I stayed in Ciak Hostel for 2 nights when I was in Rome in February, 2011. I stayed in a Standard 6 Bed Mixed (Male and Females) Room. I roomed with 2 guys and 3 gals
"Great" Features
1. Nice and comfortable room and bed for the price I paid for ( US$43+ tax for 2 nights)
2. Free pasta dinner on Fridays and Saturdays ( Do not expect gourmet pasta just because you are in Italy, it is very simple since it's free)
3. Free continental breakfast - croissant, wafers, toast, cereal, coffee, juice (simple compared to continental breakfast in 3 star hotels in US, I am still grateful because it's free)
4. Location - it is easy to find, it's 20-30 minutes walk from the big Termini Metro Train station or 5 minute walk from the Manzoni Metro Train station
5. The famous Collosseum is 20 minutes from the hostel
6. Staff are nice and helpful
7. They allow you to leave your luggage for free before or after check-in so you can still enjoy sightseeing if your flight arrives early or leaves late
8. Free Wi-Fi access in the common areas
"Not So Great" Features
1. Location - not the nicest part of Rome but still safe enough
2. The hostel is in the 3rd floor, they do not have lift/ elevator so difficult to carry your luggage up the stairs
3. Computer Usage: I was only given 15 minutes free using a passcode then after that I had to pay
4. You need to bring own lock for the lockers provided or you can buy it from the reception desk for 2 Euros
5. The room was small with 1 bathroom for 6 people
6. Need to pay 2.50 Euro per night for Accommodation City Tax read more