Frankfurt
Temporary Accommodation
Options like hotels, hostels, serviced apartments, and short-term rentals commonly used by visitors and new arrivals.
Sections
1. Types of Temporary Accommodation in Frankfurt
Frankfurt offers a variety of temporary housing options to suit different needs and budgets:
a. Hotels
- Overview: Hotels are a convenient option for short-term stays, offering amenities like housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and sometimes breakfast.
- Cost: Mid-range hotels cost between โฌ80โโฌ150 per night, while luxury hotels can exceed โฌ200 per night. Budget hotels or hostels may cost โฌ40โโฌ70 per night.
- Best for: Short visits, business travelers, or those who need immediate accommodation.
b. Serviced Apartments
- Overview: Fully furnished apartments with hotel-like services, including cleaning, utilities, and sometimes a concierge. These are ideal for stays of a few weeks to several months.
- Cost: Prices range from โฌ1,200โโฌ2,500 per month, depending on the location, size, and amenities.
- Best for: Expats, business professionals, or families needing a home-like environment.
c. Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.)
- Overview: Private apartments or homes rented out for short durations. These can range from basic to luxury accommodations.
- Cost: โฌ50โโฌ150 per night, or โฌ1,000โโฌ3,000 per month, depending on the property and location.
- Best for: Tourists, digital nomads, or those seeking flexibility.
d. Hostels
- Overview: Budget-friendly shared accommodations, often with dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities.
- Cost: โฌ20โโฌ50 per night.
- Best for: Backpackers, students, or those on a tight budget.
e. Co-Living Spaces
- Overview: Shared living arrangements where residents have private rooms but share communal spaces like kitchens and lounges. These often cater to young professionals and expats.
- Cost: โฌ600โโฌ1,200 per month.
- Best for: Young professionals, students, or those looking to network.
f. Temporary Sublets
- Overview: Renting a room or apartment from someone who is temporarily away. These are often advertised on local platforms or community boards.
- Cost: โฌ800โโฌ1,800 per month, depending on the size and location.
- Best for: Expats or those transitioning to permanent housing.
2. Average Costs of Temporary Accommodation
The cost of temporary housing in Frankfurt depends on the type of accommodation, location, and duration of stay. Hereโs a general breakdown:
| Type | Cost (Per Night) | Cost (Per Month) | |-------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------| | Hotels | โฌ80โโฌ200 | โฌ2,400โโฌ6,000 | | Serviced Apartments | N/A | โฌ1,200โโฌ2,500 | | Short-Term Rentals | โฌ50โโฌ150 | โฌ1,000โโฌ3,000 | | Hostels | โฌ20โโฌ50 | N/A | | Co-Living Spaces | N/A | โฌ600โโฌ1,200 | | Temporary Sublets | N/A | โฌ800โโฌ1,800 |
3. How to Book Temporary Accommodation
a. Online Platforms
- Hotels: Use platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com.
- Serviced Apartments: Websites like Homelike, Wunderflats, or The Spot.
- Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb, Vrbo, or local rental platforms.
- Hostels: Hostelworld or Hostels.com.
- Co-Living Spaces: Check out platforms like Spotahome, HousingAnywhere, or Nestpick.
- Temporary Sublets: Look for listings on local websites like WG-Gesucht, eBay Kleinanzeigen, or Facebook groups.
b. Booking Procedures
- Search and Compare: Use filters to narrow down options based on budget, location, and amenities.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews to ensure the accommodation meets your expectations.
- Contact the Host/Provider: For sublets or co-living spaces, communicate directly with the host to clarify terms.
- Provide Necessary Documents: Some providers may require ID, proof of employment, or a visa for longer stays.
- Payment: Be prepared to pay a deposit or the full amount upfront, depending on the provider.
4. Necessary Procedures and Documents
When booking temporary accommodation in Frankfurt, you may need the following:
- Valid ID or Passport: Required for all bookings.
- Visa or Residence Permit: If applicable, especially for stays longer than 90 days.
- Proof of Employment or Income: Sometimes required for serviced apartments or sublets.
- Deposit: Many landlords or platforms require a security deposit, typically equivalent to one monthโs rent.
- Schufa Credit Check: Rarely needed for short-term stays but may be requested for sublets or longer-term rentals.
5. Local Regulations and Considerations
a. Registration (Anmeldung)
- If you stay in Frankfurt for more than three months, you are legally required to register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Bรผrgeramt (citizenโs office). Temporary accommodations like hotels or Airbnbs typically do not qualify for this, so plan accordingly if youโre transitioning to permanent housing.
b. Airbnb Restrictions
- Frankfurt has regulations limiting short-term rentals to protect the housing market. Ensure your Airbnb or short-term rental complies with local laws.
c. Taxes
- Hotels and short-term rentals may include a "city tax" (Tourismusabgabe) in the price. This is typically 2โ3% of the accommodation cost.
d. Public Transport Accessibility
- Frankfurt has an excellent public transport system (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses). When choosing accommodation, consider proximity to public transport for easy commuting.
e. Language Barrier
- While many service providers speak English, itโs helpful to know basic German phrases or use translation apps when communicating with landlords or hosts.
6. Tips for Finding Temporary Accommodation in Frankfurt
- Book Early: Frankfurt hosts many international events (e.g., Frankfurt Book Fair, trade shows), which can lead to a shortage of accommodations.
- Consider Suburbs: If central Frankfurt is too expensive, look for options in nearby areas like Offenbach, Eschborn, or Bad Homburg, which are well-connected by public transport.
- Negotiate for Longer Stays: For stays longer than a month, you may be able to negotiate a discount with the host or provider.
- Beware of Scams: Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, and never send money without verifying the legitimacy of the listing.
- Check Amenities: Ensure the accommodation includes essentials like Wi-Fi, heating, and kitchen facilities, especially for longer stays.
7. Cultural and Logistical Considerations
- Quiet Hours: Germans value quiet time, especially between 10 PM and 6 AM. Be mindful of noise levels in shared accommodations.
- Recycling Rules: Frankfurt has strict recycling regulations. Familiarize yourself with the system (e.g., separating paper, plastic, and glass).
- Cash vs. Card: While many places accept credit cards, some smaller establishments or private landlords may prefer cash or bank transfers.
- Local Cuisine: If staying in a serviced apartment or rental, explore local markets for fresh produce and try regional specialties like Apfelwein (apple wine) and Handkรคse mit Musik (a type of cheese dish).
By understanding the options, costs, and procedures, youโll be well-prepared to find temporary accommodation in Frankfurt that suits your needs. Let me know if you need further assistance!