El Patio Courtyard House

We visited Tunis for 2 nights, after spending 2 weeks in Morocco. There were frequent comparisons with our previous country, and we found that we preferred our Tunisia meals to our Moroccan – and that is high praise, because our meals in Morocco were good. Tunisian cooking had more heat, more spice. The city of Tunis was gritty, but it featured French architectural surprises, WWII history and a multitude of Mosques. The medina by day was a burst of color and scent, but not a good option for nighttime walking. Our accommodation at El Patio Courtyard House Tunis was excellent. The suite was comfortable and well-appointed, with air conditioning that worked well. It was peaceful and cozy inside El Patio, although there is no getting away from a call-to-prayer when it booms throughout the stone streets. The homemade breakfasts at El Patio were delicious. Our host Ahmed worked hard to make sure we had what we needed, including a driver to take us on a personal tour of Carthage. Mr. Adel took us to all the important points in this ancient city.

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.

I loved staying here with my two Aunts mid September 2023. This dar was relaxing and comfortable, as were the two rooms we occupied. Ahmet was gracious and personable. He was very resourceful in helping us find guides or restaurants for the area. He was a joy to be around. The housekeeper always went above and beyond. Our breakfasts were fresh and delicious. Since our stay was over several days, she became familiar with what each of us liked. While the dar was a wonderful place to stay, the people who hosted us made our downtime in Tunis truly enjoyable and restful.

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.

We stayed for almost a week at El Patio and it was wonderful. From the arrival lemonade to the large and tasty breakfasts, everything was top notch. Our host, Ahmed, was fantastic. Friendly, knowledgeable, and able to help us with everything. The whole team was kind and very professional. The hotel itself was small (3 rooms), traditional and very comfortable, located on one of the principal streets of the Medina. As part of our itinerary, we moved to another hotel (5*, very chic) in Carthage for the second part of our holiday and, honestly, the service (and breakfasts!) at El Patio were much better than the second, more expensive hotel. We loved El Patio and would recommend it to anyone looking for a calm guesthouse in the Medina.