We are going with a freestanding in our new master bath both because we like the looks and also with our layout it worked better. Given the cost of a good tiling job I'm not sure a built-in would have been less expensive than a standalone. We had 2 drop-in tubs (one to be removed with shower stall) and one of them still in-- acrylic-- which we put in 12 years ago and somewhat regret now because it flexes and the grout cracked over time so it has needed a lot of maintenance. (this is mostly because of the material we chose). But when our kids were younger they loved the bubbles!

Leftfoot, I have the V&A clawfoot 60" slipper tub and LOVE it. It is not an inexpensive tub, but it is also one you will not regret. Getting use to it from a garden cultured marble tub was the only thing. Because it is more narrow, it takes a lot less water to fill it. My hubby who is 220, son who is 6.1 195 son and I love it. Son likes it better than the standard tub in his bathroom. The one thing you cannot do, because it is not cast iron, and is a stone resin, is sit on the side of it. It is only 122 lbs.

Initially, my designer recommended placing the free-standing tub filler off-center, in the corner, at the end of the tub (where my feet go) and it was plumbed that way. Then the designer changed her mind, and decided that the faucets should be centered at the end -- so I paid for plumber and tile setter to make the change. I considered having the faucets placed behind the tub, between the back wall and the tub, which would make it easier to add water when I'm in the tub, but then I would need to reach over the tub to fill it before entering. And designer said it's best to "show off" the exposed pipes on the filler. I just realized that there are black "spots" on my tub -- paw prints from the 10-year old cat I adopted this summer -- luckily, her prints wash off easily.

I have the Neptune Rouge Paris F1 and absolutely love it. I used a freestanding filler and use the ledge for my soap I've also seen a few made by Fleurco/Aria that look nice and have ledges on the side.