The Bristol at Southport

Another year has passed and life has changed at The Bristol.
I feel quite conflicted about The Bristol these days. On one hand I still love my little apartment. Not much has changed there. My neighbors are great. It still gets hot in the summer. The courtyard is still spectacular and living on the lake is amazing. I still love Coulon Park. I love living near it. I enjoy the gym. I think it’s great. Living close to Peyrassol is pretty fantastic too. The location can’t be beat and it is ideal in many ways from being close to The Landing to being close to the freeway exit.
While resident frustration seems to grow — I get cut off leaving the property a couple times a month, people blow through the traffic lights as though they don’t exist, and often activity listings are vandalized in the elevator I really have two complaints — construction and the lack of office communication.
The construction is a pain. Anyone who says differently are those people who live at the edge of the property and don’t have to drive through it. In the early morning the construction workers walk in the middle of the road ignoring the sidewalk completely. They don’t seem to care that they are blocking the road for traffic going out. Semi-​trucks often block a lane in the early mornings without a flagger in sight with the trucks just idling. It makes getting out of the complex in the morning an unpleasant adventure. When I have e-​mailed the apartment office about these issues — including the time they ran into a sign and bent it without stopping — I receive no acknowledgement of any kind.
I can live with the noise and vibration. I just wish they took their commitment to safety as serious as they claimed and gave their flaggers radios to communicate back and forth with, workers who walked on the sidewalk instead of the road, and using flaggers any time they blocked off a lane.
Office communication has been sadly lacking. There are many examples so here’s a few. This last week a large sign was installed inside the Bristol I garage saying «Office Experience Center» and they ripped out the old keypad to enter the garage and replaced it with a new model. There’s been no communication about this despite it sharing the entrance to one of our buildings. I used to know how to use the keypad to enter the garage but this one is simpler and there’s been no direction.
They have a community internal website where people can post various messages to the community. Nine times out of ten my posts are rejected and usually months after I post them. I don’t know why. I never receive an explanation despite asking and I don’t believe that I am posting anything that would cause my posts to be rejected. I have almost stopped using it completely.
When I try to bypass the community website and ask questions via e-​mail or leaving a voice message I also don’t receive responses. I’ve asked about a power surge that exploded six of my light bulbs. I’ve asked about why the locks to the Bristol I buildings inside the garage were removed (I received a response to that when I went to the office and asked). I suggested removing a sign that points to additional parking that no longer exists due to construction activities in hopes that it would stop people from getting stuck at the end of the drive. I receive nothing in response.
And it’s not like they’re dismissive in person so I am not sure what is going on. They are cordial when I step into the office. When I see Chris he answers my questions. Denise is patient when I asked her about the status of my lease renewal for seven weeks. I don’t know what has happened or is happening but I hope that it improves. I still recall the Bristol I fell in love with. I would like that Bristol back.

I have lived at the Bristol for about two years now, and I have to say I absolutely love it. I particularly enjoy all of the amenities (since I moved from a house, and was worried about missing that in apartment living). I live in G Building and hardly ever hear construction noises. When I do it’s nothing too loud or serious. I’m looking forward to having a luxury hotel next door as well because it is a ways to walk to the landing for any type of nightlife or activity. Is construction annoying? Yes. I think the employees do their best to work with the complaints about construction, but other than stand in front of the machines I’m pretty sure it’s out of their hands, as are most construction projects from local businesses. Overall the I am very satisfied with the value of these apartments and it location and proximity to the freeway. I definitely will stay for a long while.

First of all, i currently LOVE where I live — which just happens to be right across the street from Bristol. Along with my husband, we pay about $ 2000 for a 2 bed, 2 bath 3 story townhouse with a 2 car garage and driveway.
Unfortunately, life sucks and we were desperate to find a cheaper place — even if that meant I’d have to live in a studio while he crashes with friends. We ended up calling the Bristol towards the end of the day on Saturday, which — yes, it’s true — is right next to a major construction site.
NOTE ON THAT: We hear the noise, too. It’s hit or miss. Somedays nothing is happening, and at worst you’ll hear the pile driver intermittently for a few hours. I work from home, and I can say that the kids who play outside after school are more annoying.
That said…
We called around 3:30 and talked to Shane about available units and pricing. When we walked in about 15 minutes later, none of the leasing agents (none of whom seemed to be over 27, or at least acted like it) remembered our call. Shane also «forgot» that one of the units I wanted to see has just been «put on hold» (as in, a verbal hold without cash so no one else could look at it for 24 hours) so I only saw one unit.
The location was terrible. Big NOPE.
So we came back on Sunday to look at the one with the hold still on it. One of the other leasing agents was «sick» so Shane had to ask her if she would call him to check on his interest. (She was actually lying down on the couch in the rec room, texting, and I don’t know why he couldn’t call?)
The other apartment was a decent option, and I decided to apply for it despite the SUPER HIGH PRESSURE sales tactics. There was a laundry list of application/​deposit fees, all of which I had to write a check for before I was even approved — they said they would «refund me» (YEAH RIGHT. BRB, CALLING MY BANK.)
Before I applied, the «sick» girl came back from texting her friends on the couch to call about the other guy’s interest — and then it was clearly visible that she was super hungover.
Beyond that, I was super annoyed that Shane wouldn’t show us the property (Though he told us there were things, I have no idea if they actually exist) and I had to ask specific questions. He also lied about things like parking and traffic, which I know about because WE LIVE DOWN THE STREET. He was just not really there, and didn’t seem care if I moved in or not. He even admitted that — even though this was the middle of his week — he was fried.
(I wonder what potential residents who work 40+ hrs a week feel about a part-​time leasing agent tell them HE feels «fried» at 3:30?)
Then he ran my application FIVE hours later and told me I had 20 minutes to come in and sign the lease because the next few days he’d be off, so I couldn’t move in when I needed to.
Really? No one else could manage the process?
This place is obviously run by hungover millennials who won’t give you the real picture of living in the area, in this building or in the unit you’re looking at. If you want to enjoy the free mimosas they pitch so hard during the tour, go for it, but there lots of better deals just down the street.

DO NOT MOVE HERE! We signed a year lease thinking the construction would not affect us since we work normal business hours and it is usually done by the time we get home. However, they told us the construction wouldn’t take place Saturdays… NOT TRUE! Also, we were told that our windows, which take up almost an entire wall of our apartment, would be washed twice a year. We’ve been here seven months, not once have our windows been washed, and unsurprisingly… our windows are COATED in dirt. We have been here over seven months and with the construction all you can see are dense amounts of dirt covering our windows. Its really unacceptable for what you pay. To make matters worse, I have contacted the office four times now (talked to an employee once who told me the property manager would return my call and have twice left a message) and NO ONE has gotten back to me. Talk about poor customer service! You can’t even find an answer and return a call?! They claim the customer service talked about in previous reviews was improved after the change in property management companies? ANOTHER LIE. There’s plenty of other places to live that aren’t loud and where you can actually see out of your windows. I’m convinced the positive reviews on here are planted by the company. We talked to our neighbors and they said they have only seen more and more people moving out! There’s a reason and the company needs to take responsibility for their part… the worst customer service in the business.

Don’t really understand the bad reviews. The construction isn’t necessarily the most convenient but I work 8 – 5 and by the time I’m home, the noise is done. My apartment is lovely and I have a great view of the water. The staff has been very friendly and helpful any time I needed something. The amenities are fantastic and having a private dock I can enjoy at my convenience is great, Also, the walls are very thick and insulated and I can’t hear my neighbors or anyone outside at all. Overall, I am really happy living here so far and have no major complaints. Looking forward to being here for a while :)

Agree with other reviewers– would not recommend anyone live here while the construction is active. When we looked at the apartment, we were told that the construction is only during «business hours» (which is when we work), so I didn’t think it would affect us much. The noise begins as early as 630am and is a delight to wake up to each day. I also feel a bit swindled because as soon as we moved in, we discovered that they also work on Saturdays– all day. So much for a relaxing day at home… Sunday is the only quiet day here! Some mornings, traffic out of the complex is stopped as trucks are brought into the site. I have waited up to 15 minutes for the road to clear. It just goes on.
The amenities of the buildings are great. Parking included in rent, hot tubs and grills on site, lovely gym, great resident lounges. Our apartment is spacious and has a beautiful view of the water. The walls are thick– I’ve never heard my neighbors unless I’m in the hallway.
This is a great building, but it is a construction zone. I regret my choices– 1 month down, 11 to go!

04÷25÷16 *UPDATE* Spoke to Renton Police this morning & because we voted marijuana to be legal, this is a civil matter. Basically our Chronic Smoker neighbor can legally continue to stink up the Bristol II UNLESS Greystar Management takes a stand against this person who clearly has no respect for our non-​smoking property policy.
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I have been sharing my concerns of marijuana odor with Chris, Denise & Lindsey for 3 weeks. I have emailed Sarah our manager but have yet to get a response. F Building 2^nd floor smells so bad of marijuana it’s terrible! We pay a lot to live in a nice professionally managed community and so far nothing has been done to make this marijuana smoking resident stop making our elevator, hallway and courtyard right outside his window smell. I am sure that Greystar has to take certain measures to legally warn these tenants but how about MY RIGHTS and the rest of our community that abides by the nonsmoking policy? I am so sick of smelling this disgusting smell, so there you go– if you want to live where you want to smoke and have management not care by all means, move here! We can change the name and call this place 420 Friendly at Southport

This place USED to be amazing! Then the construction started… the hotel is being built by the same company who owns the apartments and they no longer care at all about their residents. They promise the «louder» construction won’t happen on Saturdays, but it still does. When you call the office, they tell you they can’t do anything today, but on Monday they’ll talk to them. Nothing ever happens. They recently took away HALF the parking for retail (there’s only one little café) so there is also now no where to park, unless you park in the retail spots are willing to risk getting a ticket — they also still require that you pay $ 50 for parking every month! I’ve spoke to the managers about the noise and then received zero follow through. Renton city codes state construction can’t start until 7am, they typically start at 6:30am. The office has no respect for or interest in their residents! My building went over a week without an elevator and they wouldn’t even offer a discount on our rent or anything! This meant we all had to carry groceries, etc. up 5 flights! They were great, until their priorities change. We all pay wayyyy too much to be living in a construction zone with no parking! This used to be the best apartment community in the area, now I would not recommend it to anyone!

Construction is loud and makes living here hard. I would not recommend living here to anyone while construction is going on. Terrible quality of life here due to the noise. We are paying way too much money to be living in a construction zone. The management has not been helpful at all about it. They don’t seem to care. It’s also very hot in the apartments. You cant open any windows though because of of the noise. Save yourself the trouble and rent elsewhere. You will be able to find a cheaper, nicer, quieter apartment somewhere else.

Loved this place for the last 3.5 years. Sad to move out, only because I bought a house though.
The new Manager is a darling and her staff are very polite (vs. the nazi-​Marci they booted out!)
Still a great community and awesome access to Coulon Park, probably the best park in western WA.
Rents are competitive but definitely not moderate or well value — but then again you get good security, clean grounds and … The Park !!!

Lived here for a while. Used to be really good place to live. Management changes constantly now. My summary:
— super expensive — get ready for 10−15% rent increases every year. Plus you have to pay for every utility plus fees. Add another $ 150 to your rent. The rent is absurd for Renton. This is not Bellevue or Seattle.
— Location — you cannot get in or out. It’s next to Coulon. You have to wait up to 15 minutes just to get out of the area.
— Construction — This is the loudest place I’ve ever lived. Between the Boeing factory, construction and constant noise it is not peaceful at all. The construction will continue for years!
— Security — There are break ins at the Bristol. I don’t feel it’s secure.
— Staff — I don’t know them much anymore. Chris was a good guy.
It’s ultimately up to you but I’m glad I left.

Moved in about 9 months ago, overall a decent place to live. The best thing it’s got going for it is it’s location, for the lake, the park, and the Landing.
There are a number of frustrating things that have me considering a new location when my contract is up this summer. While the management team is full of nice people, they fail in a lot of areas: there’s too much smoking for a «smoke-​free» environment, the community events are more often than not cancelled 5 minutes before they start with little to no warning, and they have an internal facebook-​like social page for the renters that seems to be monitored by Nazis, as you can’t post anything unless it’s approved by management (after talking with my neighbors here it seems the going rate is around ~20% if your post is not trying to sell something).
I actually wouldn’t really have too much of a problem with these things, if they weren’t promised at the beginning and then failed. I could have a nice time at a different place without these things, at a cheaper rate.

I’ve been at the Bristol for going on 6 months and I have to say I don’t understand the other reviews that give such a low rating. I have been treated with such kindness since the day I arrived at the front office to see if there were any units available. Chris is exceptional in every way. The front staff has had some turn over, but even the newbies are friendly and helpful.
I’ve never had a problem with the noise, even with the construction of the hotel going on right next door. If something is broken, it is fixed immediately or as soon as physically possible. The happiness of their tenants is of the utmost importance. Always professional.
The rent is a bit pricey, but for the waterfront location and the abundant amenities that is to be expected. I have full access to a rooftop deck, year round Jacuzzi’s that are large and clean, multiple bbq’s and lounging areas, a serene garden with water features, a fully equipped gym with lockers, showers, granola, towel, and water service, along with two TV’s, there are two community rooms (cabanas) that both have pool tables, tv, free computer access, and full kitchens, and beautiful conference rooms that can be reserved for meetings or any other occasion. Those are most of the amenities. I’m sure I’m missing some.
The Bristol also holds community events such as the Saturday morning breakfast, Wednesday wine night, thirsty Thursday, and the occasional party like the Super Bowl party that was paid for completely by the owner.
Of course there will be mishaps, things wear out, some things might get overlooked, but one word to the staff and it is easily taken care of. I’ve loved living here. Having the park next door with the beautiful path along the water and the good food (Ivars and Kidd Valley), not to mention The Landing (movies, shopping, good eats and beer) walking distance across the street, is also a huge perk. Oh, and also, rent can be paid online, easy peasy and no check writing.
I’d highly recommend it to anyone contemplating the move. Remember, if you find that everyone around you is an a$$hole, maybe the a$$hole is you! :) Hope this helps!

I lived here a couple years ago, and was paying nearly 1400 for a studio apartment which seemed worth it as it was 1 minute from my job and by the water. I didnt like the staff at all. I never paid my rent late and never caused any problems, however they made it impossible to want to resign a lease. They increased my rent and then had an attitude when I questioned them about why it was so much more. I was looking to even upgrade to a 1 bedroom however did not because of the staff. Then to find out they sent me an even larger bill as they claimed my floors were scratched up however i took pictures of the apartment before I left and they werent. It is like they get commission on these things. Outside of the staff, the facility is pretty good and clean.

I lived for 6 years in the G building. We loved the location and easy access to I-​405 and the Landing and 7 minutes to work. The first two years were wonderful. The place was new, the staff at the leasing office was amazing, and a lot of the units were vacant so it was quiet and no issues finding spots to park. After that, the MANAGEMENT CHANGED AT LEAST THREE times and it just went gradually downhill. RUDE STAFF and late billing statements. Truth be known, the Bristol is robbing tenants, fault advertisement on their website on the amenities supposed to come with your rental agreement, they changes rules constantly event after your lease agreement already been signed, operating below par. Security is joke! Doors open, garage doors often not working, cars been broken into many times, video cameras not working properly, dirty stairwells, crappie appliances. For your mental health and pocket book by NOT renting at the Bristol catastrophe. Like I said, we moved to the Bristol several years because we thought it would be nice upscale apartment living. However, after 2 year we started noticing things starting to change. The common areas are not cleaned on a regular bases, there is always dog poop in the stairway or elevator, the upper garage is never kept closed (both sides) on a regular bases, the parking garage is never monitored and anyone can park in there, it is hot in the summer time no air conditioner, traffic congestion is a nightmare during the summer, even more since now the hotel construction is going on, it’s a nightmare to live at the Bristol. We have been without hot water more than once, they monitor their website and block honest comments about the place and they rarely respond to e-​mails. I don’t mind paying a lot for a nice place to live but, the Bristol is no longer worth for anyone to pay this much and to get treats by new staffs with Disrespectful, Rudeness, and Unprofessional. We plan to move when our lease is up and I never recommend this place to anyone. Do not rent here!!! Since Greystar has taken over this place is ridiculous. Have not received a water bill in three months, maintenance requests even the simplest ones are being ignored, building maintenance is a joke, and the office staff is clueless!!! Run away now to save the hassle of running later. I have never seen so many empty apartments since they took over. It was like rats jumping out of a sinking ship!!! I signed up for Unilocal just to post this terrible review. This place was great until the new management company took over earlier this year. Absolutely the worst run operation I have witnessed or been a part of. It feels like the new property management came in just to cut costs and make the property more profitable for the owner. The prior management company was great and we never had issues. As soon as the new management company came in it was like a switch was turned and everything fell apart. I don’t want to completely bash this place, but to be honest, don’t rent here unless all issues are resolved. They need to realize that we, as residents are paying them. They wouldn’t have a job if it weren’t for the residents here. The old saying «you need to take care of the people that are taking care of you»
— Noisy.
— Dirty.
— Unsafe.
— Dishonest staff.
–Disrespectful staffs
–Fault information
–Rudeness toward the residents

This apartment is an awesome place to live. The staff is incredible. They very prompt to getting questions answered and requests done effeciently. The assistant manager is very pleasant. Any time I have a concern brought up to her she fills our needs right away. They work great as a team.
The location is an excellent place to live. Freeway access is immediate. Of course there is traffic but where in WA doesn’t have traffic these days? especially getting on the freeway. Many grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers very near by. Coulon beach is a walk away which is perfect for any outdoor activities.
Overall this place is great. The price is amazing for a lakeside apartment thats only a few years old. Its a safe community. Maintained very clean outside and inside. All tenants are extremely friendly, so is staff and even guests. Offers a lot of ammenities. Plenty of space to throw a nice get together in the club rooms. Theres free candy all the time in the front office!!! Rot your teeth away!

My husband and I stayed here for about 6 weeks while relocating for work. All in all, it was fine. Pretty quiet in terms of neighbor noise. Only the last few nights that we were here did I hear noise from the adjoining apartments. However, it was pretty loud in terms of all other noise! The Boeing factory is right across a vacant lot from the Bristol. It’s not the prettiest view and their fan system is rather loud during the day. Also, the vacant lot that separates the Bristol from the Boeing factory will be vacant no more, apparently. They’ve just begun dumping truckloads of gravel on it and have put up a sign that it is the future home of several new apartment buildings. So I am glad we got out of there before the real construction started on that! It’s already been really loud just when they bring the gravel in! Of course, our apartment faced the vacant lot, so probably many of the other apartments will not be subjected to the same noise level that we were.
In terms of the apartment itself, it was fine. It was very, very nice to have a washer and dryer in unit. And they obviously take care to keep their units looking clean and fresh. The kitchen had nice countertops. Overall, it looked sleek and updated. However, even though the apartment was listed as «furnished,» there weren’t a lot of furnishings provided. The couch was pretty small and uncomfortable; there was no DVD player (surprising!); the kitchen appliances were minimal. You will definitely need to bring some of your own kitchen tools if you do any kind of cooking! There were only three steak knives provided! I cook a lot, and it’s really difficult to do much with just steak knives. Also, there weren’t very many dishes or utensils provided. We had to run a partially-​filled dishwasher at least once a day just to keep the two of us in clean dishes! Also, the bed was pretty hard. We ran out and bought on a memory foam mattress topper to make it comfortable. And I would highly recommend bringing your own bed linens. The ones they provide are those scratchy, cheap, hotel-​type sheets.
Overall, the Bristol is just fine to stay in if it’s short-​term. We were very ready to leave at the end of our six weeks. But it was nice to have a pre-​furnished, short-​term lease apartment available for us to stay in during our relocation.

This was a great place to live until Riverstone took over management. When this happened, the front office became unresponsive, maintenance went down hill, and we lost guest parking passes. There is still a «guest «parking lot available, but be warned that the construction workers take up all spaces despite multiple complaints and requests for alternate parking for them.
If you move in during the construction, be aware that it goes on 6 days a week — forget trying to sleep in on Saturday, or getting any work done from home during the week. The construction workers are on scaffolding right outside your window, which is very uncomfortable, and the serenity garden is closed during construction.
Their utility billing company also never delivered a bill on time once in the 9 months I lived there under Riverstone management. Best case it was 2 weeks late; worst case, 2 months. And yet, you were still expected to «estimate» your bill and pay on time.
As if all this wasn’t bad enough, they refused to take responsibility for the electricity billing for two months after I moved out, and after being told by maintenance on the move out walk through that I had one of the cleanest apartments he’d seen and they wouldn’t really need to do anything, they still charged me almost $ 400.

Lovely location next to a lake park
The mgmt is holding several neighborhood events
There is a sailing club in the park that offers classes
Market is practically next door

I have lived at these apartments since the end of March 2014, so a little over 2 months now and I love it! All of the staff in the leasing office are friendly and professional. They put on great weekly and holiday events. In May they had a Cinco de Mayo event with catered food from a nearby Mexican restaurant and had a little bar area that served Coronas and Margaritas. They provide Saturday brunch weekly which consists of baked goods, fruits, and juice. Another weekly event they provide is Wine Wednesdays in which they offer a variety of wines. They have many opportunities to meet your neighbors.
I have had no issue with noise. I actually hardly see my neighbors, but the ones I do see are all friendly and respectful.
I live in a studio and I love the layout! They offer so many different floor plans and the amenities are great. There is a fitness center (which is a good size for an apartment fitness center), hot tubs, a rooftop deck, two resident clubhouses with TVs, a pool table, and a full kitchen (which you can reserve for parties/​events), two grassy areas to take your dogs out on (with poop bags provided), and garage parking. They even offer guest parking passes for overnight stays. There is also a security guard and the apartments are controlled access, so safety is not an issue.
I have no complaints about the apartments. When I needed my oven fixed, I put in a request online and someone came the next day to fix it. All of the staff are very approachable and welcoming and you can tell that they care about the residents. I would definitely reccommend these apartments to anyone who is looking for a safe, comfortable, and luxurious place.