Still wondering if there is a place to simply relax near Florence that would be a good place to stop before my 2nd travel partner joined me? I'm thinking beach but coastal area would great too.

Maybe Santa Margarita or Portofino?

Hi,

In paris the Hotel Republique is a decent place and near great transportation. It is 82 Euros a night for a double. I do not know if that includes breakfast. In Florence try the Hotel Medici. It is 65 to 110 Euros a double depending on the time of the year. Great location and views. A nice beach town is Levanto. It should be a little less than other towns. Have fun.

Given your tight budget, you might consider taking a farmstay apartment in Tuscany for a week. Not a beach, but there'll be a pool! Somewhere convenient for day trips into Florence. It would help your budget a lot. I've used a rental car site where you can get an economy car for 202 euros, insurance included.

Most rentals are Saturday to Saturday. If you chose the week beginning August 30, you might find some deals and/or someone willing to be flexible on check-in day. I think you could find an apartment for no more than 300 euros/week. With the car, that would be about $750 for the week. Not bad!