La Toscana di Carlotta is not only one of the best B&Bs in Niagara-on-the-Lake, it is arguably one of the best B&B's we've stayed at anywhere in the world. Truly top-notch service and attention from its dedicated and friendly owners. Read on for details:

LOCATION:
The B&B is located one block off of the main road through Niagara-on-the-Lake, placing it within footsteps of the major sites in NotL, but still giving it a quieter feel than being right on the main road. It is about 2 blocks from the main Shaw Festival theater, and about the same from several of the smaller theaters in town. Likewise, it is within a couple of blocks of the best restaurants in NotL, including an excellent Irish Pub just across the street.

From Niagara Falls, expect about a 25-30 minute drive to the Inn, and about the same from St. Catharines. The B&B places you within 10-15 minutes of pretty much every winery in NotL. It's about 30-40 minutes to the Twenty Valley wineries around the town of Jordan. Expect about a 1.75 hour drive to/from Toronto.

PROPERTY:
The B&B is located in a historic house, though you wouldn't know it by anything except a slight draftiness on cold nights. The main entrance has a mudroom to remove wet or dirty shoes, with an assortment of slippers available for use in the house. On the first floor, a living room with couches and a fireplace is available for guest use. There is also the main dining area, and a little reading nook, complete with a huge assortment of maps and tourist cards available. (The owners are expanding, and shortly there will be a 4th guest suite available as well, which will be on the main floor.) Upstairs is where the 3 current guest suites are located, each nicely isolated from each other by short hallways. There is a common "kitchenette" area at the top of the stairs with a sink and small refrigerator for guest use.

ROOMS:
The rooms are each quite different, and while we were able to see all 3 rooms during our stay, we stayed in the Medici room. Medici doesn't have a balcony, but has enormous windows covering two walls, and a tall wood-beamed vaulted ceiling. During the day, it's a beautiful vista from a very light and open-feeling room. At night, the cloth blinds completely close off the windows for privacy. In the winter, because of all the windows, Medici got a bit chilly -- but we mentioned this to our hosts, and they were able to provide more heat, so it wasn't a problem at all after the first night! All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms, and it was surprisingly large and well-appointed. The shower had excellent water pressure, and plenty of hot water available. The other rooms have balconies available, which of course are not much use in the wintertime, and at least one of them had a large King bed instead of Medici's smaller queen. But whichever you choose, expect comfort, privacy and well-appointed amenities.

BREAKFAST:
La Toscana di Carlotta truly shines for its meals! Traditional Tuscan cooking, and portions that will hold you all the way through dinner. Selections started with fresh fruit and yogurt, served with warmed breads or croissants. The next course was a selection of bruschetta & crostini with lovely flavored spreads, including a homemade pesto and traditional Italian anchovy spread - we eyed it dubiously at first, but it was absolutely delicious! After you think you've had enough food to serve for two breakfasts already, the main course arrives -- Italian omelettes one day, and baked spinach & ricotta crepes the next -- that were light, flavorful and beautifully prepared. And finally, full to bursting, a small dessert arrives -- profitaroles one day, and an absolutely decadent zabaglione the next. Top that all off with strong brewed Italian coffee or european-style teas, and you have a recipe for a stunning meal.

Without question, some of the finest breakfasts we've been served anywhere on the planet. We could go back and stay for weeks, just for the cooking!

STAFF:
The owners, Carlotta & Kash, are simply the most welcoming and personable innkeepers you could hope for. They're responsive, helpful and run a professional operation. Their housekeeping staff are efficient, effective and unobtrusive. Whether you're looking for advice about the area, recommendations for dining or activities, or just a chat about the daily news, they're happy to chat with guests and help however they can. (Carlotta's mother comes to visit direct from Florence a couple of times each year, and if she's on site she helps out with breakfast service, and is one of the nicest people you would wish to meet!) Even the house dog, Maya, is friendly and sweet. They made our visit like staying with friendly and laid-back family, rather than an Inn!

Overall, it's difficult to give a more glowing recommendation than for this B&B. Their attention to detail, responsiveness to guests' needs, and amazing food turned a fun weekend into a great weekend. Without question we'll be back to stay here again! Our new favorite place in the Niagara region.

First of all, the welcome is that of coming "home"; Carlotta and Chaz are gracious, knowledgeable, and brilliant at making each guest be special and comfortable. Having personally visited Florence a number of times, I can only say that La Toscana di Carlotta is the next best thing to being there. The breakfasts are traditionally Florentine and beautifully served; the only problem being that it is almost too much to eat at one time. One of the last breakfasts we had we lingered at the table over coffees until after 10:00. The location of the B & B is perfect for theatre lovers, wine lovers, shopping lovers, and just plain lovers. We cannot recommend this exquisite B & B too highly

Carlotta & Kash as well as Mama are the ultimate B & B hosts. Their warm welcome, their extra effort, superb amazing to-die-for breakfasts; fresh fruit, yogurt, tiny spinach crepes with bechamel sauce, crotinis all add up to a perfect stay. We loved the peace and tranquility of the home as well as the hints on places to check out in the area.
We would not hesitate to recommend La Toscana di Carlotta to any of our friends. In fact, I shouldn't be handing out accolades as it is the best kept secret in Niagara on the Lake.

We stayed overnight at La Toscana with a party of three (2 adults and one 12 year-old). Everything was great. Carlotta and Kash are exceptionally nice people and try to do everything to make your stay special. When it comes to B&Bs -- only three things matter: the location, the hosts, and the breakfast. The location is ideal. The hosts are wonderful. And the breakfast... wow, what a breakfast! We have stayed at B&Bs pretty well everywhere in the Northeast US and Canada and Europe. But this breakfast was by far our all-time favorite. Enjoy your stay. We certainly did.