Metcho -

I think this might be the case. It looks like a management or ownership change occurred and this property, along with their sister property across the street called the Old Bridge B&B, have been recently renovated. They were both at one time hostels, i believe, or at least la Scaletta was and Old Bridge was a cheap B&B. It looks like they've been acquired by someone who knows what they're doing and they both look pretty great. Generally speaking, I disregard reviews that are over 18 months - 2years old...so much can change in that amount of time that it's worth taking with a grain of salt but no more.

If you go to:

www.florenceby.com

you will get better, more up to date photos and descriptions of both properties (a superior search site for hotels, by the way....use it whenever you can!) Check out what it looks like there and decide for yourself.

I actually am staying at the sister property Old Bridge B&B and had thought to walk across and check out La Scaletta myself and enjoy the rooftop view one evening. I don't know when you're going but I will be departing this weekend and back on the 28th, so look for reviews from me starting on the 1st. Perhaps that might help you decide also.

I chose the Old Bridge because of the better price (though breakfast is not included) and its size, which is to say very small. I just prefer this and always am on the lookout for good value but comfortable and quality lodging when I travel (or at least when I'm paying instead of my work!) so I was interested in La Scaletta too.

Hope this helps you some! LL

Dear lubalorine

This was extremely helpful and I thank you so much for troubling to post it. I hope your stay was wonderful. I love Florence.

Metcho- A pleasure to help! I promise to try to check out La Scaletta, both for my edification and yours and any of our TA friends who might want to know.

I will post over the weekend after I get back so look for my Old Bridge review and I will post in La Scaletta if I can.

I love Florence too! Honestly, outside of my European home city of Stavanger, Norway (where I grew up) it is my favorite city in the world. It just has everything I love in a city when I'm travelling - perfect size, perfect atmosphere, perfect attitude, perfect history, shopping, architecture...you name it!

This next trip is specifically to introduce my mom to the city for a few days. We managed a last minute week off of work for both of us and she has been dying to hear what all the fuss is all about since I speak of it incessantly! So 3 nights Florence and 3 nights Venice for us...I'm sure my mom will fall in love with it too! I'm sure I'll do a trip report this time too. I think it will come in handy for last minute and value travelers (prefer to "budget" travelers) and those travelling with older folks (mom is 71.) Look for that too and maybe it will help also.

Best to you and buon viaggio! LL

Have a great journey, LL !! And your Mum too of course. Looking forward to your report with bathed breath. What did you decide about the daytrip, at the end?

Ciao Anon!

We were able to get into the Castello Verrazzano wine tour with transportation to and from Firenze. It was just easier and I know my mother will enjoy it immensely. I have copied and saved all your generous information and have already shared it with my friends in anticipation of planning our group return trip in 2008 - they were all thoroughly impressed and excited about some of those destinations. They will definitely happen on that trip.

My best girlfriend and I are talking about a quick 7-9 day trip later this year...if I get my work bonus we are definitely outta here and we will certainly scout out those lovely castellos and wineriesthen. She is such a gamer and has promised me she will learn un po' dell'italiano per questo viaggio! Can't wait to hear that! ;-)

I depart on Friday so look for my tripreport somewhere in the first week of April.

Mille grazie per l'aiuta, la mia amica! Lei e molto generosa e gentile!

A presto! Ciao - LL

Have a smashing time!! Glad the Verrazzano worked out. If you see any of the Cappellini family - the owners of the castle - send love from Alisa, the former neighbour of theirs (I did get you there, didn't I?)

Will do Anon! Ciao! LL