Two years ago I had some trouble finding a hotel. So I went to Fiesole, a small, nice village on a hill just outside Florence.

I bookmark this, have never stayed there, but looks nice:
http://www.vacationvillas.net/index....ntal/20588.cfm

.....This romantic apartment, bought by an architect and painstakingly restored by artisans, is located on the ground floor of a 17th century palazzo. Though it's located just 2 minutes from the Piazza St. Croce and is the perfect starting point for artistic/historic excursions or a look at the nightlife, our dwelling is well isolated from the boisterous bustle in the lanes and alleyways of Florence.....