Here are hotel types and specific examples (global chains and standout properties) known for lively, well-designed communal spaces that make it easy to meet people and socialize — plus quick tips to pick the right one for your trip.

Why these work: they prioritize shared lounges, bars, rooftops, co-working areas, public events, communal tables, game rooms, or café-style lobbies where guests naturally mix.

Hotels & chains with great communal scenes

• Ace Hotel (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, Palm Springs) — buzzy lobbies, music, café-bars and frequent cultural events.
• The Hoxton (London, Amsterdam, Paris, Washington D.C., etc.) — comfortable lobby “living rooms,” long communal tables, lively ground-floor bar/restaurants.
• Freehand Hotels (Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago) — hybrid hostel/hotel vibe, large bars, communal rooms, frequent events.
• Generator Hostels (European & US cities) — hostel price with design-forward common rooms, bars, and events geared to socializing.
• CitizenM (global) — compact rooms, very social living rooms and 24/7 bars, great for solo travelers wanting to meet others.
• The Standard (New York, Miami) — famous for rooftop bars, late-night scene and public programming.
• Mama Shelter (Paris, Marseille, Lisbon, LA) — playful design, lively restaurants and bars that attract locals.
• 25hours Hotels (Europe) — quirky design, large public areas and rooftops designed for hanging out.
• YOTEL (selected cities) — modern lounges and rooftop bars with social programming.
• Sonder (select locations) — some properties feature well-curated shared spaces and cafés (varies by property).
• Boutique urban hotels with large lobbies (e.g., The LINE — LA; The Ace/Standard/Hoxton-style independents in many cities) — look for hotels that list lobby bars, rooftop bars, or event calendars.

Hotel types to consider

• Lifestyle hotels — emphasis on dining, bars, design and events.
• Hybrid hostel-hotel (design hostels) — cheaper, social by design (dorms + private rooms).
• Co-living / extended-stay boutique hotels — often have big communal kitchens, lounges and regular programming.
• Boutique city hotels with “living room” lobbies — designed for socializing rather than quiet check-in.

How to choose a social hotel (quick checklist)

• Look for advertised communal spaces: lobby living room, rooftop bar, communal kitchen, game room, co-working area.
• Check events calendar or “what’s on” (live music, DJ nights, tastings, group activities).
• Read recent guest reviews that mention atmosphere and social scene.
• Location matters: hotels near nightlife, universities, or cultural hubs get more local foot traffic.
• If you want to meet people, prioritize hostels/design hostels or hotels with shared tables/cafés vs. hotels that emphasize privacy/quiet.

If you want, I can:

• Suggest options for a specific city or travel dates, or
• Narrow choices by budget (hostel, mid-range boutique, upscale lifestyle), or
• Pull current properties and event listings for a city (I can look these up).