Five Elements Hostel

The Five Elements Hostel is located smack in the middle of the red light district near Frankfurt’s train station. In case the strip clubs lining the block don’t tip you off, the dark metal reception counter sums it up: This is no goody-two-shoes hostel but a trendy, young-spirited place befitting its gritty urban environment. And its 188 beds can be some of the cheapest in the city.

In addition to four-, six- and eight-bed dorms, the Five Elements Hostel offers private rooms, equipped with (note to cuddle-happy couples) two pushed-together twin mattresses. Rooms are new and stylish, if basic. The dorm room bunk beds seem a tad flimsy, and some rooms with industrial cement ceilings can feel claustrophobic. Others, however, are lovely with natural light, and we loved the hardwood floors we saw in many rooms.

With the exception of reading lights and lockers in the dorms there are no in-room amenities at the Five Elements, but towels and sheets are included in the room rate. Light sleepers should request a room on a higher floor, as lower-level rooms pick up noise from the common area and the rowdy street outside.

Some private rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, but the dorms and cheapest privates share facilities. As is the case with all hostels, shared bathrooms are as clean as the guests who use them (translation: the cleanliness level may vary).

The Five Elements Hostel also offers a top-level flat which boasts spectacular views, as well as a couple of apartments equipped with a kitchen and television. The apartments sleep up to four people each and are available by weekly rental.

The hostel’s dark, ground-floor lobby is a popular hangout, as is a basement rec room, which is outfitted with a kitchen and a large LCD TV. The Five Elements Hostel also offers dirt-cheap pasta meals (served well into the night) and a variety of organized events from barbecues to group tours.

Note that, while extremely convenient, the hostel’s location can be sketchy. There is, however, plenty of around-the-clock pedestrian traffic, as well as 24-hour surveillance for added safety.

The Five Elements offers free laptop rentals, in addition to free Wi-Fi throughout. Breakfast is available for €4, and after your third night at the hostel, it’s free.