Just back from 8 days in Italy and thought I'd share in case someone find helpful. Florence and Rome lodging from Rick but Sicilian lodging found elsewhere since Rick doesn't have much for the island.
Florence- stayed on Piazza Duomo in B&B Soggiorno Battistero. Perfect central location is a 10 min walk from train station and situated on 3rd floor overlooking Duomo with great views. Lively busy noisy location but they have noise-proof internal shutter on the windows which is fantastic! Very clean, firm bed, friendly staff, quiet common area, strong wireless and small, well-appointed room. Breakfast served in your room which is nice touch- includes typical continental fare plus a hard boiled egg which was appreciated. Check out Il Latini for a crazy delicious over-the-top dining experience! 85euro night/single in late April. Highly recommend this B&B.
Palermo- Hotel Garibaldi is a very nice updated full service hotel in a great location. Really big updated rooms with great AC and huge, modern bathrooms, and a very nice buffet breakfast that goes way beyond the typical menu. You can even order an American breakfast for an additional cost. Very helpful front desk staff. Wifi was spotty in our room but strong in lobby waiting area. 40 min walk to train station, easy 15-30 min walk to most other areas including the local markets of Ballaro and Vucciria and the ancient city. Tip: hop on the open top Sightseeing bus when you first get there and take both loops to get an overview of the city and plan your on-foot itinerary from there. 24 hour on/off ticket is 20 euros + 5 if you want to visit Monreale. Hodge-podge of different architectures is easily seen on bus and audio portion is very helpful. Catacombs are very cool and creepy but prob require a taxi. Fantastic restaurant is Ferro Di Cavallo, so good we went twice, it gets packed at 8. Very few Americans anywhere in Sicily so language is definitely Italian. Hotel was 104 euro/night/double in early May. Highly recommend it.
Agrigento- We met other family here and they had selected Agriturismo Due Ganee which is abut 20 mins outside of town in a beautiful, hilly farming area. It was chosen because they had a car which would be required to get here. It was a serene setting with lovely basic accommodations but I would rather have been in the city within walking distance. Lovely breakfast is included and dinner can be arranged as well for an additional fee. Friendly accommodating family is there is serve. Marginal wifi mostly in main dining room. The Valley of the Temples is fantastic and I had no idea that massive Greek temples existed in Sicily. 59euros/night/double. If you want quiet rural break from the normal urban Italian craziness then this is a wonderful option.
Rome- Hotel Select Roma from Rick's book was very nice and great location 10 mins from train station. Full service hotel with friendly staff, nice clean modern rooms and typical breakfast included. My room was off an internal outside garden area with large sliding door onto courtyard which as very nice and quiet and allowed for fresh air. Bed was firm, sheets and towels very nice and large modern bathroom. Check out La Lanterne for dinner, delicious. 95 euros/night/single for mid May. Highly recommend.