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

Atria 86th Street reflects the elegance and class of the Upper West Side. Nestled between West End Avenue and Riverside Drive, this stately facility has maintained all of its prewar architectural charm despite numerous renovations. The interior boasts understated sophistication: mounted sconces, soft lamplight, wingback chairs, plush sofas, dark wood furnishings, rich upholstery and a muted color scheme. Oriental vases, decorative bowls, Asian statues and fresh floral arrangements add lavish touches to the interior.Residents' incredibly spacious rooms feature high ceilings and abundant windows. There's even enough room to accommodate overnight guests! Common areas include a small library and game room, complete with game and billiards tables, as well as a private room for residents to host visitors. Another area, a large windowed space, is used for weekly concerts and large group activities. Meals are taken in the elegant basement dining area. Lovely table décor, soft lighting and walls strewn with artwork impart a hotel-like ambience. Residents who require feeding assistance are served prior to the main dining service. The resident food committee ensures that an appetizing variety is always available. Snacks may be purchased at a quaint in-house café. Our tour began at the penthouse garden, the real gem of Atria 86th Street. A delightful combination of indoor and outdoor space, the furnished garden area features glorious views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. Summer barbecues on the patio are a big hit!The activity schedule is packed. Atria's activity director interviews residents to glean their varying interests and then implements these activities into the daily calendar, which is posted on a television monitor that runs continuously throughout the day. The residents are an active and diverse group. Most are retired professionals who are long-time residents of the Upper West Side or have loved ones who reside in the area. Our tour guide called Atria "their home away from home." Staff members seemed warm and fun, and were quick to engage residents in conversation. We overhead several residents, one gentleman and two women, joking about juggling multiple boyfriends. One of the women looked at us and admitted, "you know, really, I can only handle one," and we shared a laugh. Atria 86th Street is perfect for those who want to be a part of youthful and vibrant community.