Overall sentiment across the reviews is positive, with consistent praise for the staff, care quality, dining, location and many of the building’s amenities. The strongest and most frequent theme is the quality of the people who work there: reviewers repeatedly describe compassionate, professional, and responsive staff — from front-desk personnel and aides to nurses and the executive team. Multiple comments emphasize that staff follow up on issues, provide medication reminders, help with doctor visits and hospital/rehab transitions, and go above and beyond when residents’ needs change. This contributes to a repeated sense of safety and peace of mind for families and residents.
Facilities and amenities receive generally favorable comments. Many reviewers highlight clean and well-maintained common spaces (fresh paint, clean rugs, updated furniture), pleasant-smelling and welcoming entry/common areas, and useful on-site amenities such as a beauty salon, library, café, and comfortable common rooms. Underground or garage parking is consistently noted as a convenience for both residents and visitors. A number of reviewers describe one-bedroom apartments as modern, sunny and comfortable with functional kitchenettes, and mention that units can feel almost brand new in certain parts of the building.
Dining is another strong theme: several reviews call the food "so good" and praise the dining room atmosphere. There are repeated notes that menus are available for residents and guests and that food quality has improved or is well-regarded by many families. The community’s events and social activities — including musical student concerts and a varied activity schedule — are appreciated by many reviewers, along with an attentive activities director who is cited as engaged and proactive.
Location is repeatedly described as a major asset. The downtown Boston setting is characterized as ideal and walkable, with convenient access to MBTA/Mass Ave, arts venues (music schools, Symphony Hall, Huntington Theater), shopping, and neighborhood amenities like coffee shops. Reviewers value being in a stimulating urban environment with cultural access and easy transportation.
Despite the many positives, there are notable and repeated concerns. Unit size is the single most common negative: many reviewers call rooms small with limited living space and small kitchenettes. Cost is also mentioned — a few reviews call prices high. There is variability in the physical condition of the facility: while many parts are described as fresh and updated, other reviewers report tired-looking units, worn furniture, and the aftereffects of past flood and fire repairs; one review even stated that some residents looked "homeless," indicating a sharp negative perception in that instance. This suggests inconsistent upkeep across different wings or units. Noise (specifically west-facing rooms) and the need for more activity training or programming sophistication are other concerns.
Activity programming is a mixed theme: several reviewers praise a varied schedule and an attentive activities director, but a smaller set of reviews call the activities poor or note that particular residents (or reviewers’ relatives) did not participate in field trips or events. This points to variability in engagement — the program may be strong overall but not equally appealing or accessible to every resident. Memory care is another area to watch: while many reviewers are pleased with care, a few families indicated their loved ones needed a higher level of memory support and had to move elsewhere, which suggests the community may be better suited for independent through assisted-living levels rather than advanced memory-care needs.
Management and administration receive largely positive notes for responsiveness and proactive community relations, with reviewers appreciating the ability to speak with someone and have issues resolved promptly. Several testimonials specifically recommend the community and emphasize the approachable leadership and staff. In summary, Susan S Bailis Assisted Living is frequently praised for its caring staff, good food, prime urban location and useful amenities. Prospective residents should weigh the strong people and service culture against smaller unit sizes, potentially high costs, and some variability in unit condition and activity engagement. For families prioritizing compassionate staff, downtown access, and a lively community with good dining, this facility scores highly; families needing larger living spaces, lower cost, or advanced memory care should inquire further and tour multiple unit types to confirm suitability.
