You’ve seen the building. If you live anywhere near Camino Del Mar or spend time hitting the shops at Town Center, you know that white, sprawling mid-rise tucked away on the corner. For decades, it was simply known as Five Star Premier Boca Raton. Now, it’s technically "The Pointe at Boca Raton" after a rebranding by Sinceri Senior Living, but let’s be honest: everybody still calls it Five Star.
It’s one of those places that looks like a high-end resort from the outside, but when you’re actually looking for a spot for your parents—or maybe yourself—the "resort" vibes matter a lot less than the actual day-to-day reality.
Is the food actually good? Does the elevator take twenty minutes? And what’s the deal with those annual rent hikes everyone on Yelp is complaining about?
The Identity Crisis: Five Star or The Pointe?
The first thing you’ll notice if you try to Google the address at 22601 Camino Del Mar is that the name keeps flipping. It was the "crown jewel" of the Five Star Senior Living network for years. When Sinceri took over the management, they slapped a new name on the sign, but the bones of the place remain the same.
It’s a 75-bed community, which is actually kind of small for Boca. That’s a good thing. It means the concierge usually knows your name, and you aren’t just unit 402. But the rebranding has caused some confusion. If you’re looking at older reviews, they talk about "Five Star Premier" with a mix of reverence and frustration. The newer "Pointe" reviews are starting to trickle in, and they’re... well, they’re mixed.
What It’s Really Like Inside
Walking into the lobby feels like walking into a classic Florida hotel. There’s a lot of marble. There’s usually a scheduled happy hour happening near the bar before dinner. Honestly, the daily happy hour is probably the most popular "amenity" they have.
The layout covers two main bases:
- Independent Living: You get a full kitchen (with actual granite countertops, which is a nice touch), your own washer and dryer, and big walk-in closets.
- Assisted Living: These are more focused on care. The staff helps with the "ADLs"—the industry term for activities of daily living like getting dressed or managing meds.
The Food Situation (It’s Complicated)
They brag about having a chef trained by the American Culinary Institute. On paper, it’s restaurant-style dining with two meals a day included. Most days, it’s great. You’ll see residents talking about the pastry chef’s desserts or the Friday night Shabbat services that are a big deal in this community.
But there’s a catch.
Lately, some residents have voiced frustration over wait times. In 2024 and 2025, several reports surfaced about "meal delays" and a new reservation system that feels a bit too rigid for people who just want to eat dinner when they're hungry. If you’re touring the place, don’t just look at the menu—sit in the dining room at 5:30 PM and see how fast the food actually moves.
The Cost: Let’s Talk Numbers
Living in Boca isn’t cheap. Living at Five Star Premier Boca Raton is definitely not cheap.
Prices usually start around $4,100 to $4,600 for a one-bedroom. If you need a two-bedroom, you’re looking at $5,300+. And that’s just the base. If you’re in assisted living, they add "care tiers."
- Low Care: Usually included or a small fee.
- Medium Care: Around $600 extra a month.
- High Care: Can jump to $1,200+ extra.
One thing that catches people off guard is the community fee. It’s a one-time, non-refundable fee—usually around $2,500—just to move in.
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Then there are the rent increases. This is the biggest gripe you’ll hear. Some residents have seen 10% increases year over year. In a fixed-income situation, that’s a massive stressor. It’s something you absolutely have to bake into your long-term financial planning before signing that lease.
The "Boca" Factor: Location is Everything
The reason people stay here despite the price hikes is the location. You’re less than three miles from Boca Raton Regional Hospital. That matters. A lot.
If you still drive, you’re five minutes from Publix and the Town Center mall. If you don’t drive, they have a shuttle, but honestly, the Walk Score is terrible. You aren’t walking to get coffee. You’re taking the "Premier" bus or calling an Uber.
The grounds themselves are lush. There’s a heated pool and a Jacuzzi that actually gets used. It’s not just for show. You’ll see people doing water aerobics or just hanging out under the gazebo. It feels like South Florida.
Is it Right for You? (The Honest Truth)
Five Star Premier Boca Raton—or The Pointe—is for a specific type of person. It’s for the senior who wants a social life, likes a bit of luxury, and wants to stay in the heart of Boca.
It’s not perfect. The management has had some turnover issues, and the dining room can be hit-or-miss. But compared to some of the massive, institutional-feeling facilities out west, this one feels more like a home.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re seriously considering this move, don’t just take the "official" tour.
- The "Quiet" Visit: Show up on a Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 PM without an appointment. Walk around. Does it smell like cleaning supplies or like a home? Are the staff members smiling when they think nobody is watching?
- The Dinner Test: Ask to buy a guest meal and eat dinner during the peak rush. This is where the cracks usually show. If the service is slow for you as a guest, it’ll be slow for you as a resident.
- Audit the Care Plan: If you’re looking at Assisted Living, get a written breakdown of exactly what triggers a move from "Level 1" care to "Level 2." You don't want a surprise $600 bill because someone decided you needed "extra" help with your morning meds.
- Check the Inspection History: Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) keeps records. As of late 2025, they’ve cleared up previous documentation issues, but it's always worth checking the latest state survey.