I have been scouring the Internet since I bought my tickets in January. The accompdations suggested are either booked or more than our budget allows for. The other problem I have encountered; other closer accomodations had some bad reviews and the last thing I want to deal with while traveling is switching hotels on the fly because of less than desirable conditions.

I've stayed at the Residenza Johanna on Bonifacio Lupi, which is a couple of blocks farther out. I've also stayed at the Cimabue somehwere out there too. This is a great location if you don't mind a bit of walking. Historical Florence is teeny-tiny and this area is a little more peaceful although there are plenty of restuarants and cafes nearby as well. It felt a little less touristy--for Florence, that is.

You can go to google maps and do street view and walk around if you like. We were (ahem) a bit younger then, but I'd say it was a very pleasant, non-brisk 10-15 minute walk to the Duomo, far less of course to other sights. You'll be just a couple of blocks from the Accademia, San Marco, etc.

Have a great trip and do post back about the B and B.

Did you try Relais Il Campanile? We stayed there and really liked it. It's fairly basic but clean and comfortable and, most importantly, within a block of the Duomo and a block to the Accademia. We literally could open our window and see the Duomo. The breakfast is a couple of pastries and some orange juice. I just looked at their prices and it is 80 E for a regular room and 75 E for a budget room with a smaller bed.

The rooms we'd need are not available for our dates at the Relais Il Campanile :( Thanks for the recommendation! :)