Nice little place

We arrived a bit early and the women who was running the place was a little rude to us. I said I realized we could not check in till 2 but was it okay if we used the pool, it was around 1. She said that she guessed and we asked if she had a bathroom where we could change and she said no only in the rooms in a very annoyed tone. We know this couldn't have been the truth so we just went and sat at the pool.

The pool area was beautiful with flowers overhead. We never went in the water.

The hotel is not far from Duval St. and we enjoyed the walk.

The courtyard area is also beautiful with lots of plants and flowers. The roof deck was decent, it was to hot during the day and at night there was not much to see.

The rooms are small but decent. It was clean. We were in the courtyard and you can hear everyone who walks by which was a huge distraction for a light sleeper like my self. The air conditioner really was not effective, it was quite hot in the room.

I would stay again. The price of this hotel is very good compared to the others.

The parking is awful. We came back late one night to no place to park.

Awesome experience.

I've stayed at El Patio multiple times in the past and I will stay here in future trips..Like others have mentioned it's off the beaten path so you get some of the greatest rest you'd want and come to Key West for.

It has a great pool and pool deck to lounge out or you can go to the great courtyard they have..And if that isn't enough then you can relax day or night on their rooftop lounge area.Which my wife and I have done numerous times.It's great during the day cause you can get a great tan or at night it's great to bring your favorite beverage and sit there and stare at the stars.

Like said it's off the beaten path but not to far from Duval st. and surrounding attractions.deffinetly walking distance.

Their prices are also good and staff is very friendly and eager to help you out with anything you'll need during your stay there.

Check em out. ;0)

The best-kept secret in Key West!

As a former Key West resident, I would not spend my vacations anywhere but the El Patio Motel. Why? It embodies the true essence of Key West at its best -- quiet, laid-back charm, old-fashioned but well-kept surroundings, and genuinely friendly staff and management who go out of their way to provide for the guests.

As other reviews on this site indicate, the management team is something special. The location is perfect -- close enough to Duval Street if you crave clamor, but still off the beaten path and quiet except for the inevitable occasional motor scooter or pesky 3 a.m rooster. It's affordable in off-season and competitively priced in season.

I love the retro look and the funky artwork in the rooms, the Zen-like serenity of the courtyard and its fountain, and I dream of that flat, beautiful Key West view up and down Washington Street. It seems as if you can see almost from one end of the island to the other!

It just doesn't get much better than this ... I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a genuine Old Town Key West feel instead of a commercialized, could-be-anywhere generic hotel room.

Quiet, comfortable and reasonable

I just returned from a short family trip to Key West and we were very happy with our accomodations at the El Patio motel. It was designed in 1953 in a Cuban art-deco style with poured concrete flowing walls, a very nice courtyard in the interior and a very quiet patio on the third floor. To begin with, the managment dropped the additional $15 per person additional charge per day for the kids so we saved money right off. Then we were upgraded to a two room, two queen suite with refrigerator. All room share a common courtyard garden situated in the middle of the motel. My wife loved the skyview and the quiet on the patio after dinner. Also a great place to sunbathe but a bit hot in the middle of the day. The pool area was very lush with beautiful tropical flowers everywhere and hibiscus blossoms floating in the pool which we mostly had to ourselves. General maintainence was ok and the staff was very cordial and helpful. It is located a bit south of the main Duval Street commercial area which is not so bad as it is very quiet here. Other guest inns and private homes make up this neighborhood. Lots of room on three sides to park if you drive in. While this motel is not the Ritz, I would recommend this motel quite highly - a very good deal for the money.

The luckiest tip I ever got

The luckiest tip I ever got

Before becoming familiar with the town of Key West, I always vacationed up on the keys. One year I decided to try city life so I picked up a vacation ad magazine and ventured into town. I found the El Patio as I scouted through the list of establishments. It interested me, but an unsolicited endorsement in the parking lot by a motel guests was the nudge that had me take the room. That was nine years ago, and was the most fortunate endorsement I've ever received in Florida. I now stay at El Patio exclusively when "at the end of the road."

The ambiance of El Patio transports me back to the 1950's. Its quiet neighborhood location allows me to "live" in Key West when I'm there. I think the place offers a pleasant nostalgia to guests who recognize the style that has been restored and preserved in this property. The cuban tile floors, the smooth plastered concrete walls, the operable jalousie windows in the walls and doors - these are all elements that no longer exist in contemporary hospitality construction. The swaying tropical vegetation present through each window is the constant reminder that you're as far south as you can get in a car.

It's not the "Ritz," but I have no need for elaborate surroundings when in Key West. For me, El Patio is as perfect a fit as I could ever hope to find in a trip to the tropics. If you read the other reviews here, you may see criticisms by other guests. Those dissatisfied vacationers had no business staying at the El Patio - they would have been better served lodging at one of the many corporately owned hospitality establishments that inundate Key West and everywhere else. If you want to "live" in Key West when you visit, the El Patio will help you do that trick. And be sure to park the car and rent a bike - and stay out of the mid-day sun. You're in the tropics.

Great Key West Location

We found a great place by accident named the El Patio. We lucked out as we found a great clean place close to everything that we enjoy walking to in Key West. We found the owners to be very congenial and we are looking forward to returning to the El Patio this fall. Try it-you won't go wrong!!!!!!!!!!

Peacefull Key West

Me and my husband can strongly recommend the "El Patio Motel" in Key West. Coming from Scandinavia, Key West has an "easy - living (like southern Europe), a friendlieness and a family- way of being with foreigners. We have stayed there before and when we arrived we just felt so welcome. The Motel is quiet, have a pool, and if you like the Key West -noise, it is only a short walk from down town. The owners are so friendly and the prices reasonable. You are always met with "Hi - how was your day" and still without feeling too close and obligated. We just loved it and recomment it to all our friends and family in Europe.Try it!!!!

Great basic accomodations

I love this place for what it is: A great motel with comfortable beds and great location. I visit Key West often as a solo and enjoy El Patio. Nice walk to Duval. Lovely surroundings. Rooms are ok, but suit me just fine. I would not take anyone with me that is looking for something upscale, but for a place to lay your head after fun in Key West, this is wonderful! Also, the staff is very helpful in getting reservations for snorkeling et al.

Recommended!

Great for the price and location

I have stayed here many times (used to live in FLA) the property is okay... but the location is great. It is secluded and shrouded in foliage, there is a rooftop patio that just breathes serenity. Close to the beaches and close to Duvall street. I will admit the rates have gone up over the years with no real improvements to the facilities. Consider it "Old Florida" charm, i guess. I would choose El Patio over many other commercialized options in the area.

Nothing Great Just A Budget Motel

Stayed here twice. The first time was OK the second time was a joke! Totally over priced in the high season and on weekends! Fair price in low season and on weekdays. Rooms are OK, some are very spacious. Be careful what you book!!! Should give you socks or slippers upon check in because the Cuban tile floors are very dirty!!! Pool area and sundeck needs upkeep (trash, leaves, cig. butts laying around) be careful of the screws, wood splinters, and the low railings on the sundeck. The rooms in the courtyard are very noisy, can hear everyone coming and going, doors slamming, people talking etc. Lights from the walkways also shine into the rooms, not much privacy. Needs much upkeep. Such a cute place with a nice location, my guess is it's just poor management.