$300 USD is not 250 Euros. As of today, it is 230 Euros, and you almost certainly will not have any 4 star hotels available in that range.

Albergo Senato is considerably more.

The Ala in Venice can be a nice choice, but the rooms vary widely so be very careful about what room category to reserve.

A good choice in this range in Florence is the Il Guelfo Bianco.

In Rome the Raffaello

In Venice, my vote would go for Ca Maria Adele www.camariaadele.it and in Florence for Hotel Villa Belvedere www.villa-belvedere.com.

Have a great trip!

We stayed at ALBERGO DEL SENATO last month. Doubles, depending on the season start at E140.

thanks for the advice on Bari, Tower. We won't be in Bari for long. The only reason we are going there is that it is the closest city with an airport to the village my grandparents grew up in - Cirigliano (in the Basilicata Region). we'll have two nights in Bari and the day inbetween will be spent driving to Cirigliano. Good to know not to stay near the port!

<<We stayed at ALBERGO DEL SENATO last month. Doubles, depending on the season start at E140.>>

The original poster's dates were in September. You cannot get into the Albergo del Senato at that time for less than 275-300 Euros (about $375 USD)

In Florence you can check on:

http://www.tuscanweb.com

Castra..on your way to and from Cirigliano, try to briefly visit Alberobello in the heart of the Trulli District...it's a mind blower!
Enjoy!
Stu T.

Depending on how long you are staying, you might consider and apartment, especially in Rome - more room for less money. Usually you can get them for 3+ days, and it might give you more choice as you are booking quite late.

2* can be decent in Italy. Smo eother recs are: Rome - Sanat CHiara (3*), Florence - Hotel Casci (2*), and Venice - Hotel FLora (3*).

You should start checking for availability now. Also check tripadvisor.com for reviews, and search here on hotel names for more comments.

I can't make any recommendations from personal experience, but I did quite a bit of research before choosing our hotels. Check out Locanda Orseolo in Venice. www.locandaorseolo.com
It gets lots of rave reviews. Good price too.

In Florence, for something different, consider Relais Grand Tour. Perfect location and gorgeous B&B. www.florencegrandtour.com

ALso, you didn't specify how many in the room. Prices vary depending on the number of people staying in the room (kids or otherwise).

I strongly agree with Girlspy re: ROme hotel location.

We first stayed at the Lucchesi in Florence two years ago and really enjoyed it. It was the prettiest room of the three hotels we stayed in that year with a great balcony and views of Santa Croce. We are staying there again in a couple of weeks in fact, and have requested the same room. (its a hotel offered by American Express Travel Rewards). It is just past Piazza Santa Croce and we had no trouble walking everywhere from there. The staff was also very helpful.

We, too, stayed at the Lucchesi and really enjoyed it.

The hotel is located on the Arno, and our room had a lovely view of the river.

The breakfast was memorable, featuring made-to-order omelets.

We walked to the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio,Uffizi, etc.

Byrd