The world’s most popular hostels have been announced by Hostelworld, with the booking site revealing the winners of its annual “Hoscar” awards. Chosen from a pool of 35,000 hostels in 170 countries, the winners were based on more than one million customer reviews made over the past year, incorporating a range of criteria, from atmosphere to security.

Awards are given over a wide number of categories, including best by property size, continent, country and city, as well as special awards, such as best value for money and best staff.

Number one in the category of best small hostel in the world was Sungate One in Madrid, praised for its central location and sociable common area.

Topping the category for the best medium hostel was Soul Kitchen in St Petersburg, a boutique hostel in a grand building, which, until its recent expansion, had won the best small hostel category for the past two years.

The winner of the best large hostel worldwide was the Start Hostel Taipei Main Station. The light and airy hostel has a modern design and is walking distance from some of the city’s main attractions, such as the Ningxia night market.

In the UK, the YHA in Liverpool was named best hostel in England, and praised for its location next to Albert Docks. The winner in Scotland was Castle Rock Hostel, a “palatial” property with an easygoing backpacker vibe next to Edinburgh Castle.

In Wales, the award went to the River House, Cardiff, a family-run hostel with a breakfast that’s “second to none”, while in Ireland the Galway City Hostel took the top spot as the perfect base from which to explore the region.

To read the full list of winners visit hostelworld.com