I need to find a hostel in Frankfurt, Germany for one night at the end
of July and need a list of suggestions.  I'm aware of Haus der Jugend
(Hostelling International), but would like to explore other options,
including private backpacker hostels which tend to be livelier.

I would prefer a hostel:
- within walking distance of downtown (under 25 min)
- no more than $25 CDN (that's roughly how much a HI dorm bed costs,
and HI tends to have the priciest beds)
- that has a shuttle service to the airport or is very easily accessible by
public transit

Info on 2 to 3 hostels would be great!

---
I also need hostel info on Jo'burg at a later date, if you're
interested.

Hi, Kariny,

I took a look at your question 12 hours ago, but gave it up because I
could not find anything in your price range.  I suspect the lack of
response since then indicates that nobody else can.

It could be that the Haus der Jugend hostel is your best bet if price
is the main concern (although they are often out of town).

I reckon that $25 CDN comes to about Euro 16 - and most Frankfurt
hostels appear to start at about Euro 20.  As you are staying just one
night, will the extra few dollars beak your bank?

The Stay and Learn Residence in particular seems to fit your other
requirements: "Our accommodation is located in The Heart Of Frankfurt.
The hostel is located near the shops and restaurants, bars and clubs. 
It is also conveniently located across the street from main train
station ('Hauptbahnhof') and 17 min. by subway/train from Frankfurt
International Airport. The Frankfurt - Hahn bus station is also
accross the street."
<http://www.kasbah.com/hostels/hostels_More.asp?hostel=485>
but it starts at Euro 22.23 per night.

(Other hostels on this site at
http://www.kasbah.com/hostels/hostels.asp?hostel=frankfurt)

Frankfurt Hostel also offers Stay and Learn, at the same 22.23 price,
and a number of other cheap (though not as cheap) hostels. 
<http://www.redflag.info/hostel/frankfurthostel.htm>

Hostelfrankfurt.com offers the same hostel at a higher price, and also
other hostels not mentioned on the kasbah.com site
<http://www.hostelfrankfurt.com/findabed.php>
I see that hostelworld.com offers similar options, similar prices.

<http://www.hostelseurope.com/germany/germanyhostels.html> - same
hostel, Euro 20 per night ex breakfast, dorm or quad room, with a
5-10% discount if you have a Hostelcard discount card.

I have a contact in Jo'burg, so might be able to get more accurate
(and local) information when you're ready for that. Meanwhile, enjoy
Frankfurt, viel Spass!  (And I hope another researcher will find
something more to your price range and other requirements.)

r2l

Hi Karin,

I know you asked about hostels - but I would like to broaden your
horizon a little bit. If you could imagine staying with a "local",
check out the Hospitality Club at http://www.hospitalityclub.org 
Especially if price is a concern, you will be happy...:-)

What is the Hospitality Club? We are a non-commercial network of
friendly people around the world who offer each other help when they
travel - be it free accommodation, a tour around town or a visit to
the best local pub. Our aim is to bring people in contact with each
other: we believe that friendships will establish and that this will
lead to more intercultural understanding and more lasting peace in the
long run. Membership is free and 3 years after the start there are now
5300 members in 117 countries. So it's possible to meet friendly
people and stay for free in almost every corner of the world. We
invite everyone to join - this can be done online and just takes a
couple of minutes.
The Hospitality Club: http://www.hospitalityclub.org

I just checked - in Frankfurt there are 26 members, so you should find
someone to stay with. Will be better than staying in the big HI hostel
in Frankfurt. I hate that place - worst youth hostel in Germany. The
ONLY place I ever saw cookroaches in Germany!!! Not kidding - I was
there a lot of times as volunteer for the exchange organization AFS
(www.afs.org) - most of the kids fly in and out of Frankfurt.

Allright, enjoy your trip!

Greetings from Dresden,

Veit