After receiving such great advice from people on this helpline, I thought some quick tips could serve as "payback" and might be helpful as you're planning your trip:
ACCOMMODATIONS:
1. Rome - Residenza Argentina - great location, great value
2. Florence - Hotel Alba - great value
3. Venice - Pensione Accademia - a MUST - fantastic +++
4. Cinque Terre - La Mala in Vernazza - expensive, but beautiful
To be continued