Overall sentiment across the reviews is mixed but leans positive regarding the physical suites, dining, and many staff members. Multiple reviewers emphasize that the apartments are spacious and well-sized, the building is attractive and well-maintained, and suites are generally clean. Several comments highlight a welcoming, home-like atmosphere and describe staff as attentive, caring, and willing to go above and beyond. The dining program receives consistently positive mentions: reviewers cite generous portions, quality food, three meals a day, and an appealing dining area.
Staff and care quality are recurring themes with both strong praise and serious concerns. Numerous reviews describe staff (including CNAs) as super nice, caring, and attentive — contributing to residents feeling well looked after. At the same time, several reviewers report operational problems: front-desk responsiveness is inconsistent (some say the front desk is friendly; others say it rarely answers), and there are specific complaints about short staffing and care gaps. Notably, one review reports delayed assistance after a fall, which raises safety concerns. Another comment mentions lack of door/phone monitoring as an additional safety-related issue. The pattern suggests that while dedicated caregivers are present, staffing levels or shift coverage may sometimes be insufficient, especially during certain times or days.
Activities and housekeeping show variability across reviewers. Some residents praise creative, varied activities and an active social environment, whereas others say activities are limited or nearly non-existent. This contradiction suggests that programming may vary by unit, time period, or individual experiences. Housekeeping is similarly inconsistent: an optional cleaning service exists and some reviewers appreciate clean suites, but several comments report infrequent apartment cleaning. This inconsistency may reflect differing service packages or irregular scheduling.
Operational and management issues surface in multiple reviews. One reviewer mentioned a wrong delivery that was acknowledged by staff and remedied with an apology and punch-card compensation, but the resident had to drive eight miles to return the item — an inconvenience that points to logistical friction. Other recurring operational complaints include access problems due to construction and a frequently full mailbox. Cost perceptions are mixed: one reviewer says the community is more affordable than alternatives, while another calls it high-priced. Finally, amenities beyond the apartments themselves are noted as limited by some reviewers, describing the facility as quaint but with fewer extras.
In summary, Suites of Ankeny appears to offer strong advantages in apartment size, upkeep, dining quality, and many compassionate staff members who create a welcoming environment. However, prospective residents and families should be aware of variability in front-desk responsiveness, housekeeping frequency, activity availability, and potential staffing shortfalls that have led to care gaps in some instances. Operational hiccups like delivery errors, construction-related access issues, and mailbox problems have been reported but are sometimes handled with apologies and compensation. The overall pattern suggests a community with many strengths that may require clarification on staffing levels, safety protocols, and service consistency before moving in.
