# Friendly Hostel Spaces This Eccentric Hostel Encourages Interaction Between Guests By Mishal Omar | Published 2016-07-21 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/friendly-hostel References: [freshome](http://freshome.com/eclectic-hostel-Porto/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [yaroslavgalant](http://yaroslavgalant.com/en) The design of this friendly hostel is built around optimizing comfort and encouraging communication among guests and visitors. Gone are the days where the thought of hostels evoked images of gloomy spaces where danger lurked in every corner. The hostel designed by 'Yaroslav Galant' in northern Portugal offers a safe and friendly environment in which people feel comfortable. With 32 rooms, an expansive lounge area, a bar and even workstations with computers -- this friendly hostel makes sure that guests interact and perhaps even find traveling partners to continue their journeys with. Large smiley faces incorporated into the furniture add a childlike element to the design that radiates positivity and warmth. This playful space ensures that guests feel safe and comfortable while interacting with their fellow travelers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Travel](https://www.trendhunter.com/travel) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Optimized Comfort:** The design of friendly hostels focuses on maximizing comfort and creating a welcoming environment for guests. - **Enhanced Communication:** Friendly hostels prioritize communication among guests, providing spaces and amenities that encourage interaction. - **Positive Atmosphere:** Friendly hostels incorporate playful and childlike elements into their design to create a positive and warm atmosphere. ### Who This Affects Most - **Hospitality:** Friendly hostels in the hospitality industry can leverage optimized comfort and enhanced communication to attract and retain guests. - **Travel:** The travel industry can benefit from the positive atmosphere created by friendly hostels, as it encourages social experiences and fosters a sense of community among travelers. - **Interior Design:** The design industry, specifically interior design, can explore opportunities to incorporate playful and childlike elements into spaces to create a positive and welcoming environment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Counter-Loneliness Social Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/friendship-corner.md) - [Travel Rewards Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hostel-hop.md) - [Playful Bar Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funny-bar.md) - [Community-Centric Headquarters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/communitycentric-design.md) - [Family Homestay Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homestays-with-kids.md) - [Cozy Contemporary Hotel Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodlark-hotel.md) - [Ultra-Playful Studio Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-workspace.md) - [Playful Apartment Makeovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onda-apartment.md) - [Colorful Creative Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/podimo-office.md)