We moved into this building after weeks of hoping and keeping everything crossed that can be crossed. It was totally worth it. We had checked out pretty much every apartment complex in Bellevue and there were only two choices that were appealing to us: Ashton and Ten20. Both very fine buildings, both have extremely friendly staff, everyone went out of their way to help us on every step of the way.
It was worth the price for the Champagne when Russel Vidal, our really leasing agent, cannot praise him enough for his efforts, told us that a wonderful unit in the Ten20 became available. Floor to ceiling windows flood the apartment with natural light, the extra deep tub allows us to soak in style, Maytag appliances spoil us with peak performance. That was unless one acted up, but before I could do the same our concierges Robert and Christie promised immediate help. Immediate help knocked on our door and that's how we met William Strawn, the washer-whisperer. His whisper did not last long enough and he came back the next day with an awesome back-up: Sanel. Within minutes he decided that no renter should have to deal with something that does not work 100% and we got the washer AND dryer exchanged right away. How is that for service?
What else is there to say? It's a dog friendly building and I mean friendly. My pup and I meet our first service guy in the building at around 6.30 am and there is not one morning he would not hug her and give her a kiss on her forehead. She loves him, she would put him in her will if a dog found such a nonsense as necessary. All neighbors, dog owners or not, have friendly words for every four legged fellow neighbors, all are very cool about my highly energetic girl, and contrary to other reviews I cannot say that I ever saw any puddles anywhere in the building nor can I confirm that the dog owners here would not care if an accident happened. That being said let's move on to the other conveniences Ten20 offers.
There is the Starbucks coffee maker, a lifesaver for those who have small bladder puppies. There is a gym that I have never seen from the inside, as I have mentioned I own a bundle of energy and do my power walking several times a dog through the neighborhood. The Plus: I lost two pounds in one week, I found the most delicious coffee place, Café Cesura, open at the crack of dawn, open on Sundays, probably still open if the world as we know it came to an end. They are located in the Ashton building, across the street from the Ten20, you should check it out when in the neighborhood. They their toffees and weep as I do. I know the lost two pound will creep back up on me and they will be in good company with the several Lattes I pair them with, but you know what, life is short. Would be a shame if the end of the world knocked me off my feet and I had not have enjoyed both.
When evening comes and I feel that I should let my Maytag appliances rest, when the Happy Hour hour whispers promises of price reduced delicacies into my ear, we head down to BarCode in the Ten20 building. Absolutely fabulous. Full bar and I am talking FULL bar, whiskey flights, Italian bitters that not every bar has which caters to the well traveled palette, not to mention their food items that leaves no hungry stomach growling. The portions are bathroom scale friendly, the quality is upscale, the ingredients brilliant and always with a little kick to keep them special and dang, I craving them again.
The location of the Ten20 couldn't be a better one. Very central, very convenient whether one chooses to travel by car or on foot, two malls and a great movie theater easy to reach and in walking distance. Even a dentist is across the street, just in case, and if one feels he/she needs pampering after a filling there are several hair salons, nail salons, massage salons and who knows what else nearby. I'm not kidding, I saw them, I find my pampering, so far, in the above mentioned two buildings that are our sanctuary and offer everything we need, down to a convenient dry cleaning service.
And now if you would please excuse me, I am craving some crab cakes and a glass of Averna Royal at BarCode, I will run over to Café Cesura for my goodnight toffee, and then I will wash off the day in my decadent tub.
If you come over to check out both places, please say Hi to Russell and enjoy his cheerful personality. He is very knowledgeable about the buildings, the area, all sorts of things and really a joy to talk to.
Hope to seeing you soon as my new neighbor and if you meet someone who is ordering an Averna concoction, be sure it's me. ; ) read more