multiple access points to blanket an area?

can i use multiple access points to blanket a rather large two-story area? for instance, lets say a two story motel with an open patio in the middle. in one corner of the building we have a wireless router. and then put APs up the length of the patio so all rooms are covered. if there is a better way to do this, please suggest something anonymous. (i have already thought about range extenders and have ruled them out unless you can convince me otherwise)

easy answer:
you need a piece of hardware called a repeater or range extender to do this