Fountaingrove Lodge

great staff, clean all around, great views, awesome food!

The decision to move to a retirement community can be very hard for parents. I began researching options for my mother last year after my father had a stroke. I must have visited and researched at least a dozen communities, but I knew when I toured Fountaingrove Lodge is was the right choice the moment I arrived.
The concierge was warm and welcoming, and the building is well cared for and feels like a resort with higher ceilings (even in the apartments) and beautiful architecture. The activities offered take full advantage of their prime location in Santa Rosa with Wine Country trips, beach trips, and even day trips into the city.
The move-​in process was a snap and the very thoughtful and capable coordinator. She is amazing at her job. She met with my mother and myself and helped us space plan the layout to include my mothers extensive antique collection, something that my mother feared she would have to give up when she downsized. This relieved a lot of anxiety my mom had about the process and set me at ease, knowing that we were in good hands. It only took two hours and we had a written plan ready to go!
After move-​in, I found the staff was incredibly sensitive and aware at assisting with the transition for my mom to their community. The new executive director is warm and caring, and really set my mom at ease.
My mom moved in early May and is now really settling into the Lodge. My children and I have dined with her a couple of times and the food and service is always fantastic. My kids beg to visit Grammy’s new home every chance they get because it so much fun and so close.
I really appreciate all the amenities at the Lodge and look forward to helping my mom take advantage of them. I also find they are very open to feedback on any issues we’ve had, and am sad that the other reviewer has found issues with the staff. I have not experienced this at all.

Luxury rates without luxury service. Visit the Fouintaingrove Lodge for one of their parties and it’s clear. The decorations are tacky, and it seems like there’s a flock of birds that has taken to making nests along the building. The artwork inside the building looks like it was picked out from the bargain bin. The building is a golf ball’s distance from the Fountaingrove Golf & Athletic club. A lovely course, but I wouldn’t want the constant flow of carts and people in my backyard. Especially if residents are forbidden from walking the grounds. From what I could tell the catering staff seems unrefined although the food ranges from mediocre to appetizing.
After discussing some issues with residents it seems like a big problem is noise in the building. Without proper insulation it would be similar to living in a homely apartment complex, and rest isn’t something I’m willing to give up any time soon. I also have an bigger dog whom I would never part with, and although it’s allowed I was told quietly it doesn’t always work out. With such close quarters I would hate to have issues with neighbors.
The views can be amazing, depending on where you are in the grounds. It took my breath away when driving up and from the dining room, but half of the building faces away from the view of Santa Rosa.
Like many retirement communities it seems more of a business than a home, and a poorly ran one at that. Typos on flyers in the elevator. A two-​drink selection at the bar. And a handful of appetizers that seem to repeat themselves being served. The staff is so warm and friendly, but every time I go in there’s a new face. I know in the time they have been open there have been 4 Executive Directors in charge. I’m not sure where all the money is going, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going back in to the events, activities, building, employees, or enriching the lives of the residents as much as it should for the cost. There’s no wonder why there are so many units available. If I wanted comfort living at luxury rates I’d move in. For now the event invitations are going in the recycling.

A preeminent LGBT retirement community in beautiful Sonoma County, set adjacent the acclaimed Fountain Grove Country Club and golf course. Wonderfully appointed, tiered services from independent through assisted living and memory care put this above many traditional options for specialized senior living at its finest.
Take advantage of an opportunity to experience a slice of the good life Fountaingrove Lodge can afford!