Great question — if your priority is meeting new people while traveling, pick accommodations designed for socializing and use a few tactics to make connections. Below is a short, practical guide: types of places that work best, recommended chains/brands that have a social focus, and quick tips to get talking.

What to choose (by how social they are)

• Hostels (most social): dorms + shared kitchens + organized events make it the easiest place to meet other travelers. Many hostels run pub crawls, group tours, communal dinners and game nights. (livetoplant.com)
• Boutique/social hotels & “social” brands: these mix hotel comfort with programmed events, lively bars and shared spaces designed for mingling (cocktail hours, live music, workshops). They’re good if you want social life without dorms. (continuetoday.com)
• Co‑living / coliving-hotel hybrids: built for digital nomads — private rooms + coworking + regular community events (skillshares, dinners) so you meet people who stay longer. (continuetoday.com)
• Resorts with social programming: if you want activities (group hikes, classes, themed nights) where meeting people is built into the schedule. (continuetoday.com)

Brands and chains known for social scenes (examples)

• Selina — coworking, on-site events, community programming and communal spaces geared to digital nomads and solo travelers. Great for meeting people through classes, rooftop bars and organized outings. (boutiquehotelier.com)
• Generator / larger hostel groups — stylish hostels with bars, events and common areas in major European/North American cities. (Look for hostels with active event calendars.) (wheretheroadforks.com)
• Boutique hostels / Freehand-style properties — more design-forward hostels/hotels that keep the social atmosphere but with upscale touches. (continuetoday.com)
• Local social hotels (Ace Hotel, citizenM, Jo&Joe and similar) — known for lively lobbies, bars and cultural programming where guests and locals mix. (cntraveler.com)

How to pick the right property

• Check the event calendar and whether the hotel/hostel actively programs social events (movie nights, tours, classes, happy hours). Properties that list community or coworking offerings are a good sign. (boutiquehotelier.com)
• Read recent guest reviews for “social,” “events,” “bar,” “common area,” or “met people” — that indicates an active community. (gobankingrates.com)
• Consider location and guest profile (party hostels vs. quieter nomad hubs). Choose by what kind of people you want to meet (backpackers, digital nomads, creatives, locals).

Simple ways to meet people once you’re there

• Join official events (pub crawls, walking tours, group dinners) — easiest way to meet multiple people fast. (livetoplant.com)
• Use communal spaces (kitchen, lobby, rooftop, coworking areas) and arrive with a small conversation starter (ask about a local tip, offer to share food). (livetoplant.com)
• Stay a few nights (longer stays = more chance to connect), and be open to public events that include locals — those attract a mix of people. (traveldailynews.com)

If you want, I can:

• Suggest specific properties in a city you’re visiting (I’ll look up recent event calendars and reviews), or
• Send a one-page checklist you can use when booking to ensure the place will be social.

Which would you prefer?