copper, I say go for it! What the heck, it's an experience. I have done this route in both couchette and private sleeper compartment. The private compartment was definitely nicer in that we had some privacy but it ain't exactly spacious, either. You asked about comparison to a hostel - compared to a hostel you will be just fine.

I too have taken this train several times in couchettes and i find them adequate - 4 person is far better than 6-person however IME

Hi Copper,
I've taken the France to Italy overnight train twice: last December and this February (a few weeks ago.) It was fine BUT be sure to take precautions against thieves.

My daughter and I were in a couchette with two others, thank goodness, because the woman below me woke up when the thief entered our compartment. He apologized, said he had the wrong room, then went on to rob the other rooms. Now I know you're all thinking "why didn't you lock the door?" We did. Everyone did. But when locked they can open about 4 inches and one needn't be a rocket scientist to make a long tool to unhook the lock.

So, while I love the trains, I'll not take another night train. If you do take the night train make sure you all have money belts and make sure the section with the money is underneath you. Put things like cameras deep inside your suitcase. And don't take a sleeping pill--you may prefer to wake up if someone comes in.

Once the people in the other cars started screaming at 6 am that they'd been robbed, everyone came out into the hall to discuss and the Italians told us this happens all the time on the night train. The authorities seem to believe there's nothing they can do.

So--that's my caution. Be careful with your things and know that the locks don't really work.

nfldbeothuk,
Which Paris/Rome airport makes you take off your shoes?

I've never flown out of Rome.
If you look back at my post, I was merely saying that I, personally, find airports more stressful than train travel.

I am also taking the overnight train from Rome to Paris later this month. I'm wondering what time we should get to Termini for our 6:30 departure. Is it like the airport where we need hours before hand (I hope not!)?

No but since the train originates in Rome i think

get there several minutes before departure to find the right car, right berth, etc.

cars have numbers on outside and your ticket will have the number car you are in.

staff usually waiting on platforms to check tickets and help out

Thank you! That makes me feel much better :-)