TNooz is holding a travel hack, better known as THack, in a couple of weeks. It is very NYC-centric, and one of the challenges includes hostels along with all accommodation searches. How novel for a city that is often hostile towards the industry, especially the private hostel sector. Here are the challenges they want attendees to tackle:
Inspiration, discovery, memories – Create an application that helps travelers decide where to go and how to share their experiences and journeys.
"Real NYC" mobile guide – In the city that never sleeps, stay up all weekend building a mobile application that helps travelers experience authentic New York and its neighborhoods and activities. (Don't forget food!)
Accommodation finder – Hotel? Hostel? Apartment-sharing? Build a recommendation engine for personalized accommodations that suit any traveler's style and budget.
Walk, bike, ride, fly NYC – Create an application for multiple transport choices for "getting to" or "getting around" the city ... or both. (Hint: NYC is one of the world's GREAT walking cities.)
Anyways, the hackathon looks like good fun. For more details or to sign up, go here.