5Elements Hostel Frankfurt

Overall the hostel itself is good value for money, my bed and bedsheets were clean, the shower likewise. The reception staff was helpful and friendly (I read some other comments here but my personal experience was great). The bed capsules were nice and the locker was big enough for my luggage. I had my own lock. Air ventilation is something that could be improved upon, especially during summer. Unfortunately the bed capsules trap heat, so at night it's kinda like being cremated in a coffin :D (I'm also more sensitive to bad air and heat). Also the prices at their website were ~4€ lower than what I paid for when I came to the hostel. But as others mentioned, location was the biggest downer. The hotel explicitly warned about this in their confirmation e-mail, but it was more rough than I expected. Noone bothered me nor approached me whether I walked down the street during the day or at night. I kept on walking, minded my own business and it was ok. That being said, it really stressed me out. You will be around people that are on hard drugs (nothing against those people per se). It doesn't feel safe. If you are not used to such districts/aren't unfazed by life, I would not recommend.

I booked a bed for 20.80 € total, but at check-in the price increased with mandatory extra charges (bedsheets, city tax, deposit) that weren’t clear when booking. I stayed in room 207 (8-bed dorm). The dorm itself was clean, but the average age of the guests was around 50, not really a young backpacker atmosphere. The vibe felt more like a private gay party than a typical hostel social scene. The location is very close to the train station, but unfortunately it’s also surrounded by homeless people and drug users, which doesn’t feel very safe or comfortable. Overall: fine if you need to be near Hbf, but not what I expected in terms of atmosphere. 3/5 , and that’s generous.

I stayed here yesterday, and here's my opinion. This is a very cost-effective hotel. I will probably stay here again next time. The neighborhood is actually quite short, and while chaotic, it's not dangerous. The hotel itself is nice, especially the triple room, which has a private bathroom and is very clean. One downside, however, is the noise outside the window; remember to wear earplugs if you stay. The breakfast is decent, with ham, bread, yogurt, and vegetables, and it's cheaper if you book it with your room. It's very close to the train station, which is very convenient.

DO NOT stay here if you are a solo female traveller, the area this hostel is in goes beyond just how it it is described on the website, it is downright dangerous. I've been to many cities all over the world, but genuinely never been harassed like that in my life. Half of the reception staff is great, the other half is quite rude. Also paying for bedsheets is something I've never had to do before, also does not come with a towel as advertised. The pod rooms are nice, but zero ventilation so incredibly hot. Also not noise proof in the slightest, and people tend to be very loud since they are not in open bunks. Additionally, their pay system was down so they made me come back 3 times to try to pay, and they charged extra for using a card. As well, my card locked me out of my pod halfway through my stay. Many better options but there, stay safe.

Had a pleasant stay at this hostel. First of all, it's true, the area is not the best and for some can be a little sketchy. But I had no problem at all. Just common sense in the streets worked for me. And in the positive side, the hostel is located really close to the Frankfurt central station, two blocks away. The hostel itself is really good. I stayed in one of the rooms with capsules and had enough privacy without losing the interaction that you expect in a hostel. Restrooms and showers were clean evey single time that I use them. Maybe I would increase the number of restrooms and showers available, there were only two male and two female at my floor. The staff was really helpful whenever I need it. Thank you all.

The hostel is great, it has free coffee, tea and water, the rooms and bathrooms are clean, the beds are as comfortable as they can be, however the area is a bit creepy. There are high people in the street and around the corner so I recommend getting to the hostel before it gets dark, it is a bit scary, especially if you a re a woman traveling solo. nevertheless, the stay was very pleasant and the staff are kind.

I stayed here for about a week in an 8-bed dorm because it was the cheapest place I could go to, and I have no regrets. Quite the opposite. Staff was exceedingly friendly and everything I could ask for was available. Clean rooms, excellent shower, big lockers right by the beds. Security was absolutely top notch, and in the best way. Reception is 24/7 and has direct eyes on the front door. You need to buzz at the door to be let in, a second buzz to get to the dorms, a key card to get into the room and then there are the aforementioned lockers, for which you can get a padlock basically for free (five euro deposit, you get it back). It sounds like it could be hassle but in the entire week I was never left waiting at the door for more than a couple seconds. I felt safer in this place than any other I've been to. Yes, the neighbourhood is questionable, which is probably why they have this security to begin with. There's a lot of junkies, hookers and homeless people, and many will try to talk to you to ask for money, or to sell drugs or sex. It can look a bit scary at times, but let me tell you this. I'm a tall, crazy transgender woman who walks around in a miniskirt and without shoes. I attract all the attention I possibly could just by standing around. I walk through the street and all eyes on me. Yet, not once in the whole week have I had a negative experience, other than the casual heckling for money. I took some basic precautions against pickpocketing and not once has anything gone missing. The place is perfectly safe if you use a bit of common sense. So, all in all, high marks. Loved the place. Will come again.

This is a terrible hostel. I advise you not to stay here, otherwise you will only regret it. I booked this hostel because it is close to Frankfurt Hbf, but it is located in a red-light area. In this area, you will find drugs, prostitutes, very bad smell, and a high risk of diseases and germs everywhere. The rooms of the hostel are suffocating with no ventilation. The washrooms have no privacy. At the reception, they hire temporary staff who are very rude to guests. You will not see any permanent management here. The kitchen is extremely dirty and full of cockroaches. There is no hygiene at all, and the employees do not care about cleanliness. If you are coming to Frankfurt for a good purpose, then this hostel is not for you. You will regret staying here. But if your purpose is something else, then maybe this place will suit you.