Frankfurt Hostel

Sandwiched between a kebab shop and the WOS (that’s “World of Sex,” for those who aren’t in the know about this peep show establishment), the Frankfurt Hostel offers clean rooms, unbeatable rates and a convenient location near the train station. It’s also a great place to forge new friendships with other travelers (or the alcoholics hanging out on the street).

Once you pass the seemingly seedy (but harmless) environs of Kaiserstrasse a whole new world unfolds inside: Immaculate mosaic floors and a winding staircase lead up to the Frankfurt Hostel’s third-floor entrance. The hallways, with dark lighting that does little to conceal tattered carpeting and spotty walls, are less appealing, but rooms are bright and comfortable.

Rooms at the Frankfurt Hostel range from generously sized privates to 10-bed dorms. They are painted in optimistic hues (peach, pale green...), and the décor is tastefully minimal. The weak metal bunks and linoleum flooring in dorm rooms aren’t exactly elegant, but private rooms sport wooden beds, a television and, in most cases, hardwood floors. We were particularly enamored with the top-floor singles, which are outfitted with double beds and small but spotless showers.

Most rooms—including the bunk bed dorms—are equipped with a private toilet and shower, although a few share facilities in the hallway. The bathrooms all seem to suffer from poor ventilation, however—every one we saw was humid.

During our visit, the charming common area—with its weathered hardwood floors and street-facing balconies—was moving to the groove of someone’s eclectic playlist (we heard German hip hop, Coldplay and classical music). We saw several lodgers huddled around tables, and noted that the receptionist handled the long line of new arrivals with aplomb and humor.

With social events like pub crawls and pasta nights, the Frankfurt Hostel is definitely geared toward younger guests, but we also saw a number of older guests who said they were very happy with the service. Although the street below can get rowdy, the hostel benefits from its third- to fifth-floor location.

Breakfast is included in the room rate. Wi-Fi is free throughout and an Internet station is available for a fee.