El Matador 361 by Alicia Hollis Rentals

Enjoy Free Activities with your stay — a $300+ per day value! As our way of saying thank you, you’ll receive complimentary daily admissions to popular local attractions. (Valid for short-term rentals only. Not available for per diem or guest-of-owner stays.)

Each day, you will receive a ticket to each of the following:

- Shalimar Golf Course
- Big Kahuna’s Water Park
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
- Wild Willy’s Grand Prix
- Sea Blaster (Dolphin Cruise (Beach or Sunset))
- Sea Blaster (Snorkeling Trip)
- Cruisin’ Tiki’s (Evening Sunset Cruise)

Please note: This property does not allow children under 14 years of age.

Looking for paradise? You’ve found it at El Matador—one of the most sought-after beach resorts on the Emerald Coast. Nestled between sugar-white sand dunes and the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this gated community offers a peaceful and relaxing coastal escape. This unit features a fully equipped kitchen, three flat-screen TVs and high-speed WiFi, along with recent upgrades throughout to enhance your stay. Whether you’re relaxing indoors or enjoying the coastal breeze outside, this condo is designed for comfort and convenience.

Located at the quiet end of Okaloosa Island, El Matador provides a secluded setting while still being just minutes from the best of Fort Walton Beach and Destin. A short drive takes you to Destin—“The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”—where you can enjoy deep-sea fishing, waterfront dining, shopping, and top-rated golf courses. Nearby attractions like Big Kahuna’s Water Park make for the perfect family day trip.

Back at the resort, enjoy a full range of amenities, including:
- Two swimming pools
- His-and-her whirlpools and saunas
- Tennis courts and fitness center
- Direct private beach access

Vacation Rental Reviews

• Beautiful location

  Stayed 5 days ending in June, 2026

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  Michael C from ., NA recommends this vacation rental

  Loved the view the location and the room

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• BEACH VACATION

  Stayed 4 days ending in May, 2026

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  Chris H recommends this vacation rental

  GREAT STAY, GOOD VIEWS, GREAT PROPERTY, GOOD UNIT.
  LOVE IT! VERY RELAXING

  • Manager Responded on 5/28/2026

    Pete God bless cannot wait to see you next year.

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• Florida 2025

  Stayed 6 days ending in October, 2025

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  a guest from Frankfort, NA recommends this vacation rental

  We had a great time as always

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• Awesome vacation!

  Stayed 6 days ending in June, 2025

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  Twana D from Prairie Grove, AR recommends this vacation rental

  This condo is exactly how you see it in the photos, it is on the 6th floor but definitely not an issue! We will definitely be coming back! There was not a single issue with communication or resort, everyone was nice and it’s family friendly which I love to see! Thanks team for making my family’s vacation great!

  • Manager Responded on 7/3/2025

    HI Tawana thank you so very much for the review. The owner is always doing work to ensure a great stay each time. We hope to see you again for your next vacation.

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• Loved it!!!

  Stayed 7 days ending in June, 2025

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  Linda P from Humble, TX recommends this vacation rental

  I was at the property for a week with 2 other ladies and we all loved our stay! The location is amazing, we loved the direct access to the beach from the condo and we really appreciate the daily beach setup, which avoided us having to carry more stuff with us every day. The check-in/out process was smooth. As someone who likes to eat in during my vacations, I was very pleased with the equipment in the kitchen! We would definitely come back again!

  • Manager Responded on 7/7/2025

    Thank you so very much for the kind words Linda. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again next season.

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• Family Vacation

  Stayed 5 days ending in June, 2025

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  a guest from Morgan City, LA recommends this vacation rental

  Everything was great except the sofa bed. Sara bed was terrible.

  • Manager Responded on 6/17/2025

    We thank you for the review, Lynn and will pass along the information to the owner. We hope to accommodate you and your family in the future.

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• Vacation 2025

  Stayed 7 days ending in May, 2025

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  Donald C from Dyersburg, TN recommends this vacation rental

  Unit 361 is a great unit. View is fantastic. The unit needs upgraded especially the bathrooms. Overall it is a good place to enjoy time at the beach.

  • Manager Responded on 6/12/2025

    Don thank you for your review. We always strive to accommodate you and your family the best vacation each year. Cannot wait to see you all again.

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• Good Beach time

  Stayed 7 days ending in June, 2024

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  Christine K B from Irvine, NA recommends this vacation rental

  So glad AJ Hollis could come through for us when previous renter backed out at the last minute, so aggravating! But we had a good unit, beach front, pretty much everything we needed.

  • Manager Responded on 6/4/2024

    Mrs. Butler, we thank you so much for the kind review. It is our pleasure to serve all our guest as best as we can. We have been in business since the 70s and take pride in making sure our guest is treated with the up most respect. We would love to see you again in the future. Never hesitate to call us for your future stays.

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• Sun and Gum in Fort Walton Beach

  Stayed 4 days ending in August, 2023

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  Ron P from Florence, AL recommends this vacation rental

  Great experience with absolutely no glitches. Nice accommodations and customer service was excellent!!

  • Manager Responded on 8/31/2023

    Ron we sure appreciate your comments and we would be happy to book you again to this wonderful unit, and we are happy that you enjoyed it.

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• Hard to Say Goodbye

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2023

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  Darlene S from Anderson, SC recommends this vacation rental

  Communication was great and check in/out was simple. The condo was spacious and well equipped. The living room furniture was very comfortable. The beds were not the most comfortable I've slept on, but not horrible. The view is EVERYTHING. We would certainly stay again.

  • Manager Responded on 7/4/2023

    so glad you had a nice time Darlene we will get the mattress issue addressed .

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• Family vacay

  Stayed 7 days ending in September, 2022

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  Kristi W from Knoxville, TN recommends this vacation rental

  Pleasant, perfect area, very quiet and clean

  • Manager Responded on 10/11/2022

    Thanks for coming to El Matador unit 361 and how much you enjoyed the beautiful area and condo. We hope to see you again, to this unit 361 and we would love to work with you again.

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• Snowbird view

  Stayed 31 days ending in February, 2022

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  Charles and Vicki S from georgetown, Kentucky recommends this vacation rental

  Our rental through El Matador was sufficiently supplied with the necessities we needed for the duration of our stay. My only complaint was having the deck furniture inside our condo for the month because of painting going on on the backside of the building. . The view was beautiful, the sunsets stunning, and the decor of the condo was very comfortable.

  • Manager Responded on 3/11/2022

    Vicki, thanks a lot for the review of the El Matador unit 361 and the beautiful views from the balcony. We apologize about the furniture, but, they have to repair all cracks of the building now, so i am glad even though the furniture was in, you enjoyed it and understood the circumstances of the progress of the El Matador. We are happy to see you again next year.

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• location

  Stayed 4 days ending in August, 2021

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  Mark D from Cumming, GA recommends this vacation rental

  Ft. Walton .Great beach .Clean

  • Manager Responded on 9/2/2021

    Mark is was great having you here in unit 361 El Matador and we are happy you enjoyed the unit and our wonderful beaches and area. Call us to book this again for you.

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• Favorite Beach Stay

  Stayed 14 days ending in September, 2020

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  a guest from Kenner, LA recommends this vacation rental

  We have been coming to El Matador many years. It is timeless and perfect.
  We love that it is on the end of the island; never feels crowded here.

  • Manager Responded on 10/9/2020

    Thanks for your review, it is always a pleasure to help you get a wonderful condo like 361, and most of all that you enjoyed everything with the condo on that 6th floor. Those sunsets, must have been awesome from up there. Please call us again and we can help you with it.

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• Great Value and View

  Stayed 5 days ending in September, 2020

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  Sal O from Brentwood, TN recommends this vacation rental

  We loved staying at the El Matador and this unit had an excellent view of the beach, pool, and gulf! Very comfortable accommodations except the washing machine was not working.

  • Manager Responded on 10/9/2020

    We are happy that you enjoyed 361 and the excellent views of the gulf, pool and sunsets and sunrises. Sitting on that balcony is just breathless of all the beautiful of that ocean. The condo, also had a lot of work done to it, which is very comfortable for your stays in there Love to help you again, and see you in this condo.

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• Beautiful

  Stayed 7 days ending in June, 2019

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  a guest from Cincinatti, OHIO recommends this vacation rental

  We loved the place!! Want to go back and will for sure stay in the same one!!

  • Manager Responded on 8/14/2019

    This gulf front unit is truly a decorated in the beach theme. We are ready when you are.

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• Family vacation

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2018

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  Sam S from Marion, IL recommends this vacation rental

  As always,a great experience!

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• Great Family place

  Stayed 7 days ending in June, 2018

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  a guest from Denton, TX recommends this vacation rental

  This is our third time coming to El Matador and love it each and every time. It's quiet, family friendly, great beach access and very relaxing.

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• Perfect location

  Stayed 7 days ending in August, 2017

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  John M from Jackson, TN recommends this vacation rental

  Great location that was away from the hustle of the traffic but close enough to drive to the hustle.
  Other than a washing machine struggle, we loved it. I hate Hotel furniture. Many resorts only have this type of furniture. Not here, the condo had a very homey and relaxing feel.

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• Excellent Balcony View!

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2017

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  a guest from Louisville, KY recommends this vacation rental

  We enjoyed our stay at El Matador 361. We got to see dolphins playing every morning from the balcony and I really liked that the condos have grocery carts that you can bring your groceries up on!

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• One of the Best Gulf Front Beach Views

  Stayed 30 days ending in October, 2016

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  Bobby & Melody L from Franklin, TN recommends this vacation rental

  El Matador is possibly one of the best gulf front beach properties on Okaloosa Island. From the white sandy beach, clear emerald green and blue waters, warm breezes, it's our home away from home. Great months stay in unit #361, well stokes kitchen, decorated with coastal décor (maybe a little too much for some, but nicely done). Excellent views and feet away from the beach. Only down side, was my husband got stuck in the elevator twice during our last week. Property management didn't call for elevator repairs until days later, which was frustrating, but had one out of the two elevators in our building working quickly once Otis repair tech were onsite. All in all, a great time. Look forwarding to staying again next September.

  • Manager Responded on 11/8/2016

    We just want to thank you for choosing a wonderful condo at the el matador and on the 6th floor with great views of the water and of the sunsets. I also would like to let you know that if you join us again next year 2017 this condo will be providing you with an umbrella and 2 chairs on the beach, and this is going to be awesome for your enjoyment. Hope to see you again,

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• Unit 361 Stay 26Mar-2April 2016

  Stayed 7 days ending in April, 2016

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  Jennifer D from Bellbrook, OH recommends this vacation rental

  The condo is very nice. This particular unit has a nice view and cute character/features/decor inside. The large patio is nice as it is accessible from the family room as well as the master bedroom. It is nice to have two bathrooms. Negatives are the carpet is ready to be replaced and there is a huge amount of variation within the different condo/unit upkeep "standards". This results in a sub-standard feel within the condo complex and one specific complaint is that we had to listen to a hammer-drill and tile saw for several hours on three days of our stay (pretty unacceptable). Grounds are mowed regularly and look nice, but there are little things everywhere that could result in a better review (example, broken/no basketball net on hoop). Pools were maintained well and were in great shape. Fitness area/building was nice as well. Finally, I think it would be nice to be asked how our stay was during checkout and/or if we had any issues (Before-hand interactions/emails were great).

  • Manager Responded on 4/9/2016

    Thanks for posting your reviews for this wonderful unit at the El Matador, and a great view from the 6th floor of our beautiful gulf. I am so sorry that you had to deal with hammering and drilling on the property, which sounds to me like someone was doing some kind of remodeling in that building. and i am so sorry about the basket ball hoop, net, that is not there. I will report those to the HOA and hope that they can take care of that right away. But, other then that, i am glad that you did have a good time at the El Matador and we are happy to have you again next year.

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• 8 years as renter in unit 360

  Stayed 25 days ending in March, 2016

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  Mike & Cyndee S from Bellaire, MI recommends this vacation rental

  8 year renter. Beautiful condo with great view. Owner has made subtle improvements over the years. Living room furniture needs up-dating and it's condition is usually a negative topic of conversation with guests. New TV is great and cable package appreciated. Rented again for 2017.

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• Our 14 years at El Matador

  Stayed 29 days ending in March, 2016

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  Mike & Cyndee S from Bellaire, MI recommends this vacation rental

  This was our eighth year in unit 361. The view is exceptional. The owner has made small improvements each year however the couch and 3 of the living room chairs need replacing, especially the couch! Carpeting needs cleaning. We will be back on Dec. 30 for another three month stay. Thanks for new TV.

  • Manager Responded on 3/26/2016

    We thank you so much for your stay at the el matador condo unit 361, we are glad that you enjoyed our wonderful beaches and your condo, and so happy to see you again in the winter 2017.

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• very nice condo

  Stayed 7 days ending in August, 2015

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  Michele M from Shepherdsville, KY recommends this vacation rental

  Only a couple of things bothered me about the condo. The carpet felt very dirty and I felt the need to wear shoes all the time. Also, we were very disappointed that the washer and dryer was 'out-of-order.' There was a washer and dryer down the hall, just not as convenient. Took us until the day before we left to figure out how to turn the volume up on the TV. Overall though, there were more plusses. Perfect view of the ocean from the master bedroom and the deck. Easy elevator access. Beach and pool right there. Condo had all the appliances needed for a comfortable stay. I would stay here again. I liked the quieter end of the beach.

  • Manager Responded on 9/9/2015

    We are very sorry that you had a few problems with the condo, and we would have been able to come up and helped you out with the remotes, but, the carpet has been cleaned, and the washer and dryer in the unit, has been unplugged, as it is very hard to operate. There is a laundry room on every floor and it is coin operated for your convenience. The unit is on the 6th floor with an awesome view of the gulf, and a great large balcony for you to go and sit out and enjoy your coffee, and a nice cold drink and watch the sunset and the dolphins. The property has 2 pools, tennis courts, whirlpool and sauna room and a gym, for your enjoyment, and 24 hrs security. We sure hope to see you again for your vacation at the El Matador and in unit 361,

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• recent stay

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2015

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  Sam S from Marion, IL recommends this vacation rental

  wonderful!!

  • Manager Responded on 7/28/2015

    Thanks for your reviews Sam and we appreciate you staying with one of our properties, we hope you had a wonderful time, and we love to see you again in the future.

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• Great Week at the Beach!

  Stayed 7 days ending in June, 2014

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  Susan K from Taylor Mill, KY recommends this vacation rental

  Our unit was spacious, decorated for a true beach experience and had all of the comforts of home.

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• Wonder Family Condo

  Stayed 14 days ending in June, 2014

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  Bobby & Melody L from Franklin, TN recommends this vacation rental

  This condo is wonderful, very comfortable, decorated nicely, master bed comfortable, two twin beds a little less comfortable able a few days, but not terrible. This unit has a well stocked kitchen and a fabulous view! The washer and dryer in unit is a major plus. My only recommendation is that beach service should be provided. In past years this was something that was included in the rental rate. The rental rate is the same, however you no longer get the beach service of two chairs and an umbrella included. If you choice to use the beach service you must pay for it separately or bring your own. Other than that we had a great two weeks and look forward to our next visit.

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• El Matador

  Stayed 14 days ending in April, 2014

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  Robin T from Pleasent Ridge, MI recommends this vacation rental

  Loved working with Chris at AJH !!!! She was the best and made sure our vacation was perfect.

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• Best Location! Amazing Ocean View!

  Stayed 5 days ending in April, 2014

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  Maria H from Bloomfield hills, Mi recommends this vacation rental

  Top floor of bldg 3 was an excellent choice. It was peaceful, no noise from other guests and we listened to the ocean waves all night. We enjoyed many meals on the balcony. Perfect beach vacation!

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• Furniture

  Stayed 28 days ending in February, 2014

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  Mike & Cyndee S from Bellaire, MI recommends this vacation rental

  As usual our stay has been great. After 3 months we feel like locals. Our condo is nice and the owner has made many improvements, however, the furniture needs changing. Four different color/style of chairs and a different couch. The unit could be a "showplace". Be back in December.

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• 13 years and continuing

  Stayed 31 days ending in January, 2014

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  Mike & Cyndee S from Bellaire, MI recommends this vacation rental

  13 years with Hollis. Same unit for 7 years and looking forward to our three months next year. Happy with the way people realize the value of Snowbirds and their yearly contribution to the economy.

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• Spectacular View, Two Bedroom Condo - Ft. Walton Beach

  Stayed 7 days ending in September, 2013

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  Bobby & Melody L from Franklin, TN recommends this vacation rental

  Spectacular view, property well maintained, great condo with well stocked kitchen and comfortable bed, cleaning crew did a less than desired job, did mention this to the rental agency and was ensured this will be taken care of. We are looking forward to our next visit. Thanks for a great week at the El Matador –Ft. Walton Beach.

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• Wedding from Pittsburgh

  Stayed 3 days ending in September, 2013

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  a guest from Natrona Heights, PA recommends this vacation rental

  No complaints

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• great vacation

  Stayed 8 days ending in August, 2013

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  Jody A from Paris, TX recommends this vacation rental

  Property was located in the most beautiful part of the beach. Unit view was the best of all. Overall a great time.

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• Beautiful updated condo

  Stayed 5 days ending in June, 2013

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  Carmen H from West Monroe, LA recommends this vacation rental

  The pictures on the website didn't do this condo justice. It has been beautifully updated! We throughly enjoyed every minute. Thank you to the staff at Alicia Hollis Realty for all of your help. Each one was very professional as well as very helpful. We call ElMatador our second home. We try to visit every year. We love it!

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• Great Vacation

  Stayed 7 days ending in September, 2012

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  Audrey & Jeff E from Old Hickory, TN recommends this vacation rental

  Very satisfied with week. Rated everything 5 star.

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• Condo 361

  Stayed 14 days ending in August, 2012

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  Audrey & Jeff E from Old Hickory, TN recommends this vacation rental

  Great place to vacate and beautiful.

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• El Matador Anniversary

  Stayed 8 days ending in June, 2012

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  James B from Knoxville, TN recommends this vacation rental

  We have vacationed on our wedding anniversary at various spots along Santa Rosa Blvd. since the 1970's and El Matador is our favorite location. Beautiful beaches, plenty of dining opportunities in the area, and a pleasant family atmosphere keep it tops on our list. El Matador 361 suits our needs just fine, is usually ready when we arrive, and offers a picturesque view of the Gulf. The A.J. Hollis Realtor staff has always been very gracious and professional, happy to provide helpful hints on dining and shopping when asked. We look forward to many more anniversaries at this same spot.

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• wonderful. Cleanist place I have ever stayed.

  Stayed 4 days ending in May, 2012

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  tina t from Stevenson, AL recommends this vacation rental

  Was the cleanist place I have ever stayed. beach was beautiful.

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