4 of us are attempting to rent a villa in Florance or Tuscany from 08/26/05 to 09/11/05 for 1 week. Any suggestions? I do not like cheap accomodations. We have narrowed down 2 places but would love to hear feed back from vacationers that have actually been there. We want to stay in this area since it is central to day trips to several cities. Also am looking for a villa in Rome(if they exits) and Venice. Thanks!

Take a look at the slowtrav.com site. They have a wonderful list of rental reviews.
Have fun planning!

We have rented from Cuendet and also directly from a Brit who manages several properties near Cortona. Both experiences were good.

Be discerning about location--that is important in Tuscany. There are over 700 rentals in Tuscany. Many will meet your standards. Pick price and location first and then look at reviews at slowtrav.com It is easy to get mislead on properties based just on listings. Get first hand advice.

I really like the guys at Tuscan House. Perhaps you could come up with a list of issues important to all concerned - number of bedrooms, baths, location, pool,price range,maid service, etc. and then ask Zak to come up with recommendations. I also like the good folks at Italian Vacation Villas.

As for reviews, they are helpful, but what is charming and ideally located to one person, is rustic and isolated to another. I would definitely develop a good relationship with the agency and make sure that they are aware of your needs and expectations.

And you don't mention the two accomodations you have selected or the cities you wish to visit. This info would certainly help answer your question.

As for Rome and Venice, perhaps you want an apartment as opposed to a villa outside the city. Most, but not all apartments, are offered on a weekly basis, just like villas in the countryside, especially during high season.

I recently read about a company that does Tuscan rentals (and concierge service). I think only 2 of their properties are small enough for 4. No personal experience, but have a look here

http://www.purplefete.com/index2.htm

They are evidently particularly good for those into wine.

There's lots of info on Venice rentals here and on slowtrav.com

For something very different, you could contact Italian Case which rents villas in the beach town of Forte Dei Marmi in Tuscany. Easy bus ride of 1+ hour into FLorence. Offers 2 totally different worlds. We did it last summer and loved it.

Read "Summer's Lease" by John Mortimer (Rumpole fame) on the pitfalls . . . !