Just returned from Rome, Florence and Venice and can recommend Hotel Casci in Florence. A double with bath ran about 100 euro per day. A block or two from the duomo with very helpful and caring proprietors. In
Venice, Hotel Galleria is about the same price and is located at the base of the Accademia Bridge. Both have websites. BTW, let me know if you want to visit the best restaurant in all of Italy, IMO.