Chattanooga's Crash Pad: An Uncommon Hostel has advanced to the next round in online voting for a Hoscar award, a 21-year-old online competition presented by Hostelworld to celebrate the best hostels in the world.
The Crash Pad is nominated in the eco-warrior category, which was added to the competition in 2022. The category focuses on hostels that promote eco-friendly features such as solar power, harvesting rainwater or adopting stray animals.
The Crash Pad opened in 2011 just off East Main Street and is a finalist along with U.R.D.Ki Hostel in India, St. Christopher's Barcelona in Spain, YellowSquare Milan in Italy and Madama Hostel & Bistrot in Italy.
Co-owner Max Poppel said in a previous interview after learning the business had been nominated that he hopes the nomination lets people here and around the globe learn more about it.
"We hope Chattanoogans will go online and vote to put us on the world map," he said by phone.
Poppel and partner Dan Rose said before the venue opened that it was being targeted primarily to climbers who traveled to the area to enjoy the rich natural resources and climbing opportunities.
It is the world's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum Hostel that was built on the site of a 100-year-old house that had deteriorated beyond repair. However, 99% of the demolished materials were reused in the new construction.
The Crash Pad is described in the hostelworld.com nomination as a blend of a boutique hotel setting, an inexpensive hostel budget and a community atmosphere. It offers a "full kitchen and living room area designed to foster a communal spirit and encourage our guests to share their adventures and make new friends. Freebies include Wi-Fi throughout and breakfast fare."
It is topped with a green roof, and a solar array above the entrance is tied into the city's power grid. The description said the hosts use gas-powered tankless water heaters; low-flow sinks, showers and toilets; LED lighting; energy-efficient washers and dryers; and reusable cloth hand towels.
To vote, go to global.hostelworld.com/hoscars. Voting ends April 14.
-- Compiled by Barry Courter