---
title: Customer Reviews and the HOSCARs
description: Learn how Hostelworld reviews determine the HOSCAR awards and discover tips to improve your property’s ratings.
---

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2. [🏆 Hostelworld HOSCARs](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/hostelworld-hoscars?hsLang=en)
3. [📂 Categories](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/hostelworld-hoscars?hsLang=en#categories)

# Customer Reviews and the HOSCARs

## Customer reviews are at the heart of the HOSCARs. These awards are entirely data-driven, based on verified traveller feedback gathered on Hostelworld throughout the year.

#### Hostelworld automatically gathers and analyses ratings to determine the **Customer Review-Based Awards** — no application needed from hostels.

---

### 🏅 Award Categories (2026)

These awards celebrate hostels that consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences.

- **Best Hostel by Size**  
  Small (1–75 beds), Medium (76–150), Large (151–350), and Extra-Large (351+).
- **Best Hostel by Continent and Country**  
  Calculated from total reviews, average ratings, and reviews per bed.
- **Most Popular Hostel by City (Top 50 Cities)**  
  Determined by an algorithm that considers market share, bookings, ratings, and review ratios.
- **Best Hostel Chain**  
  Recognising top-rated hostel groups (minimum three properties).
- **Best New Hostel**  
  Awarded to the highest-rated new property (minimum 20 beds) that joined Hostelworld in the last 12 months.

> 💡 *These awards are automatically calculated — no entry form or submission is required.*

---

### 📊 How Ratings Work

Every rating comes directly from a **verified guest** after their stay.  
Each guest scores your property across key categories:

- Cleanliness
- Staff
- Atmosphere
- Facilities
- Value for Money
- Safety
- Location

Hostelworld combines these scores into an **overall property rating**, updated throughout the year.  
The top-rated hostels in each category are recognised as **HOSCAR winners**.

---

### 💪 Tips to Improve Your Ratings

Want to boost your chances next year?

- Keep your **rates and availability** updated in Hostelworld Inbox.
- Respond quickly and helpfully to guest messages.
- Maintain excellent cleanliness and service standards.
- Create a welcoming atmosphere guests will remember.
- Encourage satisfied guests to leave honest reviews after their stay.

---

### 🏆 Digital Awards

Winners receive a **digital HOSCAR certificate**, which can be proudly displayed on their Hostelworld profile, website, and social channels.  
A simple, eco-friendly way to share your success with the world. 🌍

---

### 🔗 Learn More

- [What Are the HOSCARs?](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/what-are-the-hoscars?hsLang=en)
- [Responsible Travel and ESG Awards](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/responsible-travel-and-esg-awards?hsLang=en)
- [How to Participate in the HOSCARs 2026](https://support.hostelworld.com/knowledge/hoscars-2026-how-to-participate?hsLang=en)

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