Accommodations in Florence & Venice

In Florence, we stayed in the Valentine Suite at the Residenza de l'Osmarin. https://www.residenzadelosmarin.com

We loved it. This place is very central and yet very quiet and picturesque. The owner is extremely nice and accommodating.

Thank you so much! We will check it out.

We stayed at the Oltrarno Lily Suite (https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/oltrarno-lily-suite.html) in Florence in October and it was amazing. It's across the river from city center (~20 minute walk to the Duomo) and is in a quiet and peaceful area, which we liked after being in the midst of the tourist hordes all day. What is special about this place is that the unit with a terrace has an incredible unobstructed panoramic view of the city. The property is clean & well equipped with a kitchen and washer, and was quite affordable.

The only downside is there's no elevator & it's on the fourth floor. But the view from the terrace more than made up for it. We would sit out and have dinner or a glass of wine and it was completely private. There's a great bakery next door and a supermarket a couple of blocks away

For Venice,we use this locally-owned agency, Venice Red House.

https://www.veniceredhouse.com/

I cannot recommend a specific apartment for you, as we rent 2-bedroom ones. But it is easy to filter for the size you want, and then check the price and exact location for each.

Thanks for the responses!

I have booked a one bedroom apartment via booking.com with this company
https://www.mamoflorence.com
Have yet to stay in the apartment (I'm there for Christmas) but the staff at mamo could not have been more responsive to my MANY requests for information not just about the apartment but Florence in general.

Zak, that agency has some lovely places!
I hope after you return home you will tell us about your experience of staying there.
Have a great trip!

Back from an all too short trip to Venice, Verona and Florence. My stay at one of the mamoflorence apartments on Via Cavour was great. The apartment looked exactly like the photos, had all the equipment I needed for my stay and was a 5 - 10 minute walk from the Duomo. I had an issue with the power on the first evening running too many appliances at the same time but the managers were quick to respond to my What's App cry for help and kept in touch while the maintenance people came to fix it and show me where to find the fusebox in case it happened again. After that all went smoothly but I really appreciated them texting me to check all was well a couple of time during my stay.

hey hey steve
venice:
cabadoer-venice-flat.it
years back we stayed in the west studio in san toma area with two single beds, you can change i think. the couple that owns this building are great. they let us store luggage till check in. small elevator to upper level, small kitchenette, washer, small balcony facing frari church.
cross-pollinate.com/ venice
this couple started the beehive hostel in rome. still around but i know some reviews are old. you can email them for more info if you see something you like.
we took a private water taxi to san toma stop then a short walk to apt. husband met us at stop to show us the way. i know many say ride is expensive but all worth it to arrive on the island and we saved knowing it.
motoscafivenezia.com
put in some info and the price will show up. this is only for you and your party. we have used them 4 times and love it. guess i'm spoiled at my age, just eat bread & salami, house wine for a budget meal to compensate for cost.
venicelink.com
they have a shuttle you share (minimum 2 people), put in info and what cost is. if you like it book it.
both rides, luggage with you, help putting it on.
you can check bus, price and schedule. the alilaguna transfer, you handle your luggage, on boat with others (maybe a seat maybe not, seats low & can't view out dirty/salty windows. you decide your priority
florence:
cross-pollinate.com/ florence
look at what's available, what amenities, do you need a lift/elevator, check cancellation policy, cash euros/credit card and if any fees.
casarabatti.com
check what they have, choose it if good
booking.com/ florence
filter price, apts, area, other amenities that suit your fancy.
hope this helps, anything else interested in seeing & doing, let us know we can give you ideas
aloha

We had wonderful success via AirBnB last year in both cities. The apartment we had in Florence has a great location in relation to the train station and central city and lovely overall. Listed as Historic Apartment in Santa Maria Novella Square on AirBnB. But there are many to choose from. For Venice, I would suggest searching for places off the beaten path. We stayed in Cannaregio last year and near Tennis Club San Stin in years past.