Haus der Jugend

Situated on the river and flanked by grand museums, Frankfurt’s official Hostelling International hostel, Haus der Jugend (or DJH Hostel), is a 400-bed bohemoth that offers clean accommodations at low rates.

Dorms, which sleep between six and 10 people, are furnished with standard metal bunk beds, while the lovely singles boast comfy wooden beds. The Haus der Jugend also offers doubles and quads, but for our money there are swankier (and cheaper) double alternatives in Frankfurt. Rooms have no amenities aside from lockers, which are available either in the room or hallway.

Sure, the DJH Hostel is standard hostel fare, but man did we love those views. Front rooms overlook the river, while back rooms afford panoramic views of stately Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt’s upscale residential neighborhood. Either way, you can’t go wrong. The sleek common area also boasts a terrific river view.

Single rooms have private bathrooms, as do some doubles and quads (others share facilities but are equipped with sinks). Dorms share all bathroom facilities, including sinks. All the bathrooms are adequate, but of course the shared facilities depend on the cleanliness of the guests using them.

In addition to an included breakfast, the Haus der Jugend also serves up lunch and dinner for the low price of €5 a meal. Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee. Note that the hostel enforces a 2 a.m. curfew (guests are not allowed entrance between 2 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.), and there is a surcharge during trade fairs.