Hotels in Italy-Rome and Venice?

I've got reasonably good budget hotels in both places through this website: www.hostelworld.com. A very cheap way of getting from Rome to Venice is to take the train. Plus you get to see the countryside.

Hotels in Italy are some of the most expensive in the world. We found them very tiny and old, as well. You will want to double check your accommodations have air conditioning. Are you travelling alone? The train is the simplest and cheapest way to get around Italy. But if you are travelling with a small group renting a station-wagon might be worth looking into. We loved having the freedom it gave us. Gas is nearly double North American prices usually but most all vehicles are diesel. In 2004 we hired a driver for $50 US to take us to some less know to tourist spots in Rome for the day in his air conditioned Mercedes. Rome can easily be done in a few days. A word of warning..there are A LOT of stairs between the city of Venice and the main land, so luggage can be a problem. We made this mistake when travelling with 4 and 5 year olds.