The El Patio Motel - Key West's Little Secret

The El Patio Motel is one of Key West's little secrets. We discovered this little gem on a recent trip to the Keys. Stepping into the El Patio is like stepping back into the 50s. Jalousie windows and cool tile floors welcome bare feet and summer breezes into the rooms.

The El Patio is a modest hotel, with 29 rooms on two stories, all surrounding an enclosed lush courtyard with a beautiful fountain in the center. Each room opens to the courtyard rather than the street, making you feel that you are in your own private paradise. Our apartment was on the upper floor and the view down into the garden was very nice.

This hotel does not offer a lot of fancy extras; the rooms are very basic, yet comfortable. Our apartment unit had an eat-in kitchen and a very comfortable bed. Everything was very clean and a phone call brought extra pillows within minutes. Amenities such as hair dryers and coffee pots are not provided. Hair dryers are available on a limited basis; coffee pots are not. I would suggest bringing your own if this is a necessity for you.

Our apartment was equipped with an air conditioner. However, we were there in February and the weather was perfect. We never turned the air conditioner on.

The El Patio is located within walking distance of every thing. Located on the Atlantic beach side of the Island of Key West, you are only 3 blocks away from Duval Street and many more free things you can find to do in Key West.

The area is residential for the most part and walking at night or day is very safe. You will only need to walk about 2 blocks to the nearest beach. The El Patio was a great "home base" for exploring the Keys because of the ease with which we were able to get in and out. We were just off the main trek far enough that there was not a lot of traffic, yet close enough that it was easy to walk every where. In the week were there we go into our car once, and that was to leave. The hosts were very accommodating and eager to offer ideas and directions.

Parking is free and is limited to one car. Arrangements can be made in advance if you will need more parking.

We made a quick trip to Duvall Street and brought dinner back from a street vendor. The El Patio has a great roof top deck with tables and chairs and it is there that we enjoyed our meal, under the twinkling stars of Key West.

The El Patio Motel is located at 800 Washington Street in key West. Call for more information or reservations: 1-866-533-5189; (305) 296-6531

This writer received no compensation, however you can without a doubt add this traveler to the list of repeat visitors at the El Patio Motel of Key West, Florida.