Budget Lodging in Rome

Nicolette, AFAIK, the least expensive option will be to stay in Hostels. Double rooms are often available, but these will provide somewhat "basic" accommodation, likely with twin beds. Hostels normally charge "per bed" for Dorm rooms, but with Doubles the price is usually "per room". In Rome especially, the price may vary depending on what time of year you'll be there. One location that may work for you is This Hostel located in the Termini area. I've stayed there a number of times (Dorm rooms), and the accommodations has been very comfortable. Some of the doubles have ensuite and I doubt that you'll find anything less expensive for a double. One caveat though - as I recall, the breakfast is a bit "spartan", but I didn't find that to be a problem. Good luck and happy travels!

Nicolette, check out monastery lodgings, there are many in Rome. I stayed in one, Suore Catechiste di Sant'Anna, just a few blocks from the Colosseum. It was about 58 euro for a single (very basic, no tv or fridge in the room, but it did have a private bath). Clean, safe, very helpful sisters running the place. Another option is Hotel Zara, around the corner from Via Nazionale and very near to Termini station. A single with bath there was about the same price as Sant'Anna. Both places served breakfast, but the coffee was better at the bar around the corner. If you look at any recommendations online, read the reviews very carefully.

Check out http://www.cross-pollinate.com for budget lodgings. Note the prices are quoted per person.

check www.casalasalle.com. While it is outside of the center, it's super close to the metro and around 60E and quite safe and includes breakfast. It's very popular with Catholic church groups. Don't bother with their dinner, and eat before returning for the evening as there aren't a lot of local resturants available in the area. It's my "back-up" monestary in Rome if my first choice isn't available.

My last two trips I have stayed at Hotel Cervia Roma which should be in budget esp if you reserve in advance. Its handy to Termini and while not fancy it has proven budget friendly. We often will grab salads from the grocery in the lower level of Termini with fresh bread and wine and have a nice dinner for 2 for around $15 Euro. Pass on their breakfast and grab a juice and snack in the station as you head out in the morning. Even a bit closer to Termini is the Beehive which has limited rooms (reserve well in advance) though I have not stayed there it is well reviewed and back when they had a cafe it was a great spot for a quick meal. (My understanding is the cafe is now closed)

Nicolette, as suggested, you can look at convents - see this list: Hotel Alternatives in Rome. Not sure how many days you're staying in Rome, but an apartment might be a more cost-effective option for you. Or, at the price you're seeking, look outside the center of town. If you stay in the Roma Termini area or the Prati area (near the Vatican) you'll find less expensive accommodations. These two links have the best-rated accommodations in these areas, but at the bottom of each article is a Venere link that allows you to sort accommodations in this area by price. If you go that route, make sure to read the guest comments. See The Best Hotels and B&B's near Roma Termini and The Best Hotels and B&B's in the Prati-Vatican Area for some suggestions. The good news is that both of these locations are easily accessible to downtown through metro and bus connections. We lived in the Prati area for years and often walked - about 20 minutes - to and from dinner in the centro area. The #492 bus and the Metro Line A were our primary "downtown" options. Good Luck in your search!

I have had good luck with hostelworld.com. They have other inexpensive lodging choices as well as hostels.