El Patio Motel

This motel has a long-standing tradition of doing things well and is an amazing value. The grounds are beautiful, and the layout gives you privacy and quiet evenings. It’s very clean, with top-notch staff taking care of the property and excellent service all around. Make sure to go up the stairs to the rooftop patio. It’s incredible!

For Key West, the price is affordable, and the older motel is in pretty good shape. I liked the courtyard and rooftop lounge. The rooms are a good size, though mine could have been furnished better. The bed was okay and the linens were plush, but the shower head could use an upgrade. There wasn’t a coffee maker.

We’ve stayed here three times, in three different years, and will be back to ElPatio. It’s an old-school hotel building with plenty of Key West charm. Don’t expect giant TVs or fancy coffee makers. You’re meant to be out enjoying the island, listening to music and having a Cuban Coffee. The rooftop patio is a great spot to unwind after a busy day on Duval, and the staff are fantastic. When we camped on Dry Tortuga in the middle of our stay, they made several accommodations I doubt other hotels would have made. We recommend calling the property directly for the best service. Two big thumbs up!

A good experience all in all, if you know what you’re getting. For UK tourists, I’d compare it to glamping in one of those rounded huts, better than a tent but not quite hotel standard. The staff are lovely, the clientele are rowdy, and the beds are hard. It’s a wonderful dive with an excellent location, and cheap and cheerful, it gets the job done. If you’re after quiet, comfort, and classic amenities, keep looking. I wouldn’t recommend it for families unless you have a sense of humour.