How we research
Every Wanderlone pick is built from three kinds of evidence, in this order.
1. The data
We collect ratings and review counts from Google, Booking.com, TripAdvisor and Hostelworld, and link every figure to its listing so you can check it. We summarize what reviews say; we don't copy them.
2. The backpackers
Seasoned backpackers know a city from the street up. We read Hostelworld reviews and threads on r/solotravel and r/backpacking for what they know about neighbourhoods, safety, where people meet and what to skip. We use their knowledge; we don't send you to a dorm.
3. The locals
We check our picks against what people who live there say, in city forums and in local-language reviews. That's the Local Verdict you'll see in every guide.
The Solo Score
Every stay gets a Solo Score out of 10, the weighted average of five ratings:
| Part | Weight | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | 25% | How safe solo guests feel in the hotel and the area around it |
| Social | 25% | How easy it is to meet people: bars, rooftops, events, shared tables |
| Location | 20% | Walkable to what solo travellers came for, especially at night |
| Design & comfort | 15% | Rooms, beds, quiet and the quality of the space |
| Single-friendly | 15% | Single rooms, fair single pricing and how staff treat solo guests |
The Couples Score
The couples pick in each guide gets a Couples Score instead, weighted as romance 30%, the room 25%, views 15%, location 15% and service 15%. Romance draws on how often couples describe a stay as romantic, or mention anniversaries and honeymoons, in their reviews.
The City Score
Each city is rated on nightlife, social life for solo travellers, safety, luxury stays and value. The City Score is the average of the five.
Keeping it current
Every page shows when it was last verified. We re-check ratings at least every 90 days, and flag facts that change often, like transport and entry rules, for a fresh check before each update.
Who does the work
Research and first drafts are done with AI assistance. Our editor reviews every article before it's published, and only the editor writes first-hand Field Notes.
Money
Some links earn us a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which places we pick or how they score. Affiliate disclosure