Here are The Professor's picks for places to stay in Florence:

Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco:  David could easily reach this hotel with his slingshot at the Accademia.   Travelers love the elegantly decorated rooms, family-friendly service, and the central location of this Florentine charmer.   Rooms at this 3-star deluxe property are big and comfy.  No wonder it is consistently ranked at the top of TripAdvisor's rankings.  Website:  http://www.ilguelfobianco.it/

Hotel Casci:  In between the Duomo and Accademia, this has been a favorite of budget-minded tourists for years.   I have never been to a hotel where the staff is friendlier or more accommodating.   Don't expect anything fancy, just a very well-located, super-clean place to stay right where you want to be in Florence.  Website:  http://www.hotelcasci.com/

Dependance Machiavelli:  Sssh!  Here is a special secret I don't want you to tell anyone else about.  Let's keep it just between us.  Our good friend in Florence just finished setting up  a great apartment in a great location.   Perfectly situated near good transportation options, all the great attractions, and just down the block from the grandest of all Florentine hotels, is the Dependance Machiavelli.    Constructed with first-class materials and expertly decorated, it has all the amenities you need to enjoy a short or long stay in Renaissance Florence.  The place is very comfortable and gives  a "down-home" feeling that is impossible to find at any hotel.  I highly recommend it.  Website:  http://www.dependancemachiavelli.it/en.html