Sorry, guess I should have scrolled down more to see the Italy forum. I guess it's too popular for the rest of Europe

Thanks so much for the input on Village Roma. I've looked at hostelbookers before, along with about every site on wikitravel and the usual expedia/orbitz/kayak string. The 40% discount does make it really cheap but the location is a bit farther than I'd like, and the whole shaky foundation thing that you mentioned scare me a little. Right now, I am thinking that rentalinrome.com or craigslist short-term apartment listings would be more affordable and homey than a hotel. Anyone used either of these?