Hello,
We are a family of 4 ( 2 children are 21 and 18). We will be in Italy for 3 weeks in June/ July 2014. We are staying 3 nights in Florence. Which is a nicer hotel and a which is in a better location. The La Scaletta or The Casci? Also trying to decide if 1 night is enough in Venice or should we do 2? Thank you so much for your help.

IMHO 1 day in Venice is not nearly enough - I would say 3 is the least I would do.

Sorry - can't help with the hotels - not familiar with them.

To me, the location is a toss up. I like to stay on the Casci side of the river, close to the river and the Ponte Vecchio. The La Scaletta is just on the other side but extremely close to the bridge. If you are arriving/departing by train, you may prefer the Casci for walking. I haven't stayed at either so can't comment other than both do well on TripAdvisor.

2 for Venice please.

One night in Venice does not give you even one full day of sightseeing. What do you hope to see/do in Venice?

I haven't stayed at either of your Florence hotel choices. The "better" location is the one that puts you closer to what you want to see/do. La Scaletta is obviously closer to the Pitti Palace, Brancacci Chapel, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi, Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo, perhaps the Bargello and Piazza Repubblica. The Casci is closer to the train station, the Duomo, Baptistery, Museum of the Duomo, Galleria Accademia, Basilicas of San Lorenzo and Santa Maria Novella, Mercato Centrale. But you only have 2 full days in Florence, so it's likely neither hotel is in the "perfect" location to see a short list of sightseeing.

Hi -

I'm not familiar with either hotel, but I always check Trip Advisor reviews for those.

In terms of location - I prefer where the Casci is - but honestly - Florence is a very walkable city and you won't have any issues getting around.

We stayed in a beautiful apartment with a view of the Duomo.

You will love Florence. Three nights won't be enough.

another option for hotel reviews is venere.com. I've used them for a lot of trips and the reviews have been spot on. Agree with the other posters, 1 night in venice is not enough at all - 3 would be my suggestion

If ypou are driving you might be interested in Hilton Garden Hotel, just outside the city and with free parking, brkfst, and a shuttle.. check it out.

My wife and her mother stayed at the Hotel Casci (pronounced "kashee") three years ago, and found it OK, very pitched towards American visitors.

A year ago, we stayed at the Hotel Europa, which is immediately opposite the Hotel Casci, and it was good. Easy walk from the station, close to the Duomo. But we were not in Florence for visiting the Pitti etc, so maybe the location might not be the best for you. Florence is very walkable.

I have stayed at Hotel Casci four times (and am booked again for my fifth). I say it is much better than "ok".

The rooms are clean and have remodeled baths. (Some even have tubs). They have rooms large enough for a family of four; their breakfast is excellent; they have free wifi (and a computer in the lobby if you prefer); chargers for your electronics in every room, heat and a/c; free use of guidebooks, the staff speaks English; they will make your museum and restaurant reservations for you. And the location is great. Just a couple minutes walk to the Duomo and about 15 to the Uffizi/Ponte Vecchio. Ten minutes to Accademia.

I love Hotel Casci. They make you feel like family, and they are good with "reading" your needs. (I was ill on my last visit and Mrs. Lombardi brought tea to my room)

They also have a great laundry service. Drop your dirty laundry bag at desk in a.m. and by dinner time, your clothes is clean and folded and back in your room.

Just my humble opinion, but I will continue to return to this great hotel.

Buon viaggio!