Just arrived in Florence today after 2 nights in Sienna and 3 nights in Padova. Stayed at Hotel Bernini in Sienna and Hotel Fagiano in Padova. Both are listed in RS's 2008 Italy book and are well worth the stay. Currently at Casa Rabatti in Florence with RS Christmas cards adorning the walls.
Just some quick updates:
Hotel Fagiano (Padova) - They now take credit cards so you can "swipe" your stay.
Museo di Storia della Scienza (Science Museum in Florence) - This is under construction and will be until 2009. The 1st and 2nd floors are completely closed. Only the basement and ground floors are open. Most of the documents have been put in storage and have been replaced by copies. It's apparent that the museum staff have rearranged as many exhibits as they could, but you won't see everything. The price is discounted to 4 Euros. It's still worth the price as Galileo's finger and telescopes are still on display.