Feb 20 2009
HOSCARS—Discovering the World’s Best Hostels
Scared of staying in hostels? Think they’re going to be full of young hippie backpackers? Think you’re going to have to share a room with 30 other travelers in bunk beds full of dirty sheets and bugs sharing only two cold showers? Think again. While some hostels (and hotels) still probably are like that, hostels have come a long way and travelers who do their research can find exceptional values.
Start by looking at the recently announced HOSCAR winners for 2008. (Yes, they’re really called HOSCAR’s—it stands for HOStelworld’s Customer Annual Ratings). By looking at customer ratings in six areas–character, security, location, staff, fun and cleanliness—for more than 20,000 properties, Hostelworld recognizes outstanding hostels in several categories including “Cleanest Hostel,” “Best Staff,” and “Best Hostel Chain,” in addition to the top hostels in the world by region.
The overall winner was The Traveller’s House in Lisbon, Portugal which also won for “Hostel with Best Location” and “Host with Best Character.” Located in the historical center of Lisbon in a 250-year old building, the Traveller’s House offers a kitchen, CD/DVD burning equipment, wireless internet, breakfast, and more for free. Guests can stay in a shared room for six for approximately $25 or reserve a private room in the new “Little Traveller’s House” for $40.
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