Overall sentiment in the reviews is mixed but leans positive about the physical property, amenities, and activity programming while raising consistent concerns about staffing, communication, cost, and some aspects of care. Many reviewers emphasize that Merrill Gardens at Burien is a new, clean, well-appointed community with attractive common areas, modern units, and a variety of on-site amenities. Positive comments frequently reference restaurant-style dining (including a visible kitchen/chef and bar), multiple amenity spaces such as a library, theater, salon, fitness center, and pleasant outdoor spaces with garden/picnic areas. The community appears popular—several reviewers note waiting lists—and the location is repeatedly praised for walkability to downtown Burien, farmers market, shops, grocery stores, and drugstores.
Facilities and unit mix are consistently praised. Reviewers report a broad selection of floor plans from studios to large two-bedroom apartments, many units with kitchenettes, and some with washer/dryer in the unit. The building is often described as brand new or freshly maintained, with tidy grounds and well-kept interiors. Memory care and age-in-place services are available; reviewers mention visiting doctors (twice monthly in at least one review) and that the community can arrange home health or hospice services when needed. Community relations and move-in support receive favorable mentions—staff in those roles were described as making moves seamless and reassuring families.
Dining and food impressions are a notable area of split opinion. Several reviewers praise the restaurant-style dining, varied menu options, visible cooking/drink bar, and portions, with some calling lunch "very nice" or "great." Others describe the meals as merely "average" or even "terrible," indicating inconsistency or subjective differences in expectations. The presence of an award-winning chef or chef-led dining was mentioned positively by some reviewers, while at least one comment emphasized that the community felt too expensive for the perceived food quality.
Activities and social programming are another strong, commonly-cited strength. Reviews highlight an extensive slate of daily activities—arts and crafts, exercise classes (yoga, Zumba), concerts (e.g., marimba/steel band), farmer’s market outings, movies, social hours, and off-campus trips via the community van. Residents are described as active and engaged, and the community organizes family-friendly events. Multiple reviewers specifically noted an energetic activity director and frequent social opportunities, contributing to an overall sense of a lively community.
Staffing, care quality, and interpersonal issues are where the reviews most often diverge and where concerns cluster. Many reviews praise individual staff members—tour guides, community relations directors, and a resident care manager receive strong positive remarks for being friendly, caring, and helpful. However, an equal or larger number of reviews call out staff as unfriendly, over-worked, aloof, or inconsistent. Several reviewers report short-staffing that forces remaining staff to "pitch in," and others expressed concern about caregiver training adequacy. There are repeated, specific serious complaints about the handling of resident deaths—described as insensitive, poorly communicated, or lacking sympathy—which has left several families dissatisfied. Communication shortcomings extend beyond grief situations: families reported poor notification, package mishandling (a package or ring held for a week), and privacy lapses (new resident’s name displayed on a door and a welcome packet left on an exposed bed). These operational and communication failures are prominent negative themes and have led some reviewers to recommend touring other communities.
Management, policies, and perception of corporate priorities also appear as recurring themes. A subset of reviewers perceive the community as profit-driven, expressing concerns that cost-cutting or corporate priorities may undermine individualized care. COVID-related policies and how they were communicated drew criticism in at least one review—families felt information about vaccine risks and masking requirements was inadequately or coercively conveyed. Several reviewers described occasional institutional characteristics (strong disinfectant or alcohol odor, an "institutional feel") that contrasted with the otherwise modern, residential design.
Price and value for money are consistent considerations. Multiple reviews call the community "expensive" or have concerns about high rents and affordability, with some noting luxury donors helping sustain the facility. At least one reviewer directly questioned whether the offerings (especially food and some staff interactions) justified the cost. For prospective residents weighing price vs. amenities, these comments suggest close scrutiny of contract terms, monthly fees, what services are included, and potential fee escalations is advisable.
Location and fit vary by reviewer. Many praise the downtown Burien location and proximity to shops, farmers market, and public amenities—helpful for families and independent residents. Yet, several reviewers noted the site was not convenient for their particular family or that the facility’s layout required too much walking for residents with limited mobility. Others said the community simply wasn’t the right personal fit despite being impressed by the tour and facilities.
In summary, Merrill Gardens at Burien is widely recognized for clean, modern facilities, robust amenities, and lively activity programming in a desirable downtown location. Strengths include restaurant-style dining options, a broad range of amenity spaces, age-in-place capabilities, and energetic social programming. The most significant and repeated concerns involve staff consistency and training, communication and operational lapses (including handling of sensitive events and packages), perceived corporate or profit-driven priorities, and cost/value issues. These patterns suggest the community will be an excellent fit for many seniors who prioritize new facilities, a busy social calendar, and central location—but families should pay close attention during tours to staffing levels, sample meals, management communication practices, policies around critical incidents (illness/death/visitation), and total costs to determine whether Merrill Gardens at Burien aligns with their expectations and care needs.
