So, you’re looking into Room Mate Leo Granada. Honestly, if you just glance at the name, you might think it's a social media influencer's apartment or some viral drama between roommates. It's not. It is actually one of the most clever, well-positioned boutique hotels in southern Spain.
The name is kinda quirky. The "Room Mate" brand names all their hotels after fictional "friends" to make the stay feel more personal. Leo is your "friend" in Granada. Basically, the idea is that you aren't staying in a cold, corporate box; you're staying at Leo's place. And Leo has a really nice house.
I’ve spent a lot of time digging through what actually makes this place tick. Most travelers get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options in Andalusia. You've got high-end palaces and tiny, cramped hostels. Leo sits right in that sweet spot where you get design-heavy vibes without the "I just sold my kidney" price tag.
The Location is Everything (And a Bit of a Pain)
You’ll find the hotel right on Calle Mesones.
If you know Granada, you know this is the heart of the shopping district. It's a pedestrian-only street. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you step out the door and you're seconds away from the Royal Chapel and the Cathedral. No cars, no exhaust—just the sound of people living their lives.
On the flip side?
Getting your luggage there is a workout. You can’t just have an Uber drop you at the front desk. You’ll likely get dropped off at Plaza de la Trinidad or Puerta Real and have to drag your bags a few hundred yards. It’s a short walk, maybe 3-5 minutes, but if you’re packing like you’re moving in forever, you’ll feel it.
The building itself is traditional on the outside. It fits the historic aesthetic of the city perfectly. Inside, though? It’s a complete 180. The interior design leans heavily into a "gold and black" palette. It feels expensive, even when the nightly rate is surprisingly reasonable.
The Rooftop Terrace is the Real Hero
Most people book this place for the rooftop. They aren't wrong to do so.
The views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains are legit. They have this small, heated pool that stays open year-round. It’s not a lap pool—don't expect to train for the Olympics here. It’s more of a "soak with a drink while looking at a Moorish fortress" kind of pool.
What to Expect Upstairs:
- Panoramic Views: You can see the Albayzín district and the Cathedral clearly.
- The Honesty Bar: This is a cool touch. You grab what you want, mark it down, and they charge you later. It feels very... well, like staying with a roommate.
- Sunset Vibes: This is arguably the best spot in the city center for a sunset that doesn't involve fighting crowds at the Mirador de San Nicolás.
The "Room Mate" Experience: Rooms and Breakfast
There are about 32 to 41 rooms depending on how they’ve partitioned things recently.
The standard rooms are, frankly, a bit tight. This is a historic building, after all. If you’re a light sleeper, you’ll appreciate the soundproofing. Even though you’re above a busy shopping street, once those windows are shut, the city disappears.
The bathrooms usually feature marble flooring and those fancy rain showers. One thing that’s slightly annoying? The storage space. If you’re two people with big suitcases, you’re going to be playing Tetris with your gear.
Breakfast is a highlight. They serve it on the top floor. Most hotels shove the buffet into a windowless basement. Not Leo. You get to eat your eggs and pan con tomate while looking out over the terracotta rooftops. They also serve it until 12:00 PM. This is a godsend if you’ve been out the night before sampling too many tapas and Gin Tonics.
Why This Place Works (And Why It Might Not for You)
Let’s be real. If you want a full-service resort with a gym, a spa, and 24/7 room service delivery of club sandwiches, this isn't it.
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It’s a boutique experience. It’s for the traveler who wants to be in the middle of the action. You’ve got Aliatar just around the corner for legendary sandwiches and Los Diamantes for the best fried fish in town. You aren't staying here to stay in the hotel; you’re staying here to have the best possible home base for exploring.
A Few Insider Tips:
- Book the Alhambra Early: Seriously. The hotel is only a 10-15 minute walk from the ticket entrance, but if you don't book your tickets months in advance, you're out of luck.
- Request a High Floor: The street level can be lively. The higher you go, the better the light and the quieter the vibe.
- The Bus Connection: If you’re coming from the airport, the bus stops at Gran Vía, which is a very easy walk to the hotel. Don't waste money on a private transfer unless you have a ton of bags.
Making the Most of Your Stay
If you're heading to Granada, the best way to use Room Mate Leo is as a strategic hub.
Walk to the Albayzín in the morning when the light is soft. Come back at noon for a quick dip in the rooftop pool when everyone else is hiding from the sun. Then, hit the tapas bars in Calle Navas (which is literally steps away) in the evening.
Granada is a city of layers—Moorish history, Catholic grandeur, and modern Spanish life. Staying at a place like this puts you right at the intersection of all of them. It’s stylish, it’s a bit quirky, and it’s arguably the best value for money if you care about design and location.
Your next move: Check your travel dates specifically for the "Executive Room with Terrace." It’s a slight price bump, but having your own private outdoor space in the center of Granada changes the entire experience. If those are booked, make sure you've at least pinned the hotel's location on your map—remember, look for the pedestrian street entrance, not a car drop-off point.