloody Mary flavor was great but I question if it had any alcohol.
We’re now downstairs in the Doctor’s Office. Should be a fun night.

By far my favorite McMenamins Hotel. It’s also right across the street from where I work in Forest Grove. It’s an old Masonic Lodge where elderly townsfolk would retire. Fascinating history, incredible art work, one of our most favorite soaking pools. Just wish they had a second one as it can get crowded at times.
Many on site venues to have beverages and food. Their restaurant is good, and they do a good breakfast. McMenamins has definitely stepped up their food quality. Beverages are of course what they are known for. Their whiskeys are impressive, as are their beer, wine, and cider. Lots of choose from. Even their own coffee is yummy.
The Grand Lodge is older, has older smaller rooms and most of their hotels do not have or have limited en suite bathrooms. That’s part of the charm of these Hotels and we actually really enjoy it that way. If you are going to McMenamins to rent pay per view movies-don’t bother. Most of their Hotels have no TV, with the exception of the Anderson School as far as I can recall.
The Grand Lodge can get quite busy-​last summer we stayed and their were two weddings going on. The grounds are gorgeous. In the summer hanging outside for dinner and drinks is fun. There is also a Frisbee golf course on the grounds.
I love the many smaller bars on the premesis, especialy the Doctors Office, and they have of course the Ruby Spa; we have gotten massages here several times and not one was bad.
They just updated the movie theater, but even the older theater was fun for movies and concerts. Can get busy.
Staff is fun, helpful, and no bad experiences with any of them.
The Grand Lodge is a fascinating piece of history in Forest Grove. McMenamins has done a terrific job of preserving the history and intergrating it into their establishment with the typical McMemamins whimsy.
If you do try them out go in with the expectation that life is a little slower, and it is not the Four Seasons. Be open to the experience and uniqueness that McMemamins brings to it’s properties.

The front desk manager contacted my boyfriend today and made the situation right. I am so glad this outcome happened because we both LOVE McMenamins and have a goal of filling our passports before the end of the year. Can’t wait to be back, and hopefully our room won’t be a sauna this time around :)

What a fun and very unique hotel. Not your Standard hotel. Wasn’t sure I was going to like the small room (I had a bathroom in my room) but it was very cool! I had time to walk and check out the whole place and all that it offers. The artwork is very cool and interesting. I soaks in the soaking tub, and drank Rubys (favorite beer) in all the bars and restaurant. I even watched a movie and had a Ruby. I would bath in this beer if it was possible. If you are adventurous and like character and charm then you will love a few nights at this place! The staff all very friendly and welcoming! The down side is not a fan of the food. Cajun tots are always good. I look forward to my next stay!

Very interesting place. I booked one of the bunk bed style rooms with my friend who was traveling with me. It was in the basement corner away from the traffic in the main hallway where the bars and spa are located. It wasnt fancy or elegant, nor is it meant to be. I can’t speak for the Queen or King bed rooms that may have en suite bathrooms. The fun for us was to experience the old world element of having to hike down the hall for the common bathroom as the residents would have had to when it was originally built. It was a Masonic Lodge for the widows and children of their members. What can I say I like old, unique places that retain their «old» feel. The basement hallways are low lit and late at night can be a little «otherworldly» to us modern urbanites. It was a great stay and fun experience.
I didn’t visit any of the multitude of bar/​lounges on the premises but I did hit the Ironwork Grill for dinner AND breakfast. AMAZING is the only way to describe it. The food is delicious and the staff super friendly and helpful making recommendations for beverages and food if you can’t pick something due to the variety of awesome options. Aaron H was our dinner server and Sandy D was the breakfast one. Both were fantastic. Friendly, informative and checked up on us the right amount of times to keep us from having to ask for anything yet not be interrupted from enjoying the meal.
The parlor by the front desk is a peaceful spot to sit in the quiet of an evening or enjoy the complementary coffee in the morning and read the paper while the fire crackles cheerfully and subtle classical music serenades you in the background.
This was a great stay with great people to assist us during our stay. Will definitely come again and recommend to friends.

Made a couples massage appointment a month in advance. They canceled due to a staffing issue 20 minutes before our scheduled appointment. Didn’t seem like a big deal to the spa staff but it totally ruined our plans for the day.
We used the pool which was nice but not worth the trip. Bummer.

This is a review of Bob’s Bar, which is one of McMenamin’s’ «small bars» at the Grand Lodge. It’s open only on Fridays and Saturdays, and it’s in the super-​cool, meandering basement that’s decorated with funky, imaginative art.
The bar is dimly lit and has an ample selection of spirits, plus the assortment of McM’s wines and beers. Food is comfy-​yum and service is friendly. Stop in if you luck out and catch it open.

Is it just me or does this place feel haunted?
As one of McMenamins large properties, it is well worth a visit to stroll the halls and enjoy the various amenities. While not quite as grand as the Edgefield location, there is a hotel (77 rooms), theatre, spa, outdoor soaking pool and large grounds, including a frisbie golf course.
Since I spent quite a bit of time in Hillsboro and Forest Grove during the spring and summer, I became a frequent visitor to this property, including attending the Faire in the Grove held here in May. My favorite spots are the cozy Pat’s Corner (the disc golf clubhouse) out on the lawn and some of the smaller public rooms on the main floor which were great places to read a book, play a board game and relax. I should note that I liked Pat’s Corner for the location, but it isn’t the best place to order food since the kitchen is located in the main building. So really best for hanging out with friends and ordering drinks.
For those on the Passport Quest, this property stands alone so you go on a photo hunt and visit the various bars on site and the spa then get a prize. I picked up a great Grand Lodge flask. The biggest challenge was getting the stamp for Ruby’s Spa since most of my visits were on evenings and weekends when the spa was closed, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
I recently stayed at the Old St. Francis Hotel in Bend and really appreciated how the rooms felt separated from the bars and restaurants. At this property, a number of rooms were on the main and lower floors and would have a lot of foot traffic, so you might want to request a room in a quieter space.
It was that lower level that gave me the heebie-​jeebies.

If you are looking for a quaint getaway with your significant other, you can get an inexpensive room in a wonderfully-​renovated Masonic lodge. The grounds are beautiful, the amenities are comfortable and the attached restaurant is delicious (spent $ 100 for 5 dinners with dessert and tip). They feature a game room, a «soaking pool» (large jacuzzi) and a movie theater (not free). They worked hard to renovate the lodge with quirky artwork while still keeping the history of the building and the surrounding area in the foreground.
The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars is probably the same reason people adore this place. Being an old Masonic home, most of the rooms have a sink but no bathroom/​toilet. To get to a bathroom (sharing three toilets and one shower), you have to walk down the hall. Everyone’s key card opens all the bathrooms, so it’s truly a community experience.
Personally, I didn’t mind, but we ended up cutting our stay short and staying at a different hotel for a similar price to have our own bathroom. Great for people that are flexible and are looking for something «different» but not good for people used to the traditional hotel amenities.

Warning: If you’re a McMenamins hater, avert your eyes, cover your ears, hum a happy tune to yourself.
We had another good experience at Grand Lodge after a high school basketball game in nearby Gaston. Sure, we could have taken our chances on one of Gaston’s two open restaurants, trusting the 11 or so Unilocal reviews, or we could lean on dependable (haters, if you’re still with me, you can insert «predictable» and /​or «meh») McMenamins 15 minutes away in Forest Grove (and we could pick up a couple of stamps for our passports in the process).
The food – just what we expected when we ordered – satisfying wilted spinach salad with a light, tangy dressing; crisped quesadilla with melted, creamy cheese and warm, smoky chicken; comfort food pizza with a generous crust that invites chomping into it. The draft beer was great, and the Black Rabbit wine was, well, comforting and delicious with the salad.
The service was on point, and our waiter was friendly and witty without making our time there about him.
The atmosphere is always a selling point for us, but beyond creative revisionists of space, McMenamins are always clean and always have great signage with clear traffic flows. While my favorite McMenamins are historic buildings, I’ve always had a clear sense of where I am in the building and how to get where I want to be next, including bathrooms and exits.
And for folks who liken McMenamins to Denny’s and other standardized restaurants, ok. I get it. I happen to appreciate standards, and I’m happy for the open table your absence creates.