Booking is always advisable in Rome, especially in the busy spring season. Hammer out a firm price for the room, then ask for written confirmation.

Our classroom is in Monti, a working-class bastion that's gentrifying, The workshop space is a five-minute walk from the Colosseum and Forum.. We're on the Via Panisperna, within a few minutes' walk of both the Colosseo and Cavour metro stops (line B).

The cheapest deals are in the Esquiline neighborhood, near Termini, the central train station. However, this area can be edgy at night. Rome is quite safe – pickpocket incidents far outnumber muggings, for example – but please choose comfortable lodgings, so you're not distracted by noise or anxiety. We recommend the Centro Storico (historic district), Trastevere, Testaccio, the Celio and Aventine as good bets nearby. Monteverde, Prati and the Vatican also are mellow, but further afield.

Instructor Amanda Castleman lived in Rome for several years. She's happy to advise on suitability. Once you've ascertained space is available that week, email her at amandacastleman@hotmail.com for a second opinion. Amanda's also included some recommendations here.

An apartment (appartamento) is often the most atmospheric option. For privacy and authenticity, a short-term rental can't be beat. Snuggle under a wood-beamed loft or lounge on a flower-strewn terrace. Generally cheaper than hotels, apartments also have basic cooking implements and facilities. The ability to boil an egg – in your pajamas – becomes strangely precious after 10 consecutive meals in expensive, public restaurants. Do as the Romans do: take a break from la dolce vita. Our instructors chose this option, but do what inspires you most.

Real Rome leases lovely apartments in the historic centre, well stocked with staples like olive oil and coffee. The minimum stay is three nights at €65–140 each (339-827-1285; www.realrome.com). Other companies include IDEC ( 06-48-930-557; www.flatinrome.com) and the more charmingly named Rome Sweet Home (06-69-924-833; www.romesweethome.it) and Cross Pollinate ( 06-97-279-432 or 06-44-704-553. www.cross-pollinate.com).

Hotels masquerade under many names: albergo, hotel or locanda. A pensione is a bed-and-breakfast. The star system rates amenities – like swimming pools and TVs – not character, quality or price. That said, a one-star is usually fairly bare bones and budget-friendly.

Finally, homeowners can swap spaces. Find a reputable service, like Home Exchange (310-798-3864 or tollfree 800-877-8723; www.homeexchange.com) or HomeLink International (954-566-2687 or toll free 800-638-3841; www.homelink.org). Don't hesitate to check references before trading places.

A youth hostel (ostello per la gioventù) can provide companionship, cheap rates and sometimes even self-catering kitchens. However, many are on the outskirts; hauling luggage on an unfamiliar bus route is never fun. Most belong to the Hosteling International (HI) group, which €18 for a six-month membership. Bunk beds run €13–19 a night.

HI has no age limit and even welcomes families with small children. Its Italian hostels are among the most evocative; many inhabit fortresses, castles, Renaissance villas and rustic country manors. Book online though www.hihostels.com or www.ostellionline.org (Associazione Italiana Alberghi per la Gioventù, Via Farini 48-50, Roma; 06-48-907-740)

Prices and supplements
Rates usually include breakfast (primacolazione), an uninspiring spread of toast, coffee and pre-fab pastries (bland little bundles sprinkled with confectioners sugar and scented with lemon). German-inspired buffets sometimes introduce cheese, yogurt, granola and fruit into this monotonous palette, but these are mainly found in the seaside resorts popular among northern Europeans. A quick bite in a bar is far cheaper, but hotel proprietors fight tooth and nail to avoid such discounts.

A double room (cámera doppia) rarely includes a double bed (un letto matrimoniale), so sharing is easy. The shower (doccia) and toilet (bagno) may be down the hall. Single travelers sometimes suffer a charge (supplemento) or pay the full double price. Hostels or religious organizations can be more affordable for those sailing solo.

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