El Patio Courtyard House

My stay at this lovely little hotel could not have been better. From the moment I arrived (rather late from the ferry port) Ahmed greeted me with kindness and a professionalism equaled only in the very best of hotels in which I have stayed. The hotel itself is beautifully adorned in an authentic old school arabic manner, very much in keeping with the classical dar in which it is housed. The rooms on the 1st floor are centered around a small but exquisite courtyard where one takes breakfast, or perhaps an afternoon mint tea or arabic coffee in unmatched tranquility. The breakfast provided was filling, varied and tasty. From fruit to pain au chocolate, a fresh omlette and much more you won't leave with an empty stomach. It is a perfect way to begin a long aimless wander through the quiet streets and bustling souks of the Medina. My room was extremely comfortable, and though it faced out onto the street below, there was little or no traffic and though a light sleeper, I woke well rested in a bed that I, frankly, was reluctant to leave. Ahmed greeted me every morning of my stay (a far too short stay) and could always answer my questions and offer advice to make this amazing long weekend even better. I cannot recommend El Patio Courtyard House highly enough. It is a true gem you would be sorry to miss.

The hosts were both very friendly and accommodating. The location is right in the middle of the old town, great if you like such atmosphere- with narrow pedestrian roads (no car access) and traditional amenities. The hotel only has 3 rooms, so it's a very, very quiet atmosphere Rooms are very traditional too. But I was surprised that most reviews I saw did not warn about the issues I point out here below; Despite the friendly staff, I personally won't go back due to these reasons; The room did not feel clean at all - and the carpet was very dirty and worn off. I even felt uncomfortable using my slippers, its best to walk with shoes in your room - which I don't like doing. The breakfast is not a buffet - its a set breakfast made by the friendly hostess, very basic, including eggs, some bread, and minor things with it. It is NOT a buffet, and with only 3 rooms in the whole hotel - it's a very dead and often awkward atmosphere when you're having breakfast with just 1 or 2 people from one of the other rooms, in the quiet lobby area. Also, you have to tell them what time you want to have your breakfast - which is not convenient to plan the night before. When you come back to the hotel, you have to ring the bell - for him to open the door for you. So again this is uncomfortable when you come back late and you have to wake him up to open the door for you. Also, it was very inconvenient to reach the hotel with my bags - most drivers will NOT know how to take the cars inside those narrow roads to reach the hotel, and roads are mostly closed in that area to get inside. So if you have larger bags - its a workout and quite a walk to get there. Its a very friendly staff - but all of the above makes me uncomfortable to use that hotel again.

The interior of this courthouse is stunning! But because it is all connected with a patio, very noisy (and little privacy). The room was beautiful but smelled. Breakfast was good and staff was very friendly. Rooms where not cleaned during the stay. Al in all, It is definitely worth the price and very beautiful, but don’t expect a very luxueus stay.

Mr. Ahmet and the so kind lady who prepares the breakfast were AMAZING people that do not stop smiling (Literraly), it felt like a little family and it changes so much from the traditional hotel staff. Staying at El patio was an incredible experience, it's in the heart of the old touristic city, very harming. I was there with my wife, and we both appreciated the stay there. For all visitors of Tunisia, I recommend it 100%, I'm returning whenever I can again.