Out of a three weeks stay in Italy, this was the only place where we didn' t enjoy staying. From the very moment we walked in, the lady at reception made us wait for a solid half an hour because of some confusion on the booking of the person before us. It took her another half an hour to check us in (didn' t seem like computers were much familiar with her). The room was clean but it felt like jail because of extremely little space and super highly placed window. Toilets and bathrooms were no better than in a super basic hostel (which you would pay much less than the rates you pay at the Foresteria). Only ONE computer for the whole hostel. And I wouldn' t advise you to go out in the evenings, because the place closes at 3am which is fair enough, if it wasn't for the fact that the person who answers the door at that hour looked totally infuriated that we dared turning up after midnight, and looked at us like we were total [--] for having gone out on a Friday night. Considering it was our ONLY night out in 2 weeks, I wouldn' t exactly put ourselves in the party animal category, so really there was no need to be so nasty.
In retrospect, it looks like convents in Italy got more laid back staff than the Foresteria people, from which you would expect a bit more liberal attitude considering that they depend from the local gay and lesbian centre.
Pros: Decent breakfast
Clean
Cons: The staff
Location is not close to any metro station
Only a couple of blocks from the local jail (I am serious)

I stayed here for almost two weeks while in Rome for work. I highly recommend it for females. It is a 'hostel' but without the dirty bathrooms and noise.

Always interesting things going on in the women's centre below. The food place below is average but there is wireless down in the courtyard, so a good place to grab a glass of wine and hop on-line.

Breakfast is adequate (but late - earliest entry time is 8 am, and not before!!), with the added bonus of fresh coffee. Reception staff can be a bit cold - not a very smiley lot, but apparently with some prodding they can be quite helpful.

The location is superb - in Trastevere, and only a 10 min walk to various sites. I would recommend this for individual travellers as well as groups (e.g. mother and daughter, friends, etc).

The trek from Termini is worth it. This place is comfortable, safe, and located in one of the loveliest neighborhoods in Rome: Trastevere. The staff are friendly and helpful, there is free internet access, rooms and bathrooms are clean, and there are hot showers. Even in the morning. Both private rooms and dorm beds are available.

26 Euros includes a dorm bed [not bunk bed] with sheets, towels, closet with a lock, and a continental breakfast with a good variety- cereal, yogurt, toast, cheese, ham, spreads, coffee, tea, juice, etc.

Also, guests get a 10% discount at the restaurant downstairs, which is a cafeteria style eatery open for lunch and dinner, serving delicious home cooked meals. I really enjoyed my stay here and met some really great people as well. I recommend the Foresteria to all women travelers headed to Rome.