Casa de Manana Retirement Community

My parents lived here for 8 years. It is like living on a cruise ship full-​time, seriously. It’s right across from La Jolla Cove, the views of the ocean from the dining room and some of the apartments are spectacular. There’s a swimming pool, the food is excellent, and there are daily activities ranging from trips to the symphony to in-​house lectures and movies, and even a little chapel for Sunday services or just because you need a place to pray. My folks started out in a «cottage» that was 2 BR and 1,000 square feet with an ocean view. Then after my dad died, my mom moved into the main building, into a smaller apt. that was nicer than anything I ever lived in. There are 2 reasons I didn’t give this 5 stars: 1) It’s expensive, about $ 5,000 a month (but you get what you pay for, right?), and 2) as my mom started having difficulties with her vision and memory, the staff was not helpful; in fact, it was like they were pushing her out the door because god forbid they should have to help an old lady who can’t find her way back to her apartment or unlock her own door. This is not assisted living, and once you start showing signs of getting really old, they not so subtly show you the door.

Casa de Mañana has been the best experience I ever could have hoped for. My parents have a real life there. The staff is wonderful: kind, patient, and friendly. The critical review I read on this site is truly bizarre. There is no snobbery.