Overall sentiment: The Merion receives predominantly positive feedback across many dimensions, with reviewers repeatedly praising its attractive, hotel-like setting, cleanliness, attentive staff, excellent dining, and lively activity program. Many reviewers express high satisfaction with the everyday lived experience — from tasteful décor and immaculate common spaces to staff members who learn residents’ names and provide hands-on assistance. The location in downtown Evanston close to Lake Michigan, shopping and medical facilities is a frequent selling point, as are on-site amenities such as a pool, gym, library, terrace, piano/bar lounge, and shuttle/daily bus service.
Care quality and staff: Reviews emphasize a strong caregiving culture. Staff are described as warm, empathetic, dignified and respectful, and reviewers often single out specific staff members and dining managers (Alberto and Dennis) for praise. Many accounts highlight helpfulness during move-in, responsive maintenance, daily housekeeping, and staff dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (including a high level of resident and staff vaccination). The presence of on-site healthcare and 24-hour nursing is viewed positively because it enables aging in place. However, there are notable and serious exceptions: several reviewers reported failures with outsourced medication administration and outsourced nursing services that led to stress and medical incidents for residents. These incidents stand out as critical caveats to the generally positive assessments of care.
Facilities and apartments: The building’s conversion from an old hotel into a retirement community yields consistently high marks for aesthetics and upkeep. Many reviewers call the suites luxury-like, elegant and well-kept; the newer section is praised as modern and spacious. At the same time, some units — especially older furnished apartments — are described as small with limited kitchen counter space and smaller appliances. Construction and remodeling activity was mentioned in some reviews, as were differences in pricing and features between the new wing and older units. Housekeeping and cleanliness are repeatedly commended.
Dining and food service: Dining is a standout strength. Multiple reviewers describe the food as consistently amazing — flavorful, well-presented and varied. There are numerous menu options, dietary accommodations, and special events (e.g., lobster night, Mother’s Day brunch, live music during meals). Several staff and managers in food & beverage receive explicit praise for attentiveness and responsiveness. A few operational issues were raised: some specials run out early (reported at 6 PM), and in a few cases reviewers noted extra meal charges or stipends that complicate perceived inclusivity of dining. Overall, dining is one of the most frequently cited positive aspects.
Activities and social life: The Merion offers a robust calendar of activities — live classical and popular music, Tai Chi, lectures, outings, happy hour, educational classes (including offerings tied to Northwestern), and a vibrant entertainment schedule. Residents report a strong sense of community, regular social opportunities, and staff who facilitate engagement. This active programming contributes to high resident satisfaction and the perception that residents are kept busy, well-fed, and entertained.
Location and amenities: The central, walkable downtown location near Lake Michigan, shops, restaurants and medical facilities is repeatedly praised. Amenities such as a new salt-water pool with handicap access, terrace, workout room, library, and social spaces are valued. Shuttle service and daily buses for outings add convenience and reduce the need for a car, which several reviewers note as a financial and lifestyle benefit.
Management, pricing and concerns: While many reviewers applaud the executive and administrative staff for excellent tours and responsiveness, management receives mixed to negative commentary in other threads. Issues include unresponsive marketing contacts, inconsistent follow-up, and a perception of poor management or ownership behavior in some cases. Workplace culture concerns and recommendations against employment were reported by some reviewers. Pricing is a major recurring theme: many find The Merion expensive, cite high monthly fees, note a 10% rent increase example, and some believe the value does not justify the cost. Additional concerns include limits to continuing care and end-of-life escalation, which prospective residents and families should clarify — several reviews explicitly say the facility limits escalation of care to end-of-life. A few reviews also flagged occasional intimidating behavior by certain supervisors and at least one family’s concern about possible abuse, suggesting that interpersonal dynamics can vary and deserve attention during visits.
Patterns and recommendations: The dominant pattern is overwhelmingly favorable — exceptional dining, engaged staff, attractive facilities, and a lively activity program create a high quality of life for most residents. That said, potential residents and families should investigate three key areas before committing: (1) the specifics of clinical services and medication administration (confirm which nursing and medication services are in-house versus outsourced, and request safety/incident records), (2) exact contract terms around rate increases and what services are included versus extra-fee items (meal stipends, specials availability, housekeeping scope), and (3) the limits of continuing care or end-of-life services if long-term care progression is a concern. Also consider unit size differences between older and newer wings and confirm any ongoing construction timelines. Finally, if workplace culture or management responsiveness is a priority, speak directly with current residents and staff during a tour to get up-to-date perspectives.
Bottom line: The Merion is frequently described as a beautiful, hotel-like senior living community with exceptional food, dedicated staff, abundant programming, and a desirable location. It offers strong everyday quality of life and many amenities that support aging in place. Prospective residents value the care culture and social life but should weigh higher costs, potential rate increases, and confirm clinical/outsourced service arrangements and limits to escalation of care before deciding.
