Room Mate Leo

Room Mate Leo is a fresh and modern pick in the middle of Granada. While the location is prime, like most budget and mid-range options nearby, the city-center setting means that features are limited. Still, it's great as a home base for exploring the city. The lobby makes a fine first impression, done in a bronze, brown, and black motif that's repeated throughout the hotel. However, public spaces are few and far between. The terrace and solarium is a good place to relax and get some sun while taking in views of the Alhambra in the distance. It's a popular spot among previous guests, even though there's little social action here, and the atmosphere at the hotel is quiet and relaxed. Expect to see plenty of budget-minded leisure travelers, thanks to the hotel's affordable rates and central location near the cathedral, shopping, and dining.

Room Mate Leo is on a pedestrian street in central Granada. Numerous shops, restaurants, and bars are all around, and several bus stops are a short stroll away. The 16th-century Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel are a little less than a five-minute walk, while the Renaissance-style Monastery of Saint Jerome is under 10 minutes away on foot. The Alhambra and the 16th-century Palace of Charles V are a 15-minute drive or 20 to 25 minutes away on foot. The winding streets of the Albaicin district are within a seven-minute walk, though destinations like the Mirador de San Nicolas are a bit farther (a 20-minute walk). Granada train station around a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The nearest airport is Malaga - Costa del Sol Airport and it's around 90 minutes away by car. Malaga city center is a little northeast of the airport, about the same driving time from the hotel.

Rooms have a stylish look with a mix of contemporary and retro touches, with sharp contemporary furniture and huge mirrors. The color palette is a rich black, gold, and camel brown, with black lacquer paneling, abstract art, and black-and-white printed curtains adding some pizzazz. Most rooms are compact, but at 14 square meters (151 square feet), some are just plain small. Even so, there is enough space for a leather chair and room to get around the bed in even Standard Rooms. Each of the 32 rooms comes with minibars, electric kettles for instant coffee and tea, safes, and flat-screen TVs with some English channels. Wi-Fi is free and rooms are air-conditioned, though it's not always up to snuff. Some rooms have small Juliet balconies and some have larger furnished balconies, though it's worth noting that certain rooms face walls. Bathrooms are compact and have either shower/tub combos or stall showers. All come with make-up mirrors, toiletries, and hairdryers.

There are few features at this mid-range hotel, though most of its city-center competitors are in the same boat. A top-floor terrace and solarium has sofas, chairs, and sun loungers, and offers views of the surrounding area and a partial glimpse of the Alhambra. The hotel serves a solid breakfast buffet featuring hot and cold items, plus a few local treats. It's not included with room rates, and no other meals are available. A bar would also be a nice addition. Free 3G mobile hotspots are given to guests so that they can connect to Wi-Fi throughout the city -- a nice perk that we don't frequently see. The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and staff can book Alhambra tickets and offer other tourist assistance. The hotel has no on-site parking, and the area is not really accessible by car since it's a pedestrian street. Nearby public parking is available for a fee.