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| - Finally, I can Yelp about an apartment complex. Now that I no longer live here, I feel compelled to Yelp about the Mandarina.
First off, I hate leases. I hate apartment complexes. I hate paying deposits and being treated as if I'll do damage before I ever move in. I'm no messy criminal. Good thing for me, the Mandarina staff treated me as if I were the mature, responsible and nice adult I am (for the most part).
Of course, you think, "They have to do that while they're trying to get you to sign." Well, even after I signed a lease and moved in, the staff were helpful, considerate and friendly. I can honestly say that. And believe you me, I've had my run in's elsewhere with some pretty crabby management.
Each month when it was time to pay rent, the staff made me a copy of my check and signed and dated it. Ah-ha. Proof, I thought. I never needed it, nor did I need to worry about getting my security and pet deposit back. After I moved out and cleaned my place, I did one final walk-through with the staff. I knew that day whether or not I'd be charged for anything. I wasn't, and my happy refund found its way to me in a matter of days.
So, how was living there? Were there any problems? Of course there were. It is, after all, an apartment complex. You can't really choose your neighbors, although for a time, I lived next to some really cool guys who played football. I was sad to see 'em leave.
Guest parking is a joke. Most of the parking is covered and reserved for residents, so any guest that comes over must come early enough to find a spot, or be okay with hoofing it from somewhere else. I guess you could always park in the Castle Boutique across the street.
Let's talk gym/pool. I used both on a regular basis, especially the gym. It was always clean with fresh towels and cold water. The cardio machines aren't anything to brag about, but I sure did love having free weights at my disposable, along with a couple weight benches and leg presses. Plus, here's where you'll find a vending machine if you need your soda fix. As for the pool, I wouldn't say it's the cleanest since it's publicly shared. I didn' t see many people using it during the week, so I took advantage of after-work swims. You can have open containers, too, which is nice if you want to relax with a brew. Just don't ignore the pool rules. No glass allowed. I found out that!
Inside, across from the gym, is what they call a Business Center. It has two computers with Internet access. You can check your email or Myspace 24/7 without too much of a wait. I wouldn't suggest saving your passwords or personal documents on the desktop, but I certainly ran across my fair share of interesting things... People who aren't moderately tech savvy should probably not use public computers. In any case, getting to the computers is easy. Sometimes you have to wait, for people bogart the machines. I guess it comes with the territory.
Here comes my gripe. Maintenance - both interior and exterior. I never once had my single call for maintenance answered. I un-clogged my own bathtub and said "to hell with it" regarding the broken ice machine. Whatever. I found you can't really rely on this place to fix things, unless they're absolutely necessary. As for the landscaping, it's okay. I don't understand why they water the grass and trees every night, creating a swampland. Makes no sense to me. Nor will I ever be a-okay with landscapers waking me up at 6:30 a.m. to trim hedges.
But, looking back over the 12 months I lived there, I have to say 98% positive things to say about Mandarina. They are a bit overpriced, but if you can afford it, it's a pretty good place to live, especially since you'll get your own Washer and Dryer in your unit.
The location is great if you don't mind being nestled around business parks and buildings. There's places to eat at Priest/Washington and 48th/Washington. You'll have easy access to the 202 and 143 also. The light rail runs right in front of the complex, so that can be a plus or minus, depending on how you look at it. At first, I was thrilled. Then I found out that the light rail won't stop at the Mandarina. So, I figured, why stick around when I can't play with the new city toy? That, and I refused to pay higher rent.
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