Rome and Amalfi Coast?

Since everyone here has been so helpful when I've had questions...

Anyone been to Rome and/or the Amalfi coast?
Suggestions for hotels? Hotels to avoid?
Towns on the Amalfi coast worth staying in?
I know there's Amalfi and Positano, but I've also heard they are $$$.
We are trying to have a nice HM without completely breaking the bank, and with the exchange rate what it is these days...it's tough!

TIA!