Italy: Hotel La Scaletta (Florence, Italy)

During our time in Florence (Firenze), Italy, we stayed at Hotel La Scaletta.  This hotel is known for its dining and its view of the city, and the view did not disappoint. We ate elsewhere, as the menu did not look appealing to our midwestern U.S. American preferences. Hotel La Scaletta should also be known for its great location and great customer service.  The host at the front desk directed us to some excellent restaurants that are favored by locals and even made reservations for us.  They also pre-arranged for us admittance times to the Uffizi Museum and Accademia - which was a huge plus! The hotel is just across the river from the Uffizi and surrounded by stores, restaurants, and night life. We were also able to take advantage of the computer and Internet in the lobby to book our train tickets.  

The hotel appears to share a building with other businesses. When you arrive at the address, you'll walk down a hall and then turn to the left.  There will be a few steps and then a typical Italian elevator. The elevator only allows room for two guests and no luggage or one guest and luggage.  It also can be a bit slow. You'll take it up to the third floor (sixth floor from U.S. perspective).  Once you make it to the lobby of the hotel you will be pleasantly surprised. 

My memory of the interior of our room is lacking.  There was an easily accessible safe. It was clean and cleaned daily - they even folded my pajamas. Laundry service is available at a high cost per item. (There is a launder near by that costs the same per kg.) The bed was comfortable. And the window ledge in the bathroom served as counter space. The bathroom was typical Italian.  We felt very safe and secure in our room, although we spent most of our time exploring Florence.

Our room was located below the kitchen, so there was some noise as they cleaned up each evening. We also suspect that the cigarette smell that filled our room came from the air vent that either connected to the kitchen or the streets. So if you stay here I suggest requesting not being below the kitchen.

Upon arrival at the hotel we were given two tickets for complimentary drinks in the roof-top dining room. We saved these until the second day in Florence and enjoyed our beverages and the complimentary peanuts that evening. 

We didn't take advantage of their breakfast opportunity, but found the dining area for this also quite pleasing to the eye.

Overall our experience at Hotel La Scaletta was positive and we would stay there again.  

Tip: Pay cash and book through email to receive a discount.  info@hotellascaletta.it  Our cost was 204 euro a night plus the Florence City tax of 4 euro per night/person.  They will send you directions to the hotel - be sure to read them prior to arrival!