How It Works

Our Process

Transparency is key. We don't want to shroud our scores in secrecy. Hostel Spotter is the first-ever website to produce a data-driven score for hostels based on fun and social atmosphere.

Our primary focus is generating our proprietary "Fun Score", which is derived from 12 factors and over 200,000 data points collected monthly across all the cities and hostels we evaluate. We analyze data from over 2,000 hostels worldwide and, through an intensive filtering and evaluation process, present the top 10 hostels per city.

In addition to our Fun Score, we calculate and present other metrics to help you choose the right hostel. One such metric is the 'Hedonism Score', displayed in the "Chill vs. Party" meter, which is derived from analyzing the ratio of key party words to key positive words in reviews across multiple listing sites.

Furthermore, we provide short summaries on different aspects of the hostel based on the data we collect. Lastly, we offer supplemental data such as recorded and public mentions of bedbugs and listing ratings.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the lifecycle of the data. We also stay current with trends by updating scores every 2 to 4 weeks with fresh data.

Step 1: Data Collection

We begin by collecting public data from leading hostel booking websites. This initial step is crucial as it sets the foundation for our analysis.

Step 2: Data Processing and Analysis

Once the data is collected, we clean and process it to prepare it for analysis. This step ensures that our data is consistent, accurate, and ready for advanced analytics. Here is a peak into a few of the factors we look at:

  • Sentiment Analysis: We use a combination of data science techniques to analyze the sentiment of each review. This helps us gauge the social and party atmosphere at each hostel, providing insights into guest satisfaction and experiences. The process includes:
    • Extracting sentiments from reviews and scoring them based on how fun and social the hostel is perceived to be.
  • Image Analysis: We analyze all hostel images on listing websites, to give an indication of the hostel's social atmosphere.
  • Data Enrichment: We further enrich the dataset by adding information, on items such as:
    • Bedbug Reports: We scan reviews for mentions of bedbugs, count the occurrences, and record the last reported date of bedbug incidents.
    • Theft Reports: Similarly, we scan reviews for mentions of theft, count the incidents, and note the last reported date of theft.
  • Exponential Weighting: We apply exponential weights through a decay function to reviews based on their recency. Newer reviews have a higher impact on the overall score, ensuring that the rankings reflect the most current guest experiences.
  • Review Summarization: Our algorithm generates concise summaries of reviews, highlighting key aspects such as social interactions, safety, and bedbug reports. This makes it easier for users to get an overview without reading through numerous reviews.

Step 3: Data Aggregation and Visualization

The final step involves aggregating the processed data to calculate overall scores and rankings for each hostel. We then visualize this data on our website, providing users with an interactive and engaging way to find the best hostels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good Fun Score?

When looking for a hostel, the Fun Score can give you a good idea of the social vibe and overall experience you can expect. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what different Fun Score ranges mean, based on our data and guest feedback.

The Numbers at a Glance: The average Fun Score among our hostels is 312, with scores typically ranging from 95 to 670. However most hostels have Fun Scores between 189 and 424. These numbers can help you gauge what to expect in terms of atmosphere and activities.

  • 95-142: Quiet Retreat
    Vibe: Peaceful and relaxed.
    Expect: Minimal social activities, perfect for downtime and tranquility. Generally well-maintained with a quiet, secure environment.
    Example: Think of a cozy spot where you can recharge without much interruption.
  • 143-283: Balanced Stay
    Vibe: Moderate and mellow.
    Expect: Friendly staff, some social spaces, occasional activities. Rooms and common areas are clean, though occasional issues might arise. Secure with helpful staff, but there may be minor concerns like lack of locks on all doors.
    Example: A hostel where you can meet people if you want but also find plenty of quiet corners.
  • 284-377: Social Hub
    Vibe: Lively and engaging.
    Expect: Lots of social activities, common areas buzzing with conversations. Generally clean with frequent maintenance, though there may be some complaints about high-traffic areas. Good safety measures with staff present and attentive, though minor issues might occur in busy areas.
    Example: Hostels with bars, happy hours, and events designed to get guests mingling.
  • 378-518: Guaranteed Fun
    Vibe: Energetic and vibrant.
    Expect: Nightly events, themed parties, and a constant buzz of activity. Cleanliness can vary; busy party spots might have some issues. Safe overall but be mindful of personal belongings due to high guest turnover and party environment.
    Example: Perfect for those looking to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
  • 519-670: World Famous
    Vibe: Off-the-charts excitement.
    Expect: Legendary parties, non-stop social events, and an unforgettable experience. Cleanliness may face challenges due to high guest activity, but efforts are made to maintain it. Usually have strong safety protocols but stay alert during large events.
    Example: Hostels that are a destination in themselves, famous for their party scene.

The best Fun Score for you depends on what kind of experience you’re after. Whether you want a peaceful retreat or a non-stop party, there’s a hostel out there with the perfect vibe. Choose wisely, and happy travels! If you have any specific preferences or need more details, feel free to ask!

Do certain hostels pay you to boost themselves in the ranking?

No, non, não, nein, 不, нет, Nee, όχι. We never have and never will take bribes to boost rankings of hostels. This website was built by backpackers, for backpackers!

How often is the data updated?

Our data is updated on a bi-weekly basis to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Can I suggest a city to be included?

Yes, you can contact us with your suggestions, and we will consider them in our next update, or we can produce a custom report for you. Click here to reach out to us.

Is this just another one of those ChatGPT generated websites?

No! Everyone in our team is an avid backpacker. We used our experiences to develop a unique algorithm that has allowed us to pick the best hostels. In turn we decided to scale this algorithm so that the whole world can find the best hostels. We do use ChatGPT to help generate some factors, but we use many other Natural Language Processing techniques to help generate our scores and ranks.