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

The din of the Long Island Expressway and busy streets outside fades upon entering the chic lobby with a large oriental carpet, crystal chandelier and black marble fireplace. Dark wood and maroon carpeting create a reserved, elegant ambience. Savoy of Little Neck boasts many large common rooms. The parlor, with its grand piano and period furnishings, is exceptional. There is also a club room and café. The arts and crafts center headquarters residents' knitting groups, the results of which are usually donated. A big screen and permanently installed seats furnish the movie room. Each floor has an activity space where daily bingo and impromptu pool games take place. A TV screen on each floor lists the day's activity schedule. The dining room is divvied into sections by large columns. The well-executed menus are low in fat and salt but (luckily) not taste. On our visit, the disparate but delicious-sounding selection included vegetarian lasagna, roast pork lo mein, baked flounder filet with citrus butter sauce and Asian-style noodles. Assigned seating aids in taking attendance at mealtimes. Three outdoor areas offer something for everyone's tastes.

Savoy's staff members try to accommodate all skill levels when leading instructional classes on topics such as dance, music and Spanish language. For example, they offer both line dancing as well as "chair dancing." Various discussion groups, a regular social hour at the café and an audio book library ensure lively minds are kept busy. Planned outings cover everything from restaurants to religious services. Entertainers visit the facility regularly.

The staff and residents seem to know one another well. A chatty neighborhood marked everyone's interactions. On our visit, one friendly resident told us that he was adjusting to having his meals prepared for him after spending the last few decades cooking on his own—but he did add that his wife was enjoying their new social life!

New residents may move in for a thirty-day trial period to see if the facility is a good fit—this incurs a two-month fee. Each room has a permanent light fixture and windows placed close to the ceiling, although some are a bit dark and are reliant on lamps to brighten them. The kitchenettes include a microwave, sink and small refrigerator. Savoy of Little Neck is designated as "enriched housing," which means that its residents must be able to ambulate at least 100 feet on their own; therefore, although some residents use wheelchairs, they must be able to walk during an emergency. Only a few residents require the assistance of personal aides.