According to Rick Steve's recent Italy blog, he has taken La Scaletta out of his new guidebook due to new bad management. I have read others say that La Scaletta is much better with its new management. I would love to know what Rick didn't like because I have booked in their based on his previous recommendations and now I am worried. Has anyone been there recently or does anyone know why Rick finds it objectionable now?
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
Have you tried to e-mail RS's home office?
Posted by
OP
Vancouver
68 posts
I did email the contact email address on the contact us part of this site and received a reply saying that the blog only said it had removed the hotel from the guidebook but not why, which I already knew. They actually suggested I post the question here as they did not know and thought someone here reading this might.
Posted by
Milwaukee
3 posts
To Polly - I'm going to be visiting La Scaletta for a short while at the start of June. When I get back I'll let you know if anything was amiss. So far though, they've been prompt and courteous in regards to my online booking. Later, when I wrote them asking about the best way to make an entry reservation for the Uffizi gallery on June 1, their staff went the extra mile and actually booked a prenotazione for me without even asking. I was frankly astonished and impressed. I don't think I've ever gotten such helpful service in the US.
Posted by
Milwaukee
3 posts
Polly,
As I mentioned before, I would post back after my stay at La Scaletta. I found nothing wrong with the place. I'm not sure what criteria Rick Steves uses to determine good/bad, and the important thing to remember is that good/bad often comes down to personal opinion. Granted, his opinion means a lot to us as he's such a seasoned traveler, but ultimately it's just his opinion. That being said, here's My opinion.
La Scaletta is a really nice little place that is run with a refreshing informality. There are some things that they ask;that you leave your room key when you go out, and that you pay your bill in full by 7pm the night before you leave (as opposed to cash as on arrival). You get a discount, by the way, if you pay cash rather than use a card. Other than that, the place was wonderful. Nice, helpful staff. Clean, airy rooms. Lovely rooftop terrace with an amazing view. Watch out for the tiny elevator! It's quite small, but better than the 92 steps up to check in!
Ciao!
Posted by
Milwaukee
3 posts
Oh, I almost forgot, but my wife reminded me to add this. While we were there, they ran a little dinner deal for guests on the rooftop terrace or in the Dining room in case of rain. I think it was 10 Euros per person and it consisted of wine, meats, cheeses, bruschetta, and tasty bread. Not a huge amount of food, and definitely not something for vegetarians - but it was a nice deal after a long day of travel, and was served up by some really nice staff.
Also, the hotel stay included a continental breakfast, but that was really simplfying it. There was a pretty large selection of stuff to choose from, and the dining area was large. Just watch out for the coffee. It came out of a machine and wasn't the tastiest. Not as bad as SOME hotel coffee I've had... but not as good as a fresh cup from someplace else after we left for the day. ;)