Overall sentiment across the reviews is strongly positive, with a very large proportion of reviewers praising the staff, the personal culture, and the breadth of services offered at Hillcrest Royale Retirement. The most consistent theme is the quality of the people who work there: reviewers repeatedly describe staff as kind, attentive, long-tenured, and family-like. Many reviews note individualized, compassionate care — staff knowing residents by name, going above and beyond (painting walls, installing kitchettes, offering hugs), and providing effective hands-on help such as medication management, dressing assistance, and support through transitions. Several reviewers explicitly said family members feel relief and peace of mind after choosing Hillcrest Royale, and many recommend the community to others because of the staff and care.
Activities and engagement are another strong positive. There is frequent mention of a full, daily activities calendar that includes exercise classes, music, bingo, arts & crafts, brain games, live singers, movie nights in an on-site theater, beauty salon services, and regular outings (including a restaurant outing about every three weeks) with shuttle service. Many residents appear happy and socially engaged; the community is described as vibrant and involving. Reviewers note both passive and active options for residents, and multiple accounts praise the entertainment and opportunities for socialization and fitness.
Dining and household services receive generally favorable mentions: most reviews praise the food, noting three meals a day plus snacks, customizable options, posted menus, and multiple food choices. Some reviewers specifically compliment the dining rooms (two dining halls with linen tablecloths). Additional conveniences called out include in-unit kitchenettes with refrigerator and sink, laundry service, sizeable closets, balconies with views, and a hotel-like apartment feel in many units. Staff-assisted move-ins and proactive follow-up from administration are highlighted as positive operational aspects.
However, a number of consistent concerns appear across reviews. Cost is a recurring issue: several reviewers characterize Hillcrest Royale as slightly higher priced or expensive, with at least a few noting price discrepancies and limited willingness to negotiate. Financial transparency during tours was mentioned as lacking by some. The physical plant is described as older or dated in multiple reviews — many note renovations are underway but other comments call parts of the building run down, with small showers in some units and at least one report of an unreliable elevator. A handful of reviewers described the facility as not the right fit for those seeking independence or a different level of services, suggesting the population skews older or more dependent in some wings.
There are a few isolated but notable negative issues: occasional dissatisfaction with meal quality from some reviewers (contrasting with many positive meal comments), sporadic reports of unfriendly or rude front-desk interaction, and at least one reviewer who found the tour experience insufficient or "dry." Location is a benefit for many (close to an outdoor mall) but inconvenient for others who live out of the area. While most reviewers praise the activities program, several asked for more variety and diversity in programming — a sign that while quantity of activities is high, offerings may feel repetitive to some residents.
In summary, Hillcrest Royale Retirement presents as a well-staffed, family-owned community that excels at personal attention, warmth, and resident engagement. Its strongest assets are its caring, long-tenured team, robust activity schedule, and the comforting, apartment-like living experience that many families find reassuring. The most important tradeoffs to weigh are cost and the age of the building: potential residents and families should expect a generally older/dated physical facility with some areas being renovated, potentially higher pricing with limited flexibility, and the occasional operational hiccup (e.g., elevator). Those priorities aside, the dominant reviewer impression is highly favorable — especially around staff quality, individualized care, and overall resident happiness — making Hillcrest Royale a recommended choice for families who value personal attention and active programming, while being mindful to confirm pricing and unit condition during the tour.
