Van Ness

Let me start this review by saying that if I could go back in time, I would have chosen to spend my two years in Boston elsewhere. Boston has wonderful locations like Somerville, Seaport, North End etc, that have similarly or lower priced apartments, surrounded by great day and night life, beautiful views and more. Boylston street, on the other hand, is noisy, busy, crowded and way over-priced for what it has to offer. As my elderly neighbour described "it's a zoo out there".
One particular… front desk manager (S) is quite picky, unlike the other staff, and a little intrusive. Every interaction was quite uncomfortable and little things were made to be dramatic and problematic. Furthermore, if you have friends or guests over (which I only had a handful of times) it was always a problem for me to get them upstairs (regardless of following Van Ness guest protocol). Once I was on a trip and booked cat sitting services (I informed the front desk by email, phone and updated the system). The front desk did not allow my cat sitter upstairs. Only when I had regained cellular service was I informed, which means I can never go on trips and relax again. Several times I had family members send packages to my address which were sent back because the box wasn't in my name. I found that to be quite inconvenient.

Finally, I echo a fellow reviewer's sentiments that prices for these apartments are way too high and Samuel & Associates are "money grubbing". I wanted to stay in my apartment as I was too nervous to move, so I agreed to sign a renewal. I had assumed the rent would be approximately the same and did not get back to the USA to sign the lease until past the 60 days notice date. To my surprise, the rental price had tripled. After I refused that price and a battle of wills ensued, they were able to bring down the price to what was listed on the website - still a 50% increase in rent. They do not care if you are a loyal resident, they just care about the money.

Is Van Ness the worse place to live? No. But for the price your paying here, you could get fantastic amenities, unparalleled services and a better apartment with a kinder landlord elsewhere. I am moving to a new apartment building and neighborhood soon and I can't wait. After speaking with the residents there, they were shocked about my experiences in Van Ness and have never experienced that with their building management. Read More