Two Ducks Hostel

There are many better choices in Rome.
Stayed 4th and 5th Feb. '08. I was initially on first floor of the apartment building with three dorms (potentially twelve people) to share only one combi loo/shower. But we were invited to go to fifth floor if that combi loo/shower was too busy! Bad news is that I had bedbugs in bed so in the night was transferred to fifth floor anyway, where there were more bathrooms but very cramped conditions. kitchens also very small. Only good thing was the location. Staff were nice but didn't offer to refund me the difference in cost between four-dorm I had booked (buggy) and the six-dorm I had to transfer to. Only one sheet provided, to cover mattress. No upper sheet, just blanket, not hygienic.

Not that flash.
This hostel was close to Termini, clean and safe with no curfew, but that's all there is to recommend it. In addition to the main hostel there is also an apartment around the corner with two rooms, which is where they placed me. There were no staff on hand. There were no lockers in the bunkroom (shared with five others). The water in the shower never got above tepid -- ok in hot summer but I doubt it would be in winter. The bunkroom was cleaned once a day, but we had cotton blankets on the beds and no top sheet, and the blankets were not changed when someone left the hostel. Although it's close to Termini it's on the wrong side really. I changed hostels for my last night in Rome, and was far more impressed with the new place. I would not stay at Two Ducks again by choice. Other directions are a bit confusing (I got lost) -- Via Marsala runs along one side of Termini, on your right if your back is to the tracks. Once it crosses Via Solferino it becomes Via Voltumo. Via Calatafimi is very small, and not marked on some maps.

The room we stayed in was clean with four beds (not stacked bunks, which made it more comfortable). The staff was helpful and competent. Kitchen and toilet facilities were modern and clean. For those who need showers everyday, this is not North America. Guests will probably be happier at a hotel with more than one toilet and shower per floor. The hostel was in a good area, close to the main train station and a supermarket less than five minutes. Directions to the hostel were not adequate. Here are mine. Leaving the station -- walk to the right. Find parallel street Via Marsala and walk left. Continue walking three to five minutes. Pass Via Gaeta until Via Calatafimi. Turn right on this cul de sac and walk seventy metres. Two Ducks is on the right. Only an intercom panel gives the name of the hostel.