• Hostelworld reveals award winning hostels based on 1 million customer reviews
• Best large hostel category has been shaken-up, with four new hostels taking the stage and Brazil scooping the top spot
• Che Lagarto Hostel Foz Iguaçu has burst onto the scene from relative anonymity, much like Oscar nominee Brie Larson!
• Much loved Soul Kitchen has done what Leo is finally destined to do by winning the much sought after 'worldwide' category for the first time

Its peak award season for film fanatics and culture vultures which means it's also time for lovers of budget travel to celebrate the crème de la crème of Hostel accommodation. That's right, Hostelworld has announced this year's HOSCARs (HOStelworld Customer Annual Ratings) to honour the top hostels from all around the globe right now!

Reviews from one million customers, made over the past 12 months, determined which of the 33,000 properties, in 170 countries, would walk away with a much coveted HOSCAR, all of which were eligible to win. Reviews are based on key criteria; overall customer experience, value for money, security, location, staff, atmosphere, cleanliness and facilities.

Hostels have undergone a revolution in recent years, today they sit at the cutting edge of affordable accommodation. Gone are the days of cramped and dingy dorms. Today's hostels boast private rooms as well as stylish interior, modern and quirky dorm rooms, ensuites, swimming pools and much more and it's all this glamour that the HOSCARs shine a spotlight on.

The categories are broken down into property size, continent, country and city as well as a number of special awards including Most Green, Most Improved and Best for Group bookings and with 10 per cent more hostels opening in 2015 than last year, there was even more competition amongst those vying for the number one spot.

Feargal Mooney, CEO of Hostelworld, said: “The annual HOSCARs are the ultimate seal of approval within the budget travel industry. Celebrating the hostel of today, they shine a spotlight on the most stunning, innovative and social hostels around the world. Based on over one million customer reviews that were made over the last 12 months by the people at the heart of the hostel experience, our customers. We can therefore say with authority that these are the best hostels in the world right now.”

And now to introduce a selection of the winners (for the full list of winners visit www.hostelworld.com/hoscars-2016)

Best Small Hostel Worldwide and Best Hostel in Europe

This year much loved concept Hostel, Soul Kitchen in St Petersburg, has succeeded in doing what Leo is tipped to finally accomplish at this year's Oscars and won an award in the 'worldwide' category for Best Small Hostel Worldwide. A new generation hostel, Soul Kitchen is fitted out with glamorous ensuite private rooms, bijou custom bunk beds and a super-chic design throughout. The hostel also walked away with Best Hostel in Europe and Best Hostel in Russia.

Best Medium Hostel Worldwide

Lisbon has once again proved itself to be a go-to destination for stunning hostels bagging six of the ten top spots in the 'Best Medium Hostel' category. The pole position was scooped up for the fourth year running by Home Lisbon, a home away from home for travellers who can enjoy nightly home cooked dinners cooked by the owner's mother, a comfortable living room and décor that drums up thoughts of mum's house.

Home Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal – Winner of Best Medium Hostel Worldwide

Best Large Hostel

Che Lagarto Hostel Foz Iguaçu, in Brazil, has come from relative anonymity - much like Oscar nominee, Brie Larson, up for Best Actress - to snare the coveted title of Best Large Hostel. It's also the first non-European hostel to have claimed this award in hostel history. Since opening in 2014 the hostel has exploded onto the scene making lasting impressions on its guests.

The 'Best Large Hostel' category has undergone a complete reshuffle with four new entrants. Meander Taipei, which offers its own daily cycling tour, came in at second; Tattva Design Hostel in Porto, which boasts a beautiful rooftop terrace, placed third and Space Inn Taipei that emulates a space pod thanks to its futuristic design came in sixth. 

Best Extra Large Hostel

Taking the top spot for Best Extra Large Hostel once again was PLUS Berlin which wows with a swimming pool, sauna and garden where customers can sip on a cold beer whilst enjoying a warm summers evening in Germany's capital city.

Best Hostel in Africa

The B.I.G in Capetown, South Africa, has snared the title of Best Hostel in Africa. This beautiful boutique hostel has been transformed into a special and inviting place which shows off many of Cape Town's unique characteristics.

Best Hostel in Asia

A hostel in Thailand walked away with the award for Best Hostel in Asia. Green Tiger Vegetarian House boasts incredible views over the Sro Phum Road that guests can take in whilst relaxing on the lantern strewn terrace.

Best Hostel in Northern America

Hostel Mama's Home comes in the form of a quirky hostel with hammocks on the outside patio where guests can relax after a hard day of adventuring.

Best Hostel in Oceania

Adventure Queenstown Hostel keeps its guests entertained with five nightly activities that bring solo travellers and groups together. 

Best Hostel in Latin America

The award for Best Hostel in Latin America has gone to Barra Beach Club Oceanfront Hostel in Brazil which offers guests stunning views of the ocean and large breezy balconies. 

Special Contribution Award

The Mad Monkey won the HOSCAR for Special Contribution to the local community, one of the most prestigious awards up for grabs. The hostel is the largest hostel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A portion of the cost for each bed helps fund education and build water wells for Cambodia's rural poor.

ENDS

About Hostelworld

Hostelworld is the global leader in online hostel reservations, with over 33,000 properties in 170 countries. Headquartered in Dublin, Hostelworld also has offices in London, Shanghai and Sydney.