Anonymous
Independent LivingResident/client
October 17, 2024
Review for The Merion
Come and join us. We picked this community because of the level of activities, friendliness, location in downtown Evanston.
1611 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201


Anonymous
Loved one of resident/client
The Merion review
5 for questions 1-6. The facility is ALWAYS immaculate! They raised the rent 10% in the second year. That seems very high for a senior independent living!!! The staff is sooo helpful and caring. The outstanding staff members are: [name removed], [name removed] from sales, [name removed] and the two other ladies at the front desk, and from the restaurant, [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed]and both managers, [name removed]and [name removed]!!! The food quality, taste and presentation is really outstanding. The only issue is that for certain specials, if you sit down at 6PM, they run out of the specials.
Read all reviewsThe Merion
Just minutes from downtown Chicago and mere blocks from Lake Michigan’s north shore, the Merion is a historic 1919 Evanston icon. The beautifully restored Tudor Revival-style hotel offers classy modern decor and luxurious apartments, from studio to penthouse.
The community life of Merion is an active and vibrant one, with daily fine dining prepared to order by an unmatched culinary team. The Merion contains several beautiful eating venues, including an elegant dining room, multiple lounges, and a rooftop terrace. The Merion partners with Northwestern University to offer lifelong learning opportunities. Residents can participate in writing and literary workshops, computer classes, current events discussions, multicultural programs, and more. Among the Merion’s world-class amenities are an indoor saltwater pool, a bakery and ice cream parlor, a fitness center, a hair salon, and a library complete with a fireplace. Cats and dogs are welcome.
The community offers a rich and carefree retirement, with housekeeping and maintenance services, as well as on-site aging in place care as needed. The Merion Health Services Alliance offers residents the best of specialty care, as directed by an individual customized care plan established by a professional Care Coordinator. The Merion has a private memory care sector for residents in need...
The Merion
Total monthly costs depend on room type, select services, and the level of care needed
Contact a local advisor
Get a quote from your local advisor*Prices quoted are monthly rental charges and are provided by the communities themselves. Actual prices may differ due to one-time fees, timing and care services required. Speak with your Senior Living Advisor to learn more.
for The Merion
A Place for Mom has scored The Merion with 8.9 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 0 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, The Merion has 32 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.5 out of 5.
Anonymous
Independent LivingResident/client
October 17, 2024
Come and join us. We picked this community because of the level of activities, friendliness, location in downtown Evanston.
Anonymous
Independent LivingFamily/friend
July 29, 2024
5 for questions 1-6. The facility is ALWAYS immaculate! They raised the rent 10% in the second year. That seems very high for a senior independent living!!! The staff is sooo helpful and caring. The outstanding staff members are: [name removed], [name removed] from sales, [name removed] and the two other ladies at the front desk, and from the restaurant, [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed]and both managers, [name removed]and [name removed]!!! The food quality, taste and presentation is really outstanding. The only issue is that for certain specials, if you sit down at 6PM, they run out of the specials.
Anonymous
Independent LivingFamily/friend
April 4, 2024
The Merion was great [name removed]moved out unfortunately . Theresa service they had outsourced to administer medication was not properly giving him his medication and he was stressed out and seizing. He hasn't had a seizure since he moved . The facility was amazing however;I would recommend the Merion but not the outside nursing service.
Lisa
Independent LivingFamily/friend
October 27, 2023
I would rate the Merion on all of the above classifications as a 5! The only thing I think is a bit expensive is the cost of food and alcoholic drinks. Overall, the staff is genuinely caring and helpful. The cleanliness is fabulous. I've visited other senior facilities, even more expensive ones, and there was an underlying smell of urine. I would HIGHLY recommend the Merion!!! There is a nice age diversity and a smaller diverse population. I'd like to see more ethnic, & color diversity, but my uncle is very happy in this community! [name removed] and [name removed] was wonderful with his assistance!!! Walk to the grocery store, restaurants and tons of shopping options too
LAURA HAMM
Independent LivingFamily/friend
December 31, 2022
The experience I have had at the Merion has been fantastic. I enjoy the adversity of the residents here. The programs are very good and listed on an activities board near the dining room. The engineers and those who fix things around the building are great. When you ask them to do something it gets done. The kitchen staff and servers are very nice people, and they have good food. One of the greatest group of people that are really good is the executive staff; [name removed], [name removed], [name removed]and so many others. They have a wellness program and many other medical services that they either provide for the residents or contract out for.
Chris C
Independent LivingFamily/friend
December 30, 2022
I helped my parents move to The Merion 6 months ago. I (and they) have been very impressed by the quality of the living experience there. The staff are friendly and kind, the facility sparkles, the food options are outstanding, and there are programming opportunities daily for any who want to partake. The location in downtown Evanston offers lots of walking opportunities as well (weather permitting...) All in all, a wonderful find.
David Jacobs
Independent LivingResident/client
December 27, 2022
Good employees! Good food . Good musicians every week. Good movies. Good for everything! The Staff is organized to carefully help people who live here and the staff is excellent in this area! So There!
Nani B
Independent LivingResident/client
December 22, 2022
I am a people lover, and I am glad I am living here, because at some other places I looked into people are high-brow, high-nose, arrogant, letting you know they are wealthier and for that reason better than you, and/or they simply are loners mired in their bitter thoughts. Nothing like that here - friendly residents, sweet young kitchen waitresses, smiley cleaning ladies, friendly management. Bottom line: If there is a better place, why am I here?
Monica
Independent LivingFamily/friend
February 25, 2022
It's a place where you really don't have to worry about your loved one. Peace of mind is priceless.
anonymous
Independent LivingToured community
February 18, 2022
We had a very nice tour experience with The Merion, but we were looking for some place that offered a little more independence. We also could not get a good feel for the average age of residents who lived here.
AS
Independent LivingToured community
August 17, 2021
Our family was able to have an in person tour and the tour experience was great, even though they still had some small covid restrictions. However, we did not see a lot of people out and about. The apartment windows were smaller so it kind of looked like your living in a cave. The kitchens were much smaller, and with smaller appliances and not to much counter space. It was also much more expensive.
Brooks C
Independent LivingFamily/friend
March 30, 2021
A "must-see" for anyone seeking a new residence for a loved one (or themselves!). The facilities are immaculate and well maintained. The food is incredible, and the F&B staff friendly and always accommodating. In fact, the entire staff is exceptional. They've managed the COVID era expertly, adapting food service and housekeeping to the times, organizing vaccinations for all residents and staff (100% of whom have received shots). Activities are varied and frequent. Apartments are spacious, up-to-date, and well-designed. Healthcare on-site allows for reliable "aging in place". My father is extremely happy here.
William J
Independent LivingFamily/friend
January 18, 2021
The building staff is nice. But don't be fooled by that. The company that own the property is terrible, bad at resolving issues, and quick to engage in unethical/illegal practices to make a few extra bucks. Save yourself some grief and look elsewhere.
Anonymous
Independent LivingResident/client
January 6, 2021
The community is in a great location, the apt sizes are good and they offer several different sized apts. I would recommend the community to others.
Anonymous
Independent LivingResident/client
September 26, 2020
Since we were moving in without personally seeing the facility, [name removed] was excellent in touring my daughter and allowing my grandson to video tape the available apartment's so we could make an informed choice. [name removed] also was excellent in responding to any queries and guiding us through the process. [name removed] was very helpful with helping our daughter get the room set up for our arrival as well as when the shipped items arrived.We were without our shipped items for two weeks. Without [name removed] help we would have been totally lost. Since moving in, all the staff have very helpful and gracious. [name removed] has checked on us several times to be sure we have settled in comfortably. The food has been excellent and the help [name removed] gave us hanging our art work made the apartment feel like home.
Anonymous
Independent LivingToured community
September 22, 2020
I have been interested in the Merion becuase it stresses independent living for senior. I am still actice and healthy and wanted to live in a senior community in the smae city in which I have lived since 1965. Im made a great choice!!!
Barbara Gerrish
Independent LivingResident/client
June 16, 2020
With great enthusiasm, I applaud every aspect of living at The Merion. It is a privilege! Prior to the COVID-19, the staff and all whom work so diligently to make the residents well -fed, entertained, and pampered were extraordinary. And during the stress of the pandemic, they have continued to meet this high bar. Thank you to all of you—
Rachel Silverman
Independent LivingResident/client
May 30, 2020
Love living at The Merion! I moved into a one-bedroom apt. from a 3 bedroom house in October 2019 and was greeted very warmly by residents and staff. The programs we have here are excellent and varied - even during this time when many are presented on the community T.V. channel
Anonymous
Independent LivingResident/client
May 30, 2020
The staff is doing the best it can under the circumstances for the well-being of the residents.
Delores Erlebacher
Independent LivingResident/client
May 23, 2020
Enjoy the friendliness of the community. The location is outstanding. Love being so close to the lakefront. Can walk to whatever I need - groceries, restaurants, movies, doctors, bakery.
The Merion
The features and amenities that are displayed on this page contain marketing information provided by the community. A Place for Mom has not confirmed the completeness of the provided information, and cannot guarantee its accuracy. If you become aware of any information that should be updated or noted, please contact A Place for Mom. A Place for Mom uses the term “assisted living” to indicate that the community provides some level of assistance with daily living activities. It does not indicate that the facility meets official state requirements for level of care.