Overall sentiment across the reviews is strongly positive around people, food, and the look and feel of the community, tempered by realistic concerns typical of a brand‑new facility. Reviewers consistently praise the staff as warm, caring, and professional; many single out specific employees and the management team for making residents and families feel welcome. The culinary program and dining room service receive frequent and enthusiastic mention: reviewers describe excellent meals, gracious servers, and a dining team that goes above and beyond (including special holiday meals and accommodations for dietary needs). The facility itself is repeatedly described as beautiful, bright, clean, and well designed, with appealing public spaces and natural light.
Staff quality and culture are the most frequently noted strengths. Multiple reviews emphasize that staff seem to enjoy their jobs, provide personalized attention, and create a family‑like atmosphere; names such as Woody, Kristen, Kylie, Arwen (and others) are specifically praised for frontline responsiveness and compassion. Management is credited with smooth daily operations in many accounts, and staff willingness to help in unusual situations (for example, during a snowstorm or to assist with transportation) is frequently highlighted. Activities staff are also lauded for offering a wide range of programs that appeal to residents: swimming, water aerobics, bingo, music, library time, and social events are all mentioned as positive aspects that enhance quality of life.
Dining and food service emerge as a central selling point but also as an area showing strain. While the culinary department and dining-room servers receive repeated high marks for taste, presentation, and accommodating special meals (Thanksgiving was called out), there are reports of kitchen staffing and retention challenges. Some reviewers note that meals were not delivered as promised at times and that the kitchen is actively hiring/adjusting. These comments indicate growing pains: reviewers remain optimistic about improvements but advise prospective residents to sample the food and observe meal-service reliability before committing.
The property and amenities are largely seen as excellent — new construction, attractive apartments, pleasant dining areas, and fitness/rec room/library resources. That said, there are practical and structural concerns prospective residents should evaluate closely. Studio apartments are described as compact with only a room and bathroom and limited kitchenette features (sink, microwave, small refrigerator) which may not meet everyone's needs. Some reviewers note healthcare and building issues that need attention, and because construction was still ongoing for future assisted living and memory care, parts of the campus and services are not yet fully established. Accessibility and support for sensory-impaired residents came up: one family reported insufficient assistance for a hearing‑impaired resident (lack of closed‑caption TV), and there are comments urging verification of service-call response times.
Cost and policy are important practical limitations: multiple reviewers describe the community as more expensive than local alternatives and note that it does not accept Medicaid, which will be a decisive factor for many families. Beyond price, the reviews include a helpful pre‑move checklist compiled by families and visitors: verify Wi‑Fi and A/C performance, bathroom fans, ice maker, oven vent/fan/light, door locks and window operation, trash collection, meal scheduling/routines, and availability of pet‑related services. Several reviewers also advise attending events for potential residents to assess whether the programming will satisfy a loved one’s interests and to watch how staff respond to service calls and everyday needs.
In conclusion, The Crestone Senior Living presents as an attractive, people‑oriented community with standout dining and a committed staff culture — strong reasons why many say they were happy to move in and excited about the community. However, because it is new and still staffing up, there are practical shortcomings and service variability to be aware of (kitchen retention, incomplete services, smaller studio units, and some building/healthcare issues). Prospective residents should weigh the higher cost and lack of Medicaid acceptance against the reported quality of care and community life, and conduct focused checks and trials (meal tasting, event attendance, verification of utilities and safety features) before making a decision.
