A Disappointing Experience at Alcove Apartments
My experience as a resident at Alcove Apartments has been nothing short of a nightmare. Despite some positive aspects, such as the new facility and the diligent front desk team, my overall experience has been marred by a multitude of issues. Here's an honest review of my stay:
Pros:
New Facility: The Alcove Apartments are indeed new and aesthetically pleasing. The modern design and initial impression of the facility are promising.
Amenities: The complex offers a range of amenities, which, in theory, are attractive to residents.
Front Desk Staff: The front desk staff is super compassionate and helpful. They try their best to assist residents.
Cons:
Construction Noise: The construction noise from this building is unbearable. It starts as early as 4 am and continues for months, often sounding like someone is hammering directly above your head if you are in lower floors facing west. For those who work from home, this makes living here nearly impossible.
WiFi Issues: The prewired vendor-provided WiFi has been non-functional since my move-in. Despite the vendor stating that we need to replace the modem, no action has been taken. I've made repeated complaints to the general manager, but the issue remains unresolved since June, with nothing but excuses and apologies offered for dropping the ball. The GM stated she would issue a refund; however, I haven't seen the credit on my account to this day.
Sewage / smoke Smell: I endured a sewage/ sulfur smell in my unit for over a month. The situation was not addressed until it became unbearable to stay in the apartment.
Utility Costs: The utility bills are exorbitant, amounting to $600+ per month for a two-bedroom apartment occupied by a single person. The explanation that it was due to floor heating, which should have been turned off. We are working with the utility company for an updated bill. However, there has been no resolution despite nearly two months of follow-up with the GM and reciving late fee on updated bill that I am disputing.
Unauthorized Access: The management entered my unit without my permission for non-emergency work order they created to gain access while I was out of town. Despite raising the issue, there has been no satisfactory explanation for violating my privacy.
Rent Overbilling: The management overcharged my rent twice, claiming they hadn't received my payment, even though I provided proof of payment at the beginning of the month. It took additional follow-up on my end to get a promise of a refund that has yet to materialize.
Inconsistent Specials: Alcove Apartments do not advertise their concessions or specials on their website, offering different amounts to different residents that moved the same month. This lack of transparency is concerning and a fair housing violation. You need to ask before you sign lease to make sure you have updated special of the day you sign your lease.
In summary, my experience at Alcove Apartments has been a nightmarish ordeal in just 4 month of living, characterized by unbearable construction noise, non-functional WiFi, utility bill discrepancies, unauthorized access to my unit and many more. The lack of follow-through from site management and failure to address these issues is incredibly frustrating. I am left with no choice but to break my lease after investing significant time and money moving, which failed to live up to its standards. I hope this review serves as a warning to potential tenants and prompts upper management to reach out to me before I take a different route to...
Read moreDO NOT USE VALET PARKING
My experience here with the valet parking has been crazy. I dropped my car off in perfect condition one night. The next day when I went to go pick up the car my windshield was shattered. The valet was able to confirm that when I dropped it off to him it was in perfect condition. However they're attempting to not claim coverage because “it could've been the temperature” and “theres not enough distance for the car to get up to speed for it to he their fault.” The manager told me that it could've been the temperature change that caused it and its 70 degrees out.
I went and got the glass fixed. The glass guy told me (unprompted) there was no possible way it could've been a temperature break, and pointed out clear indentations where something must've hit the windshield. So idk if it got taken for a joyride at night or what but they definitely cracked it.
I stupidly, continued to use the valet parking. A few weeks later right in front of me they pulled the car up against the curb and scraped the side of my car. I was able to witness this time and the valet submitted pictures and admitted fault to the manager. I found out today it was the valets second time scraping a car in 2 weeks of working there. He’s still working there today. I’ve been told there is an insurance claim being filed. But they told me it would be 2-3 business days and I would hear something back from them. Its been 3 weeks, no update from them. I have tried to follow up with the managers multiple times. They apparently don't even know the name of the insurance company and “cant do anything.”
After talking to a couple other residents, i’ve heard reports of other residents cars being taken out at night. I wish I had done a little more research before giving up my car to them. I have begun the process of taking them to small claims court. If you’re reading this I highly advise to not use the...
Read moreMy experience at Alcove so far has been wonderful. Very well polished community. The management, concierge, security, maintenance, and valet are all wonderful people, and add a special touch to the experience. I've noticed public spaces are kept ridiculously clean and polished. The elevators are FAST and only take residents to the floors they are authorized to goto.
The units are ACTUALLY luxurious -- everything is high end; convection oven, stupidly fancy microwave, Miele washer/dryer, pocket doors, smart home tech that actually makes sense, and some units have heated floors.
Parking is in a neighboring building though, but the rates are reasonable for downtown. If you can splurge, the valet option is super worth it, in my opinion. Very responsive, nice, and responsible team and I have no problems trusting them with my car.
There are comments about construction, but I don't hear any -- although, my floor is completely built out and high up. I may just not be a victim to that, but there is a lease addendum that you have to sign mentioning the impact of construction and construction noise. At this point, I think the building is built out, but if you are worried about outdoor noise, floors 20+ at least are dead silent even with the trains and...
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