I chose this hotel primarily because it is one of the few Barcelona hotels to offer an outdoor pool. I paid £430 for a four night/five day holiday, two adults, 30th June - 4th of July. I booked a very early flight out and a very late flight back, giving us the maximum time in the city.

Hotel Lleo has a rooftop pool/sunbed terrace, offering fab views across the rooftops of Barcelona to the harbour and Montjuïc.

I'd booked independently, direct with the hotel, and requested a refurbished room, front of hotel and on a higher floor. We were allocated a refurbished room, front of hotel on the third floor.

We had a standard twin-bedded room, with remotely-adjustable beds; so comfortable! The double patio doors opened out onto a small balcony, big enough to allow two or three people to stand and watch the city below.

We found we had ample space for hanging/storing our clothing in pleasant wardrobes. Also in the wardrobe area are a safe (programme in your chosen code)and good-sized fridge.

While not a huge room, there was plenty of space in which to move about without feeling cramped.

The bathroom was very clean and modern, with a fantastic rain shower.

If watching tv on holiday is your 'thing', you'll find one in the room AND the bathroom!

All the public areas are nice and bright and kept clean. There are two lifts plus the stairs.

Buffet breakfast was included with our booking and was bog-standard fare...sliced cold meats, cheeses, yoghurts, pastries, breads, hot selection, juices, sparkling wine, hot drinks.

The restaurant also serves a few hot meals until 23.00 daily; pizza, paella, Bolognese, salad, egg and chips, chicken and chips. Fine for filling one's belly but better food can be found in many of the local restaurants.

The hotel is located five minutes’ walk from La Rambla and the Playa de Catalunya. A pleasant hours stroll along La Rambla then around the harbour area, will take you to the first of many beaches.

The beaches themselves are well-adorned with eateries, toilets and showers. Sunbeds/parasols cost €6 per item. There are lifeguards on the beaches.

The Aerobus departs every few minutes from the Playa de Catalunya to both airport terminals; ensure you choose the correct bus for your terminal (A1 for T1, A2 for T2) and costs €5.90 one way or €10 return. The return ticket can be used on either bus, within fifteen days. Be aware, if paying on the bus, the driver will not accept anything higher than a €20 note.

Both tourist buses also depart/arrive at the Playa de Catalunya. This trip, we bought a ticket for the official tourist bus,
Barcelona Bus Turístic, for two consecutive day’s unlimited travel on any/all of the three routes. A one-day adult ticket costs €24.30 and a two-day (must be consecutive days) adult ticket costs €31.50.

All the staff we met throughout our five day stay were friendly, courteous and very helpful. I will most definitely be booking another stay in the future.