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Reviews of Washington DC Corporate Apartments
Lincoln Towers (two reviews)
First review by Kirsten Miller, State Department
When did you stay at the apartment? For how long?
January 2003 - February 2003
What were the advantages of staying at the complex?
Proximity to FSI and Metro; close to Harris Teeter grocery store. (By
the way, don't get too excited
about it being close to the Ballston Common Mall -- it's pretty lame).
The building has a small "Internet
cafe" and an even smaller "business center", though they
were always too full on the occasions when I
tried to use them.
What were the disadvantages?
The main disadvantage here is the staff. Most appear to be right out
of college, and though there is
nothing wrong with being young, the staff do behave extremely immaturely
and are totally unprofessional, not to mention often clueless about things
they should know. Once you have signed your lease, they don't even pretend
to want to be helpful or professional. On one occasion the leasing manager
actually rolled her eyes at me! She also complained to me about how hard
her job is, how put-upon she was -- not something you discuss with your
customers, for crying out loud.
When we were due a refund after moving out, it took several months of calling and harassing them to finally get it. Also, though the building looks fairly new and pretty, much of it is cheaply put together, and we always seemed to be dealing with something that was falling apart. Another problem was parking -- somehow the garage often did not have enough spaces, which is extremely frustrating. Finally, the noise level was unpleasant, as the building is surrounded by fairly busy streets. We were on the courtyard side, and the level of street noise echoing up through the courtyard was surprising.
Is this a good place to stay with children? Are the schools, play areas, etc. acceptable?
Not my area of expertise; there did not appear to be very many families with kids living there.
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
Metro to Foggy Bottom is four stops from the Ballston station. Many people actually just walk to FSI (about 25-35 minutes). You could also take the Metro three stops to Rosslyn to get the shuttle to FSI. However, the fastest way to FSI will be by car, about 7 minutes.
Do the rental rates fall within per diem? For how long?
We had a tiny furnished 1-bedroom apartment, and knowing that we were with State, they charged us the full per diem.
Do you have any specific advice for people who will be staying at this complex? Are some buildings more desirable than others, for example?
I really can't recommend Lincoln Towers at all.
Second review by I. Ravin, Department of State
When did you stay at the apartment? For how long?
I am currently residing there (February, 2004), and have been there for a month.
What were the advantages of staying at the complex?
Very convenient to shopping and restaurants - it is located right across
Ballston Mall. Very close to Route 66, and adjacent to the Metro. It is
about a 30min walk from NFATC.
Apartments have washer/dryer, nice gym, free guest parking for furnished
apartments, weekly maid service, a business center with computers/ fax/
printer/ Internet. Outdoor pool during the summer. In general, the apartments
are well maintained.
What were the disadvantages?
There is no shuttle to NFATC. You have to take the metro to Rosslyn.
Is this a good place to stay with children? Are the schools, play areas, etc. acceptable?
Don't have kids, and have not looked into these factors.
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
You can get by without a car if you don't mind taking the metro or the mass transit buses. You can definitely get by with one car.
Do the rental rates fall within per diem? For how long?
The apartments fall within the per diem rate for the first 120 days. You may need to contact the apartments for any revisions to their policy.
Do you have any specific advice for people who will be staying at this complex? Are some buildings more desirable than others, for example?
No advice. I'm pleased with their service.
Lincoln Towers
850 N. Randolph Street
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: 1-888-234-STAY (7829)
or 703-769-5578
Fax: 703-486-7488
Email: smithliving@archstonesmith.com.
Corporate website: http://www.smithlivingtemp.com.
Page for this property: http://www.smithlivingtemp.com/places/washington/lincoln-t.html.
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