The Alcazar in Cleveland Heights, OH

Pros

• They loved the look of the place.
• The room was very nice and clean.
• The location was quiet and had lots of nearby dining options.
• It was just five minutes from the Akron Zoo.
• The place was very warm and cozy.
• The building's architecture is gorgeous and the lobby is charming.

Cons

• This place is a mess, with new management tearing out beautiful gardens and some apartments lacking heat or water.
• Prospective renters are warned to avoid this apartment, as it hosts mice, cockroaches, fleas, and bed bugs, and the leasing office is often unavailable while overcharging.
• Mice infestations are a major problem in the Alcazar suites, with a large family of mice; the toilets and kitchen are terrible, and the suite wasn't cleaned after the last resident.
• Management is not good at understanding service or tenant needs, making it hard to see the property as a hotel.
• The furniture is cheap and the complimentary breakfast is atrocious; the architecture is the only high point.
• The hotel is in a quieter neighborhood without much to do within walking distance.
• The rooms are very primitive and outdated, with questionable cleanliness and terrible beds, and there is no internet.
• Front desk and emergency numbers are often unanswered, making it an unfriendly place for guests.

Review

The Alcazar in Cleveland Heights is best suited for independent seniors who prize historical charm and a quiet, character-filled setting over modern hotel-like services. The building's architecture and restored lobby have a timeless appeal, and reviewers repeatedly note that the property feels "historic gem" and visually striking. For residents who value a serene environment, a private courtyard, and a location that feels tucked away yet accessible, Alcazar can be a comfortable home base. It works best when the priority is ambiance, a sense of place, and a residence-like atmosphere rather than turnkey hotel-like service.

Those who should consider alternatives are families and residents who require steady, hands-on support, reliable climate control, or modern conveniences. Several reviews flag inconsistent front-desk responsiveness, gaps in maintenance, and uneven communication from management. In addition, there are reports of basic amenities failing - no wifi in some units, heat or water outages, and outdated furnishings - that can be disqualifying for someone who expects predictable, hotel-style service or turnkey reliability. For anyone who relies on timely repairs or a streamlined operation, other options will likely feel calmer and more dependable.

The strongest positives - architecture, a quiet, walkable neighborhood, and moments of genuine staff help - do offset some drawbacks, but not equally for every resident. The building's elegance and the sense of living in a storied space are repeatedly cited as redeeming features, and several accounts praise tidy, pleasant rooms or public areas and the tranquility that comes with a quieter setting. The lobby and inner courtyard are highlighted as highlights, and there are occasions when staff members demonstrate real courtesy and helpfulness, with names like Tracy standing out as especially responsive. For events or memorials held there, the accommodations and atmosphere can be quite accommodating, underscoring the property's suitability for residents who value charm and social occasions in a refined environment.

Yet the list of negatives is persistent and tangible. Inconsistent maintenance, unreliable heat or water in some units, and questions about cleanliness across apartments create a real risk for residents who expect dependable daily life. Multiple reviews describe pest issues - mice, roaches, fleas, even bed bugs - along with noisy or poorly cleaned spaces and beds that fail to meet comfort expectations. The sense that the property operates more like a residence than a hotel translates into sporadic front-desk availability and limited or uneven customer service, which compounds the frustration for families seeking a worry-free experience. Parking challenges and a perceived gap between architectural splendor and practical living conditions add to the tension.

The practical conclusion is clear: Alcazar serves best those who can tolerate, or even enjoy, living within a historic shell while managing occasional service gaps. For decision-makers, the decision hinges on personal priorities. If the priority is preserving independence in a picturesque, quiet setting and the resident can adapt to periodic maintenance gaps, a tour and frank conversations with current residents could confirm Alcazar as a fit. If reliability, prompt maintenance, guaranteed modern amenities, and a consistently responsive management team are non-negotiable, alternatives should be explored now rather than later.

To move forward effectively, prospective residents should ask pointed questions: what is the current pest control plan and history; how are heat and water outages handled, and what is the turnaround time for urgent repairs; is wifi available in all units and what is the quality; who is on-site for front-desk and emergencies, and what are the after-hours communication options; what modernization projects are planned, and what is the timeline for renovations or garden restoration; and how does parking work during social events? In short, Alcazar rewards those who prize charm and independence and are comfortable with occasional service gaps; others will likely find stronger consistency and convenience in a different independent or assisted living setting that prioritizes reliability over historic ambiance.

Located in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. With a range of restaurants within close proximity, including bd's Mongolian Grill and Academy Tavern, residents can enjoy diverse dining options. Nearby parks such as Coventry PEACE Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Access to pharmacies like Marc's Stores and CVS Pharmacy ensures convenient access to healthcare essentials. The area is also home to reputable hospitals like Cleveland Clinic - W.O. Walker Center and Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, offering quality medical care. Additionally, there are several renowned physicians' offices nearby, including the Cleveland Clinic - Taussig Cancer Center and Senders Pediatrics. For those who prefer cafes for socializing or grabbing a coffee, Starbucks and Lekko Coffee are easily accessible. Places of worship such as South Euclid United Church of Christ cater to the spiritual needs of residents in the community. Transportation options include the Greyhound Station and Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport for convenient travel arrangements. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking a vibrant and supportive community in which to reside.

Restaurants

• bd's Mongolian Grill (0.8 miles)
• Academy Tavern (1 miles)
• New Heights Grill (1.4 miles)
• Boss Dog Brewing Co. (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Burger King (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)

Parks

• Coventry PEACE Park (0.8 miles)
• Anderson Field (5.2 miles)
• Willard Park (5.2 miles)
• The Cleveland Mall (5.2 miles)
• Voinovich Bicentennial Park (5.4 miles)
• Desan Park (5.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Marc's Stores (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Cleveland Clinic - W.O. Walker Center (1.1 miles)
• Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center (1.3 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital Rehabilitation Center (1.5 miles)
• St Vincent Charity Medical Center (4.2 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Lutheran Hospital (6 miles)
• Trauma ICU (6.1 miles)
• University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center (6.1 miles)

Physicians

• Cleveland Clinic - Taussig Cancer Center (1.2 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Cole Eye Institute (1.2 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic R Building - Cleveland Clinic Children's Outpatient Center (1.6 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Mellen Center (1.7 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic Severance Medical Arts (2.5 miles)
• Senders Pediatrics (3.8 miles)
• University Suburban Health Center (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)
• Lekko Coffee (6 miles)
• Rising Star Coffee Roasters (6.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• South Euclid United Church of Christ (4 miles)
• Messiah Luth Church of Lyndhurst (5.3 miles)
• St Clare's Church (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• Greyhound Station (4.6 miles)
• Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport (5.1 miles)