We stayed in one of the Viola Suites short-term apartments for several weeks while being treated at Mayo. We were traveling with our toddler, so some of the issues I had with the apartment are primarily due to him.

First, the pros:
The staff is friendly and great to work with. We had some unexpected developments and they were willing to work with us outside the terms of the lease we'd signed to give us a place to stay during treatment. The apartment was nice, fully equipped, and large enough to accommodate us adequately during our stay. It had lots of big windows, and backs up into a nature preserve -- a serene location. All necessary services are a short drive away.

Cons:
While our apartment was designated non-smoking, the apartment below us apparently was not. The smell from below permeated the upstairs apartment, sometimes much stronger than others. I am a non-smoker, and this was quite unpleasant for me. Plus, even a week after checkout clothing and bedding we'd taken with us still smells bad enough that I'm having to launder things. Ugh. Plus, I think I didn't sleep as well because of the smell.

The cleanliness was OK, but I did find a cigarette butt on the floor in the dining area. I'm just glad I found it before my "everything-in-the-mouth" toddler did.

The unit is heated by a gas fireplace and electrical radiators. When we asked if guards were available to keep our child away from the (very hot) fireplace, we were told we should just let him touch it so he'd learn not to. That's not my style, so instead we brought our own guards.

Overall, it was not a bad experience, and was definitely better than staying in a hotel for a month. But, the smoke issue and the dangers for young children were enough to make me mark it lower.

We stayed at Viola Suites while on a recent trip to Minnesota. We had a 2 bedroom suite with kitchen, living room, dishes, utensils, everything you would need to be comfortable. The owner, Dennis, is a gracious host and I'm sure anyone who stayed here would have no complaints.

I could never find a more perfect place to stay than at An Abbey at Viola Suites in Rochester, Minnesota. My "Suite" at An Abbey at Viola Suites was so much more than I could ever have imagined. Located just outside of the town of Rochester, Minnesota, the hotel is next a wildlife preserve- nestled comfortably there. That is just how it made me feel to stay there- nestled comfortably in an apartment setting which was quiet and serene. It certainly helped me to feel comfortable during my visit to the Mayo Clinic- especially since I was a single female and traveled there all by myself. An Abbey at Viola Suites is more like coming home than returning to a hotel. And my host was spectacular and was there to take care of any of my needs during my stay. His warm and friendly demeanor also helped me to feel so comfortable and took away my fears of being treated at the clinic all by myself. I could never have found a better place. I will be sure to book my stay with An Abbey at Viola Suites upon my return to Rochester.

Viola Suites had everything we wanted for our week in Rochester: fully stocked fridge and pantry, a stylish and comfortable living area--with a dining room!--and a serene setting. It was truly a home away from home. The owner and staff are friendly and very helpful. They ran airport and clinic shuttles and kept the place immaculate. We felt well prepared for and well looked after. When we wanted to cook our own meals, we'd open the cupboard and there was everything we needed.

The view from the back deck into the woods is lovely. The grounds are private and pretty.

If you ever plan to visit Rochester for a few days, Viola Suites is ideal.