I am in the process of remodeling a bathroom in my home and I have just replaced a hideous (mustard yellow) standard bath tub with a Hydro Systems The Lacey 66x32 (acrylic). The one I purchased is just a soaking tub with no jets and cost (including shipping) approximately $1800. I have not finished the bathroom, so the only use it has gotten is being filled for weight to help set the mortar base properly. Overall I love the look of The Lacey and the quality seems high to me. I had a plumber set the tub and he also remarked about the quality. I was deciding between it and the Kohler Archer due to size constraints, and chose the Lacey to meet time constraints (manufactured closer and could be delivered earlier). The only thing to note is that the slope of the tub is on the exterior (not made on the interior with a bottom that will be parallel to the floor) and requires additional mortar in the mortar bed. Here is a link that might be useful: Hydro Systems The Lacey

Look at the interior length -- not just the overall exterior length. You may not need the 72" and may be able to gain some shelf space for towels or bath stuff. You may also need room for the pump, faucet or other plumbing concerns. Take those into account, and if you still have and want to use the extra length, google air tub with 32" width. I found some hits, including MNTI and Hydro Systems. If you decide you can give up the air feature, the Victoria & Albert Toulouse is a freestanding soaking tub that fits your size requirements and I thought was very comfy.

Mine is a drop-in but I had many of the same concerns... budget being a big one! I wanted the Duravit tubs, but couldn't afford them :( I chose a Kohler Archer tub. They come in apron-front and not that expensive (~$375 and some places will ship free or Home Depot can get it for you). The only thing is that it's 32" wide. Also, it is deeper than a standard builder tub/shower tub at 19". it's GREAT for soaking in, but probably not quite as convenient for stepping in/out to shower (??? I don't know that for sure, just guessing.) But- it looks really nice, especially with the horizontal drain... although I don't know how plain/fancy the apron is, as I haven't seen it in real life.

Livinggreen, I think freestanding vs drop in is mostly a style preference, thought you would have more cost to box one in. IN re hot tubs vs jetted tubs. Yes, I think having a hot tub is one reason I don't feel the need for a jetted bathtub. Of course, if the hot tub is outside and you live in a cold climate, you may not have the hot tub run all year. In our last house the hot tub and the pool shared the same heating system, so when we closed the pool Oct-Apr, no hot tub. Now our hottub and pool are indoors.