21 days in Rome

Spanish steps is a hot tourist area so inexpensive and Spanish steps do not go together well. To be inexpensive requires you to move to the edge of the tourist areas. Personally I think the Spanish steps are over rated as an area. Of course, you need to define inexpensive since the word has no meaning by itself.

First and most importantly, buy the RS Rome 2011 book right now and read it. It will be the smartest thing you do for your trip planning. Second, I agree that the Spanish steps are overrated. Since you're going to be there for 3 weeks, you might consider 3 different locations so you get to explore new neighborhoods. Consider these:
1. Campo de'Fiori 2. NE of Piazza Navona 3. SE of Colosseum You also might want to pick somewhere within easy walking distance of Termini (or at least next to a subway stop that would quickly take you to Termini) in case you decide to do some day trips out of Rome. Consider apartments. vrbo.com is just one site that lists many apartments in lots of different price ranges. You need to get cracking since May is almost here. Good luck.

Jeni,
Please define "inexpensive." What is the range that you are comfortable with? With 21 days, I'd think you'd want at least a minimal kitchen to store snacks, light meals, maybe even do some cooking.

You're right of course. I'd like to keep my daily accomodation rate to around $100 US a day for my daughter and myself.

That is 70E a day. Spanish steps are out. That would be very tight for a double hotel room. I have no experience with apartment but you should look in that direction. And most likely on the edge of the tourist area so make sure you are close to a good bus connection.

If you don't mind cozy, you can find well-located apartments for close to your budgeted amounts. You might not have the luxury of being very picky, though, since it's less than two months away. It will also be hard to find three continuous weeks available at this late date, so you may be forced to chop this up into different neighborhoods - not a bad thing at all, as I noted above. VRBO has a handy feature that lets you plug in your available dates and view apartments displaying when they're available. Have a great time.

You can also check Sleep in Italy and airbnb.com I agree with the other posters that you need to get on this asap. I booked my accommodations for this May several months ago. You will find that many of the "value" locations will be booked already. An apartment is probably your best bet for your budget and length of stay, but you will need to be flexible on your neighborhood. I plugged in 3 random weeks in May and found this apartment near Piazza Navona (a very central, safe area) for US$111 per night (plus $140 booking fee), but its says they'll offer a discount for stays longer than 2 weeks: http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/67041 It has a washer/dryer and a kitchen, so could save you some money on laundry and meals to account for being a bit over your budget. I'm not endorsing or recommending it, because I've never stayed there, but I thought it could get you started. Zoom in using the map feature on airb&b.com and check "redo search in map" to focus on specific neighborhoods. Good luck!

Another good value resource is http://www.cross-pollinate.com/. You can plug in your dates and preferred rates and get availability. They stilll have quite a bit in Rome for under 40 euros per person per night. (oOt an endorsement as I haven't stayed there, but overall there is good feedback.) Another is The Beehive http://www.the-beehive.com/home.html. Again, not a personal recommend, but I've read good things....

I stayed at a hotel called Downtown Accomodation for 70 euro per night. It is on Via Cavour near the Colesseum. That said, I would rather gouge my eyes out than stay in a small hotel room for three weeks. Well, that may be slightly exaggerated, as I do like my eyes. But, I think an apartment would be much better. You will save a lot of money being able to eat some of your meals in. As you have been told, it is awfully late to try to find an economical place for a 3 week stretch. Splitting your time in different neighborhoods is a great idea. Three weeks is a long time...are you planning any day trips anywhere?

check VRBO website (vacation rental by owner) or i am planning to stay at hotel modigliani with my family of 5 in June- near the train station- they seem very nice and helpful, reasonable it was in ricky steve's book

Thanks to all for your input! I have successfully booked a flat near San Pietro through VRBO as some of you suggested. It appears to meet our needs and be within our budget. So, despite a bit of nail biting due to my tardiness in booking, we will have a place to stay. Again - Thanks.

Yea! Please come back and let us know how it is, how it works out for you.

I will report back! My daughter (14) and I are travelling via transatlantic cruise from FL to Rome. We'll stay 3 weeks in Rome and then 13 family/friends are joining us for a week in Umbertide in Umbria and a couple of days in Florence and a couple of days in Venice to celebrate a BIG (40th) birthday for me. Our group accomodations have been fixed for a few months, and now that I have my accomodations for Rome settled, I can relax and enjoy the preparations. Thanks again for your input and your encouragement.