BERLIN, Jan 20 ―Travellers planning a backpacking trip around the world or in search of low-budget lodging options this year may want to consider looking at the winners of Hostelworld's ‘2016 Hoscars,’ a list of the highest-ranked properties around the world.

With a 92 per cent approval rating among its guests, the Plus Berlin emerged the winner in the category of ‘best extra-large hostel’ thanks to its prime location in the city, spotless rooms, swimming pool, sauna and garden.

Hostels in the extra-large category have a minimum of 351 beds.

A list of Plus Berlin’s facilities points to a hostel that shatters the conventional notion of no-frills, prison cell bunk bed schemes, with bright, airy rooms, an indoor pool, sauna and modern bar restaurant.

“Plus Berlin definitely has more of a hotel feel, with huge corridors, a sauna, pool, restaurant/bar and a 'beach',” reads one review.

“Great for a winter stop by in Berlin, good location, really clean and helpful staff with tours running regularly from reception.”

The development of modern, style-conscious hostels like Plus Berlin has spawned what the travel industry is calling the birth of the “poshtel,” design-led hostels that offer the same kind of amenities found at hotels: free Wifi, ensuite bathrooms and high-tech facilities.

In the category of best ‘large’ hostel (151 to 350 beds) Brazil’s Che Lagarto Hostel Foz do Iguacu got the highest approval rating in 2015, for offering backpackers new, modern accommodations equipped with LED TVs, air conditioning, lockers, rooftop terrace, pool and Jacuzzi.

Perhaps its biggest selling point, however, is the hostel’s strategic location in the centre of Foz do Iguacu, and easy access to the falls thanks to a bus pickup and drop-off point in front of the hostel.

Here are the other winners in the 14th edition of the Hoscars:

Best small hostel (max. 75 beds): Soul Kitchen, St. Petersburg, Russia

Best medium hostel (76 to 150 beds): Home Lisbon Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal

Best hostel in Africa: The BIG, Cape Town, South Africa

Best in Asia: Green Tiger Vegetarian House, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Best in Europe: Soul Kitchen, St. Petersburg, Russia

Best in North America: Mama’s House, Tulum, Mexico

Best in Latin America: Barra Beach Club Oceanfront Hostel, Florianopolis, Brazil

Best in Oceania: Adventure Queenstown Hostel, Queenstown, New Zealand ― AFP-Relaxnews