What It Is
Hostelworld.com is the world's leading hostel-focused online travel agency, founded in 1999 and publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange as Hostelworld Group PLC (HSW) since 2015. The platform features approximately 17,000 hostels and budget accommodation properties in over 179 countries, backed by more than 13 million guest reviews.
Who It Serves
Hostelworld primarily serves budget-conscious and social travelers, with over 60% of its users traveling solo and 80% under the age of 35. Beyond hostels, the platform also welcomes budget hotels, B&Bs, and tour and experience providers. It is best suited for properties offering dormitory or affordable private rooms targeting the backpacker and young traveler segment.
Connecting and Distributing
Property managers list on Hostelworld through its extranet (Hostelworld inbox), where rates, availability, and content are managed. The platform integrates with various channel managers and property management systems—including Cloudbeds and Little Hotelier—allowing properties to sync inventory automatically. Hostelworld's commission model collects a non-refundable deposit from travelers at booking, with the remaining balance paid to the property at check-in.