p.s. About 8 years ago I stayed in the Residenza Johanna in Florence. I'm not sure of their current rates.

http://www.johanna.it/

I've also used cross-pollinate.com in Rome. Again, many years ago, but they were fine too.

If being pampered by staff and paying for the privilege is optional for you then apartments are certainly a very viable way to go. We did Paris, Venice, Florence, Rome and Amsterdam and only used hotels in Paris and Amsterdam.

It's really a better way to go overall because you're much more likely to find accommodation close to where you want to be at a rate that suits you.

jgliu,

I don't like the location of any of the Rome hotels you listed from Venere.

I suggest you go back to the Venere website:

On the left hand side there is a section under "Your Preferences" called "Areas of Rome". Click on both "Navona" and "Pantheon". You can also clock on your budget range in the "Price" section. This will givwe you a list of very well located hotels in your price range.

Guys - thank you all for your kind responses. Lots of the places mentioned here are not available but I think I am close to making reservations in each city. Thanks again!

I'd recommend Hotel Cestelli in Florence - great location, clean & comfortable w/ private bath, owned by a sweet young couple who are very helpful. 100 euro/nt.

Have anyone stayed at Panella Residence in Florence?

How about Locanda Marinella or Ca'Alexander B&B in Venice?

Last one, how about Residence Il Borgo in Bellagio?

Thanks all!

Can't help with the places you ask about in your most recent post, but in Venice, three of us were very happy with a triple room in your price range at this B&B:
Ca' Turelli

We booked it through the www.veniceby.com website, listed under B&Bs. Scroll down until you find it (or maybe something else in your price range will pop up).

The Dorsoduro location was peaceful and yet close to things. It was small, clean, decent breakfast, great bathroom, good price (a couple years ago, but I think the prices are still reasonable).

Good luck!

In Florence see also Il Ghiro, www.ilghiro.it
A superb deal if you like a quiet room , helpful staff , free internet and a kitchen always available

I will be going on a similar trip at a similar time, flying into Venice on 3/31 for one night, then taking a train to Florence for 3 nights, then on to Rome for 4 nights. In Rome we will be staying at the Orlando Innamorato B&B. Of course I haven't traveled there yet but have read great reviews and the lady that owns the bed and breakfast has been very helpful via email.
http://www.orlandoinnamorato.it/
I believe it was 80 euro per night.

Good luck!

I second the recommendation for the Tourist House Ghiberti in Florence. The owner was helpful, the rooms were clean and the location excellent (very near the Duome).

As for Venice, I highly recommend the Hotel Mercurio. It's very close to the San Marco Square, Doge's Palace and a high-end shopping district. We had the Supreme Triple with a canal view (which was GREAT) for only 160 euro's for two nights.

Breakfast was decent and the service was exemplary.

I'm sure you've already booked your places but hopefully this will help other people in the future.

Ciao!

Thank you all for your input. I've made my reservations at all locations. What a great feeling to be able to secure accomodations. Next on the to-do list is transportation

Which hotels did you choose?

jgliu,
Let me know what you end up doing for transportation! I am looking into trains...

Kybourbon - considering the budget, I managed to make reservations at Hotel Romae in Rome (close to Termini for transportation purposes, i.e. planning on day trip to Pompeii, etc), then B&B at Florence (Panella's Residence), Bellagio (Residence Il Borgo), then Venice (Locanda Marinella - close to Piazzale Roma where we need to take a bus at dawn to catch a 6 am flight to US). I've checked TripAdvisor and they all have good reviews (except for Hotel Romae was only ok).

Acswift - I have another thread on trains and many advised that point to point tickets are cheaper so I'll purchase the tickets at FCO airport or Termini (my first city of arrival is Rome). Many advised to take 2nd class faster trains. Hope that helps!

Kybourbon - I have to add that I have other 1st choices in hotels, e.g Hotel Apollo in Rome and Tourist House Ghiberti in Florence..but they are not available. Anyway, I feel pretty good about my choices - will report back after the trip!

Has anyone stayed at the Campiello Hotel in Venice?