McMenamins Grand Lodge
A historic Masonic retirement home turned McMenamins lodge, offering art, a soaking pool, cinema, and a unique, slightly spooky atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
McMenamins Grand Lodge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Masonic retirement home turned McMenamins lodge, offering art, a soaking pool, cinema, and a unique, slightly spooky atmosphere.
"This property feels like it has the richest history and spooky/haunted vibes for sure!"
🎯 Avoid Basement Rooms
Basement rooms can be musty and noisy. Request an upper floor for a better experience. :zzz:
✨ Explore Hidden Rooms
Discover unique, art-filled side rooms with fireplaces and couches throughout the lodge. :art:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Third Floor's Celestial Charm
Third Floor
Step into another world with deep blue walls and a starry ceiling, offering a uniquely serene and magical ambiance.
Soaking Pool Relaxation
Soaking Pool Area
Unwind in the warm, deep soaking pool, a perfect way to de-stress after exploring the lodge's many nooks and crannies.
On-Site Cinema Experience
McMenamins Grand Lodge Theater
Catch a film in the historic theater, offering a classic movie-going experience with a unique McMenamins twist.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Room Selection is Key
Embrace the Unique Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tips for the Grand Lodge?
🎯 Avoid Basement Rooms
Basement rooms can be musty and noisy. Request an upper floor for a better experience. :zzz:
✨ Explore Hidden Rooms
Discover unique, art-filled side rooms with fireplaces and couches throughout the lodge. :art:
How are concerts at the Grand Lodge Mcmenamins?
Stay in Forest Grove or Portland?
🐶 Dog-Friendly Stays
The Grand Lodge welcomes pets, making it a great option for travelers with furry companions. :dog:
🚗 Location is Secluded
The lodge is a bit out of the way, so plan your transportation accordingly. :car:
If you have not been yet, McMenamins has some secret rooms in their hotels...This is one o them. Hobbit themed
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid Basement Rooms
Basement rooms can be musty and noisy. Request an upper floor for a better experience. :zzz:
✨ Explore Hidden Rooms
Discover unique, art-filled side rooms with fireplaces and couches throughout the lodge. :art:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Stays
The Grand Lodge welcomes pets, making it a great option for travelers with furry companions. :dog:
🚗 Location is Secluded
The lodge is a bit out of the way, so plan your transportation accordingly. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests praise the Grand Lodge for its unique historical charm, artistic decor, and tranquil atmosphere, especially on the upper floors. However, some visitors have had negative experiences with basement rooms due to musty smells and noise. Service can be inconsistent, and the secluded location requires planning.
"Heads up: Basement rooms are not great. We booked a Common Bunk room in the basement and it had a terrible musty, damp, moldy smell. Very strong! It was a Saturday night and when we reported to the front desk, we were told they were fully booked, but we could be moved to a different floor for our second night- much better!!! Also- if you stay on the basement floor, you are directly across from the Doctor’s Office bar that’s open late, and drunk girls will bang on the private bath door and try to come in, even when it’s locked. Not a peaceful experience at all down there. Much better when we were moved to the second floor. Outside of the not great basement, everything else was wonderful! I’m a passport holder and frequent visitor and this property feels like it has the richest history and spooky/haunted vibes for sure! The property was built in 1922 as a Free Mason retirement home. There was also a children’s orphanage on site. Just don’t book the basement rooms!!!"
Payton Clements
"The Grand Lodge is one of the most peaceful Mcmenamins. It is surrounded by nature which gives it a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The third floor is truly special, the deep blue walls and starry ceiling make you feel like you've stepped into another world. Throughout the building there are many unique and beautifully designed side rooms, with tables and chairs, couches and fireplaces. I recommend highly."
Kristin Elizabeth
"I went today for Oktoberfest with my mom. The grounds are beautiful and the music was good. But this whole Oktoberfest was a money grab. Their website said “deals on drinks” the draft beer was at least $13. my mom was excited to try different drinks but she is gluten free and they didn’t have any gluten free mixed drinks outside so we went into bobs bar in the basement to get her a nicer gluten free drink but she was asking for guidance on what to order and the bar tender had the opportunity to give us a great experience and chose instead to be aggressive towards my mom. She poured her a mid grapefruit drink, we walked back outside to collect out stamps and the hostess accused my mom of stealing their stamps bad vibes aggressive staff."
Anna Marshall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The McMenamins Grand Lodge is located in Forest Grove, about a 45-minute to an hour's drive from Portland, depending on traffic. While public transport options are limited, driving is the most convenient way to reach the lodge. Consider ride-sharing services if you prefer not to drive.
The lodge is situated in a more secluded area surrounded by nature, so it's recommended to use GPS or a reliable map application to navigate there.
Yes, ample parking is available for guests at the McMenamins Grand Lodge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds and common areas of the McMenamins Grand Lodge is generally free for guests exploring. However, specific events like Oktoberfest may require tickets or have admission fees.
The lodge itself is a hotel, so it's accessible for guests staying overnight. Bars, restaurants, and the theater have their own operating hours, which can vary. It's best to check the official McMenamins Grand Lodge website for the most up-to-date information on hours for specific amenities.
Yes, you can book rooms directly through the McMenamins website or through various online travel agencies. Be sure to specify your preferred floor or room type when booking.
McMenamins Grand Lodge often hosts events, including concerts, holiday celebrations, and themed parties. Check their events calendar for upcoming happenings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the soaking pool, catch a movie in the theater, dine at the restaurant, have drinks at the bars, explore the art-filled rooms, and relax on the beautiful grounds.
Many visitors report a spooky or haunted vibe due to the lodge's history as a former Masonic retirement home and orphanage.
The lodge is filled with unique, eclectic art created by local artists, adding to its distinctive atmosphere.
The soaking pool is typically available for hotel guests. It's advisable to confirm access policies with the lodge directly.
The Doctor's Office is a bar located in the basement of the Grand Lodge, known for being open late and potentially causing noise disturbances for nearby basement rooms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Grand Lodge features the Ironwork Grill for full-service dining and several bars offering drinks and lighter fare. Room service is also available for hotel guests.
Yes, the Ironwork Grill is the main restaurant at the McMenamins Grand Lodge, offering a diverse menu.
While some gluten-free options may be available, it's best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about specific dietary needs, as experiences can vary.
McMenamins often has happy hour specials at their bars. Check the lodge's website or ask staff for current happy hour times and offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The third floor with its starry ceiling, the art-filled common areas, the exterior architecture, and the surrounding natural landscape offer excellent photo opportunities. +1
Photography policies in the theater may vary depending on whether a movie is playing or if there's a special event. It's best to check with staff before taking extensive photos.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, professional photography or filming may require special permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet-Friendly Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rich History of the Grand Lodge
McMenamins has masterfully integrated art and quirky design throughout the property, transforming historical spaces into vibrant, engaging environments. From the third floor's celestial ceiling to the numerous themed sitting rooms, there's always something visually stimulating to discover. This commitment to preserving history while infusing it with creativity is a hallmark of the McMenamins brand and is particularly evident at the Grand Lodge.
Navigating Your Stay: Rooms and Amenities
For a more comfortable and peaceful stay, prioritize booking rooms on the upper floors. Guests have noted a significant improvement in ambiance and quietude when moved from the basement to higher levels.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit