21 Rio

While the location is wonderful, and the actual unit is nice, there a numerous things that make the experience at 21 Rio less than desirable.
1) Most everything out of management’s mouth is worthless. I was told the walls were thick and built like condos so you would never be able to hear your neighbors; I can hear my neighbors cough after every time they take a bong hit. I also get to hear their music pounding until 2 am, which is totally great. And unless its a weekend, there isn’t anything you can do about it because there’s no one on sight to deal with noise complaints, unless you want to call the cops.
Additionally, I was told that there would roommate matching service where you actually got to see potential roommates and have some say in who you were assigned to. That never happened for me, I was just assigned a random roommate. My roommate is great, so that’s fine, but I don’t understand why they would talk about that and then not have the service.
2) Parking is horrible. I was assigned a spot that was taken away because mgmt double booked the spot. The majority of spots in the garage are horrible to get into. The garage is just far too small. The person who parks next to me in my new spot never parks within the lines, which makes it impossible to get into my already difficult spot. I have talked to mgmt about this multiple times and they act like there isn’t anything they can do. I pay $ 100/​month for the spot, I should at least be able to use it…
3) The elevators are awful. One is almost always broken, making it only one elevator for 21 floors. They’re usually extremely dirty and sticky, and make awful noises as they go up and down. There unfortunately isn’t much of a solution to this problem.
4) The mail system is weird and confusing. Firstly, you will get tons of spam in your mailbox and probably get the mail from the last 5 residents. Secondly, the packaging system is really inefficient. Half the packages go to the front office where you have to pick them up and sign for them there, but occasionally a package will be delivered to the mailboxes on the ground floor. You never know where you package is going to go, and you’re not always notified in a timely manner if your package is delivered to the front office.
5) Wifi is bad too. The wifi is included in your rent and provided through Time Warner Cable. The connection is shoddy and disconnects frequently. The TWC customer service isn’t great but that’s a whole other story.
All in all, I“m paying too much for the lack of value the apartment offers me. If you have other options, take them.

The location is great and security is pretty tight. Residents are highly valued and free food is offered monthly. Parking is pricier than other places and the garage has a poor layout. The apartment layouts are pretty nice with granite countertops and fridges with water filter and ice makers is a plus. Maintenance has a good turnaround. People in the leasing office are very friendly and easy to work with. Gym and pool facility is okay. Both are clean. Highly recommend living here

There are several factors that make this apartment complex worthy of 4 stars including:
1) The wide variety of FLOOR PLANS and SMART housing options that make it quite affordable for those that qualify.
2) It is a GREAT LOCATION for business majors since it’s a straight shot to McCombs, the PCL, Jester and the UTC.
3) In comparison to other apartments in west campus, the hall LIGHTING is really nice. Although this sounds minor, I’ve honestly been in apartments where the lighting is quite abysmal. Kinda like you’re in a horror story walking down the halls of an asylum. Not here, though.
4) The KITCHEN AMENITIES are beautiful in every unit, even the smaller ones.
5) The MAINTENANCE and LEASING OFFICE staff are very friendly. If you need something serviced, generally they will respond within a day or two.
6) FREE PRINTING in the leasing office computer lab (whenever their internet and printers are working). Just bring your own paper!
7) This place is hands-​down QUIETER and less rowdy than the other side of campus. There might be the occasional drunk people in the lobby and loud neighbors, but the walls are pretty thick.
The factors that keep 21 Rio from its 5^th star are:
1) PARKING is pretty expensive ($ 100 per month per spot) and they vary in accessibility and convenience. There are 5 or 6 floors of parking and you literally circle around until you’re dizzy.
2) The SMELL on the ground floor is atrocious. I’m pretty sure it hasn’t always been this terrible, but lately I literally cannot think of any words to justify how bad it smells. I believe it has something to do with the trash shoots (one located conveniently on every floor, I might add) that all accumulate at the bottom. Something needs to be done. And I’m confident something will be done because it such an obvious flaw of this otherwise nice apartment.
3) The ELEVATORS this semester broke down a couple times. Since there are only two, this slowed things down quite a bit. I was even the elevator once and it lurched and paused in between floors. Kinda scary. But when they’re functioning properly, they’re definitely above average in terms of efficiency.
In summary…
I am definitely a fan of this place and living here again next year (but in a different unit). I recommend this place to all business majors that can afford it and those that prefer the quieter side of west campus.

21 Rio has exceeded my expectations because they have gone the extra steps to ensure all residents including myself are satisfied with their living arrangements. Any problems I have had, the entire 21 Rio staff was able to address in the most courteous and in the most timely matter. The views are the best of this growing city and is in a prime location in all of Austin. I recommend anyone and everyone to rent at 21 Rio in the future for the optimal living experience in Austin, Texas.

I really love living here. I lived at J26 last year, so anything is an upgrade, but I still think that 21 Rio is pretty fantastic.
I have a downtown view that is to die for! I forgot to renew my lease this year, but I’m planning to find another room in the building that I can rent for next year. I considered moving into a high-​rise downtown or something, but I just like this place too much.
The maintenance crew is wonderful! They’re friendly and always fix things quickly. They even took extra time to help me install my curtains, which really meant a lot!
I live in a 1 bedroom and it’s wonderful, however I do know that most 2+ bedroom plans feature at least one room WITHOUT a window. I wouldn’t want to pay much for an expensive apartment without a window… but that’s just me. My 1 bedroom is PERFECT!
I highly recommend this place for its wonderful staff and maintenance crew, the great views, and the AMAZING security.

I LOVE LIVING AT 21 RIO.
I have moved apartments each year I have been at UT and 21 Rio is by far the best apartment I have lived in. I have a gorgeous view of the tower and the Capitol from my balcony. All appliances are brand new and add to the classy-​feel of the apartment. I haven’t had a friend visit who hasn’t been at least somewhat impressed with my place. I loved my previous apartments as well, but what sets 21 Rio apart is the management. They are so helpful and a pleasure to work with. I was so disappointed with the management of my last apartment that I had to write the Better Business Bureau of Austin about them.
They also plan several events for the residents including pool parties, hookah parties, American Idol viewing parties, and they even give out cupcakes to celebrate birthdays!
I know their apartments may seem expensive, but I think the added cost is well worth it. You get an amazing apartment and a worry-​free residential year. Maintenance requests are also taken care of within 24 hours! How great is that?!
If you are interested in living at 21 Rio, ask for Daniel! He is extremely nice and very helpful!
I am really sad to be leaving this place and hope my next apartment is even half as good as this one was!
Hope this was Unilocal-​ful! Happy apartment hunting!