(Provided by Gilbert Guide's on-site reviewer)

San Francisco Towers is located near the opera house and symphony, and seems to take a cue from both with its grand facade. Inside, Italian marble and glass grace the foyer. Redolent of an elegant hotel, the interior impresses with a muted color scheme and comfortable, refined furnishings. The independent and assisted living apartments are spacious. There are eighty-four floor plans from which to choose and views from every wing. Each apartment has a full kitchen, generous storage and closet space and is equipped with an emergency call system. The physical layout of all resident housing allows maximum natural light. In the skilled nursing facility, rooms are adequately sized. The staff members in this unit are attentive to the special needs of these residents, and seek to include everyone in activities of interest. The main dining room bustles with activity during mealtimes. The main dining room has a dress code, but the café allows casual wear. The building has individual areas for crafts, games and exercise. There is also a library. Other common areas include a rooftop lounge with a fireplace, a beautiful sunroom and lovely landscaped terraces with stunning views. Two elegant private dining rooms are available for special events. A professionally trained chef serves up high-quality and diverse meals. Snacks are always available. Staffers are attentive and friendly. They appear devoted to resident safety and well-being; residents seemed content and well cared for. Many residents are retired local physicians or professors. There are over twenty-two resident committees, and an in-house television channel is run by and for residents. Several exercise groups meet for Pilates, stretching and toning, tai chi, walking and water aerobics. Concert and lectures are held regularly. Personal enrichment classes also fill the calendar, covering art, computer topics, novels, and healthy living. Conversational language classes and a writer's workshop stimulate the mind. Bridge, mah-jongg, dominos and ping pong are also on the schedule. Shabbat services, Catholic Mass and Episcopal services occur weekly; an Episcopal chaplain is on staff. Trips to the ballet, opera, symphony, theatre and art museums are frequent. A full-time therapy staff is available. The health clinic serves the medical needs of the independent and assisted living residents. It is staffed by five physicians with regular office hours and three nurse managers; the staff follows the health of each resident and completes annual wellness checks.