Has anyone taken the Night Espresso Train? We are considering taking it from Rome to Sicily. We would book the double-seat sleeper car. What was your experience like? I understand that these trains are a little dirty? Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

ttt

No I have not.

Have you considered using a budget flight?

www.skyscanner.net

There are no "double seat" compartments - this is a poor translation on Trenitalia's web site. The double compartments have two bunk beds.
I've used sleeping cars all over Europe, including to Sicily, and wouldn't describe them as dirty.
You can travel overnight in greater comfort by taking a ferry: cabins have bathrooms with showers, and the ships have restaurants, bars, etc. There are services from Civitavecchia to Palermo (www.gnv.it, www.snav.it), from Napoli to Palermo (www.tirrenia.it, www.snav.it), the Eolian islands and Milazzo (www.siremar.it) or Catania (www.tttlines.it) and from Salerno to Messina (www.carontetourist.it).

I agree with Geoff on half of his post, take an overnight ferry. I also agree with Dukey, in my opinion a flight would be second best.

I would still like to take the train. Unfortunately, the notorious Trenitalia site has inactivated my account and 3 unsuccessful attempts to purchase a ticket with three different credit cards. I have created additional Trenitalia accounts but they were subsequently inactivated after attempting to use the same credit card. What a horrible system. Would it be risky to wait until we get to Italy to book a sleeper car (5 days prior to trip)? I do not want to get stuck in the 2nd class carriage seats for a 12 hours train ride.

If I were you I would invest a few dollars in peace of mind and try calling them. Is that possible?