Hostels in Frankfurt

The HI hostel in Mainz is excellent, about a 20 minute walk from Mainz's south-end train station, and not far from FRA; if your goal is to stay near the airport inexpensively, I'd stay there instead of in Frankfurt.

Well staying inexpensively near the airport was my goal, so thanks! Are there trains then from there to the airport?

I've stayed at the Frankfurt HI hostel and the Mainz HI hostel (several times) and much prefer the latter - great breakfast, clean, well-run.

Direct S-Bahn trains to the airport from the Mainz Römisches Theater station (not Mainz HBF, or main station) take about 20 minutes and cost maybe 3.50 or so. Buy a ticket from the machines at the station.

The walk south to the hostel from this station takes you through the city park (Stadtpark) and another park (Volkspark) on the way to the hostel, which is tucked away in the southeast corner of the Volkspark overlooking the Rhine where it meets the Main River.

Walk to the rear train platform and walk south along the platform past the Roman theater being unearthed there - then take the steps up to the city street on the right (bus stop shelter there) and head south again to the park entrance by the trestle. Walk through the attractive park, keeping just to the right of the Hotel Favorite, then cross the footbridge and continue south.

The hostel is popular - I'd reserve in advance.

Mainz is a nice city to stroll around in. The heart of Mainz is around the Dom (cathedral) which is several minutes' walk northeast of the station along Augustinerstrasse, the pedestrian artery through the old town with cafes and wine bars.

The S-Bahn ticket from Mainz to FRA costs 3,60 Euro, a little less than $5 at todays exchange rate.

Ticket automats are easy to use.

There is a large hostel along the Main river near the Sachsenhausen neighborhood, with over 400 beds. Seems to be quite nice according to quite a few people I have spoken to who have stayed there. The hostel near the train station is also very popular, but be aware it is in the middle of the red-light district. It is quite safe there, but can be disconcerting to some people. Have you googled "hostels in Frankfurt" yet?

I know of something better. Check out www.couchsurfing.com...it will completely change your travel life.

This one is a very new building in a great location overlooking the river including skyline view, walking distance to everywhere incl. the night life district of Sachsenhausen. I think this is the one Jo was talking about: http://www.jugendherberge-frankfurt.de/e-haus.htm

I stayed at the "Frankfurt Hostel" last year and it was fine... maybe a little crowded and a little noisy but it didn't matter. I just needed someplace to crash for the night before I jumped on a plane back home.

It's right across the street from the Hbf (take the tunnel under the street, come up the stairs, and it's directly to your left). There's a reasonably-priced internet cafe right across the street, too. That area can be a bit sketchy (not dangerous) after dark.