Has anyone stayed at the Jugendherberge hostel in Frankfurt, Germany? I found out that it's near the red light district, so I'm wondering if it's going to be awful. I've been trying to get a hotel for my boyfriend and me on priceline, but there's a trade show in Frankfurt in September (2007), so the hotel prices are REALLY high (for our college student budget). Any suggestions? We would like to stay around $70-80, which I know is really hard to do with the euro so strong right now. I welcome any advice. Thank you.

Can't help you with specifics, but in general Germany is safe, so that if safety is your concern, I wouldn't worry. I wouldn't hesitate to stay at a hostel in the red light district.

Aside from that, the word for "youth hostel" in German is "Jugendherbege," so that "Jugendherberge hostel" is like saying "youth hostel hostel."

The main Frankfurt DJH hostel is in a good area near the river. It's huge and pretty institutional, okay if you must stay there.

Is there any reason you must stay in Frankfurt?? I much prefer the Mainz hostel. I was there a couple of months ago; it's almost as close as Frankfurt itself is to FRA airport (Yeah, I know, peg. FRA = Frankfurt airport, so that's like Frankfurt Airport Airport) You can get a double including breakfast buffet there for less than 50 Euros if they're not booked up. It's a 20 or so minute walk from the Mainz Roemisches Theater train station, the first one after crossing the Rhine on the S-Bahn from FRA. Head south through the city park and then the Folks park; hostel is on the left overlooking the river. Also, check the Ibis Hotel in Mainz; it's only a block from the station I mentioned above and not much more expensive (though breakfast isn't included.)

I confirmt that the Jugendherberge is not in the red light district (which is around the train station and is not really dangerous anyway), it is at the river and in a good location. And when there is a trade fair you should forget about hotels, the prices are crazy, often double.

Long ago i stayed in the main riverside hostel several times - nowhere close to redlight district but rather in Museum district. Big institutional then too.

Check out Let's Go Germany, in any bookstore as it gives the best rundown on hostels and budget accommodations of any guide i've seen. Your library probably has a copy and you'll find many alternatives.