Milan and venice

Have you tried any booking sites, like www.Booking.com to get a feel for what is out there for your dates? That’s where I always start. Sometimes I use VRBO or go directly to the lodging site, but a broad search at Booking is my starting place.

Those cities, like most, have hotels and apartments covering a vast price range. For the most useful responses here, you need to help us out with your nightly room budget in euros, the number of people being housed, and location preferences. A room with two twin beds will usually be a lot less expensive than a room for 3 or 4 people.

Milan - Close to Milano Centrale, yet a world away. Roof garden, 2 bedrooms.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5742670?source_impression_id=p3_1674076673_M1eckq0%2BhXdDUGVS

Venice - Off the beaten path, with windows opening onto a working canal. You will probably be the only "tourists" in the area. It is unique, to be certain. Maybe not the greatest choice but we enjoyed our stay there.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10533854?source_impression_id=p3_1674076749_pXHE9Xq4yngHUGR3

I stayed in Casa Verardo 25 years ago. It is very nice, affordable (barely), and the location is excellent. It is one of Rick Steves' recommended hotels but only mentioned on his city hotel map. It is on a small canal in Castello, a 15 minute walk from Palazzo San Marco. I do remember the breakfast room was beautiful, but their continental breakfast is nothing to write home about. Good luck.

I love the Hotel al Codega in Venice and would recommend that one to anyone. In Milan I have had good luck with the Lancaster Hotel.
Good luck.