While researching hotels I found a book called Hello Italy! A guide to hotels in Italy for $50-$99 a night, written by Margo Classe. Has anyone used this book and did you find the information in it (specifically the rates) to be valid?

I last used Margo's excellent book in 2001, but found all of her descriptions in that edition to be valid. I stayed in her recommended hotels in both Italy and France, and was satisfied with them.
Her website: http://www.helloeurope.com

Yes I have used her books. I have also met her and she is sincere and dedicated to her work.

Also I like her advice because even though she is married she travels alone and sees her recommendations through a solo woman's eyes.

I've used her books also, and had an amazing phone chat with her. She is sincere and dedicated, and if you are looking for budget accomodations, I think her recs are as good as any. You might want to do some cross referencing, say with Sandra Gustafson, EuroCheapo.com and tripadvisor, as well as Fodors.com to get some back up on Margo Classe's opinions.

Here's another thumbs up for Margo . I've used her Italy and France titles with good results. In fact, her Italy edition is right here by the computer as I type this. I sent her an email a long time ago and received a lovely reply. Her website is at http://helloeurope.com

Is that $50-99 range still valid now with the Euro and inflation? I will definitely take a look.

Will Travel, her most recent editions are entitled Best Budget Hotels of _____. She's understandably dropped the $50 - $99/night titles.