Sunset Destination Hostel, in Lisbon, Portugal, took home the 2025 Hoscar award for being the Community Superhero. Through email, we corresponded with the management team to learn more about their hostel and how they set themselves to earn such a prestigious award from Hostelworld.
Zack Reed: To you, what goes into making a good hostel?
Sunset Destination Hostel: A great hostel is about much more than a bed — it's about creating a space where people feel welcome, connect with others, and feel part of a community. The atmosphere, the team, and the shared experiences are what guests remember most. At Sunset Destination Hostel, we see the hostel as a platform for social connection and positive change, helping bridge the gap between travellers and the local community.
Zack Reed: What is one thing that you think your guests take away from staying at your hostel?
Sunset Destination Hostel: We hope guests leave with a sense of connection — both with other travellers and with Lisbon itself. Many people arrive alone and leave with friendships that last long after their trip. Through our Community Nights, where locals and travellers gather for live music, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops, guests experience Lisbon in a more authentic and meaningful way.
Zack Reed: How has the vision changed, if at all, for what the hostel could be and the sort of experience you try to create for your guests?
Sunset Destination Hostel: Our vision has always been to create a place where travellers feel at home, but over time, we've expanded that idea to focus more on community engagement and responsible tourism. Today, the hostel has become a small cultural hub where travellers can interact with Lisbon through flea markets with local artists, workshops, and collaborations with small creators from the city.
Zack Reed: Can you explain to me what it means to be named the 2025 Community Superhero?
Sunset Destination Hostel: Being named the 2025 Community Superhero was incredibly meaningful for our team because it recognises the effort we put into building real connections between travellers and the local community. For us, it confirms that hostels can play an important role in bringing people together and creating a positive impact beyond accommodation.
Zack Reed: How much work and preparation went into running for that award?
Sunset Destination Hostel: An award like this reflects consistent work over many years rather than a single initiative. It's the result of daily effort from our team and strong relationships with the community around us. Over the past year alone, we hosted more than 20 community events and involved over 200 guests in activities like beach clean-ups, cultural workshops, and neighbourhood projects.
Zack Reed: How do you hope other hostels look at your work and change the way they operate?
Sunset Destination Hostel: If our work inspires other hostels, we hope it encourages them to focus more on community and meaningful experiences rather than just accommodation. Hostels have a unique power to bring people together, and even small initiatives — like supporting local artists or organising community activities — can make a big difference.
Zack Reed: What do you wish more hostels around the world had or offered?
Sunset Destination Hostel: We would love to see more hostels embracing sustainability and stronger partnerships with local communities. Supporting local producers, hosting cultural events, or giving local artists a platform can transform a hostel into a space that benefits both travellers and the destination.
Zack Reed: How does an award like this help you market your hostel, and how do you think it can inspire or influence other hostels to strive for an honor like this?
Sunset Destination Hostel: Award recognition helps reinforce the trust travellers place in us and highlights the values behind our work. Guest feedback often tells us that staying with us allowed them to connect meaningfully with Lisbon's culture and experience the city in a more authentic, community-focused way.
