The entrance to the historic El Patio Hotel sits nestled along West Venice Avenue, tucked between quaint shops and restaurants. Hotel guests can enjoy a single room or a suite, and a large rooftop deck, all with a panoramic view of downtown Venice. The building is on the National Registry of Historic Places; its construction is Mediterranean Revival Style, representative of commercial architecture of the time. One of four hotels built by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in the 1920s, the El Patio is the only one to have survived – the others having been either razed or converted for alternative use. The hotel has been in the ownership of the Miles Family since 1948, and the family takes great pride in its condition. It is currently operated by Bob Miles, as his mother Faye Miles is now 100 years young! Presently they are embarking on a new venture; actively promoting El Patio on their website, through the Venice Chamber of Commerce, publications and the internet. While the hotel has been previously known as a rooming house and catered to long-term residential guests, El Patio has been transitioned into a more traditional hotel.

Remodeling of this historic hotel, originally constructed in 1926, includes an elevator and allows each of the 16 suites to include a private bath, as well as air conditioning and heat. Additional room amenities include color cable television and a small refrigerator. A large rooftop deck with a new outdoor spa treats guests to a panoramic view of historic downtown Venice. Coffee, a microwave and toaster are available in the bright, airy lobby, which runs the length of the hotel and serves as a delightful meeting place. There is parking available for hotel guests behind the hotel building.

The El Patio has always provided a clean, comfortable resting place for its guests and continues to deliver such, amid an atmosphere of charm and warmth. A favorite lodging place of yesteryear for parents of youths schooled at the Kentucky Military Institute winter campus, today it is sought out by a new generation looking for history, convenience and location while staying in Venice. According to Bob, “The El Patio is the only hotel located in the center of downtown Venice with easy walking to restaurants, a variety of shops and entertainment, and a lovely path to the beach.” Miss Faye shares, “A lot of people we know come back year after year.”

El Patio maintains a website located at www.elpatiohotel.com. A visit to their website not only provides photographs and additional rate information, but also a bit of history. Numerous articles about the El Patio and Miss Faye have appeared in area publications and several of these have been added to their website.