Overall sentiment across the reviews is mixed but highlights several consistent themes. Many reviewers praise the caregiving staff — describing them as attentive, kind, courteous, and helpful — and note that 24/7 assistance and nursing involvement are available. Several family members report that their loved ones feel comfortable and at home, that there is strong camaraderie among residents, and that caregivers provide both care and helpful literature/advice. These positive accounts are reinforced by descriptions of spacious apartments with private bathrooms and small kitchen areas, which several reviewers appreciated for privacy and livability.
At the same time, there is significant variability in how different reviewers experienced the facility. Some accounts describe the community as large, elegant, and very nice, with full kitchens and a fancy atmosphere, while others portray it as a small, familiar facility with homey charm. This split extends to cleanliness and décor: some reviewers report the place as very clean and welcoming, while others describe filthy floors, stained rooms, and décor that feels dated to the 1970s/80s and more like a nursing home. That inconsistency suggests that impressions may depend heavily on which building/wing or room a resident occupies or on differing expectations among visitors.
Dining and services are another area of mixed feedback. Multiple reviewers say meals are delicious and residents enjoy the food, while others explicitly say the food is not good. Several reviews note that meals may not be included in base rent and can require an additional fee — one positive review explicitly mentioned that meals were not supplied and must be paid for. Salon services are mentioned in the amenities list by some reviewers, but at least one visitor indicated the salon was not available. There is also a practical concern raised about telephone access: a lack of resident-accessible phones and worries about the cost of portable phones were cited.
Management and process issues appear as a notable negative theme. One reviewer described a long recruitment process, including a three-week wait and a last-minute denial of admission after an interview — an experience framed as poor communication and a lack of transparency. Other visitors reported unwelcoming staff at arrival or no greeting when touring, which contributes to perceptions of poor front-line management or inconsistent staff training in hospitality.
Safety and assisted-living alignment are mentioned by several reviewers. While many families felt reassured by the presence of nurses and 24/7 assistance, at least one visitor observed a confused resident wandering a hallway, raising concerns about supervision and whether the facility’s level of care matches how it is advertised. This is echoed by statements about misalignment with the advertised assisted-living offering.
Activities and social programming are frequently cited as strengths: reviewers mention outings, card games, a library, billiards, salon (when available), and an active social calendar that supports resident interaction. Location and convenience are also positive points in multiple reviews.
Costs and value show a split perspective. Some reviewers described pricing as very good and recommended the facility for certain seniors, while others warned that rent increases each year and that some services (notably meals) can add to monthly costs. Prospective residents should therefore verify exactly what is included in rent and what incurs additional fees.
In summary, Renaissance by Rennes — Wisconsin Rapids appears to offer strong, compassionate caregiving and a range of attractive apartment configurations and social activities that many residents and families appreciate. However, experiences vary: prospective residents should be aware of mixed reports on cleanliness and décor, the potential for additional charges (meals, phone), inconsistent hospitality at admission, and at least one serious-sounding concern about admission communications and waiting lists. A careful, in-person tour of the specific unit, a clear written list of included services and fees, and direct questions about staffing levels and supervision would be advisable for anyone considering this community. Overall, the community may be an excellent fit for seniors who prioritize spacious private apartments, active social life, and attentive caregivers, but families should do due diligence on cleanliness standards, management communication practices, and cost inclusions before committing.
