Who We Are
One filter. One standard.
Derik Silva
Founder & Editor
I started Travault because I got tired of reading hotel reviews written by people who stayed for free and restaurant lists ranked by ad spend. Every place on this site cleared the same bar: would I send a friend here without a caveat? If the answer isn't an immediate yes, it doesn't make the cut.
Some of these places I've walked into myself. Others come from a network of people I trust on the ground — locals, frequent travelers, industry insiders who know what's worth your time and money. Every recommendation goes through the same editorial process and scoring system regardless of how it was sourced. The standard doesn't change.
How We Work
Editorial standards.
No comps, no freebies
We don't accept complimentary stays, meals, or products in exchange for coverage. If something is on Travault, it earned its spot.
Paid out of pocket
Reviews are based on experiences paid for at full price, the same way you'd experience them. No VIP treatment, no special menus.
Transparent scoring
Every recommendation is scored across weighted dimensions specific to its category. The methodology is public. The math is the same whether it's a taco stand or a Michelin three-star.
Affiliate disclosure
We use affiliate links. When you book or buy through Travault, we may earn a commission. This keeps the site independent. It never influences what we recommend or how we score.
If it's not here, that's the review
We don't publish negative reviews. If a place doesn't clear our threshold, it simply doesn't appear on the site. Absence is the signal.
How We Score
The Travault Score.
Every listing is scored across five weighted dimensions specific to its category. The weighted average produces a single number — the Travault Score. Here's exactly how it works.
Food quality, creativity, execution
Atmosphere, design, how the space makes you feel
Service quality, pacing, knowledge
Value for money — is the price earned?
Would you go back tomorrow?
The weighted average of these dimensions produces the Travault Score.
Cocktail quality and technique
Design, atmosphere, lighting
Who's there and how it shapes the energy
Is the price justified?
Would you come back tomorrow?
The weighted average of these dimensions produces the Travault Score.
Sleep quality, comfort, design
Location and neighborhood quality
Service quality and responsiveness
Value for money
The small things that matter
The weighted average of these dimensions produces the Travault Score.
Material quality and construction
Does it do what it claims?
Aesthetics and ergonomics
Price vs. what you get
Unique innovation factor
The weighted average of these dimensions produces the Travault Score.
Quality of the core product
Guide quality and knowledge
Price vs. what you receive
Uniqueness to this location
Memorability factor
The weighted average of these dimensions produces the Travault Score.
Quality and variety of vendors
The setting and energy
Discovery factor
How busy, when to go
Is it worth the trip?
The weighted average of these dimensions produces the Travault Score.
What the numbers mean
Got a tip?
Know a place we should check out? Have a question about our process? We read everything.
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