Hi,
Sorry for the delaly..but I have just been reading without logging in fora while.
Have a look at:
Cingque Terra , Monterosso
www.hotelmarinacinqueterre.it = Very good
Venice B&B al saor good basic family/B&B type hotel in good location
Florence: HOTEL: Hotel Machiavelli Palace. near the main train station...so handy to arriving by fast train. 10-20 minute walk to most of the main sites. Is right on the edge of the old city...so a minute or so and you are in it.
In Rome we booked an apartment vi wotif.com
Property name:
Monti Apartment
Address:
Via del Garofano1, Rome City Centre (colosseum) 0018
It was basic...but we were EXTREMELY happy with the location. was in old city, near the Coleuseum, 15 minutes to Trevi Fountain etc...lots of restaurants nearby...and 5 minutes to the metro.
Cheers