El Matador 450 by Alicia Hollis Rentals Open 11/6-1/1/2025

Free Activities are Included with your stay! As a Thank You for staying with us, you will receive complimentary admissions to popular activities and attractions, Everyday of your stay. Check Out -> xplorie.com/fun/ajh/. Only Valid for Short Term Rentals. Not available for Per Diem Stays, Guest of Owner Stays.

1 Free admission everyday to -> Shalimar Golf Course - Round of Golf, Big Kahuna’s Water Park - General Admission, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - General Admission, Wild Willy’s Grand Prix The Gator: Adult Admission, Sea Blaster - Beach or Sunset Dolphin Cruise,
Sea Blaster - Snorkel Admission, Cruisin Tiki’s - Evening Sunset Cruise.

Looking for Paradise? Here it is at the El Matador! Has to be the most sought of family vacation resort on the Emerald Coast. A secluded condominium nestled between the beautiful white sand dunes and the sparkling Emerald Waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

El Matador is truly a beach resort. Just two miles down Santa Rosa Blvd at the end of the Island you will find us – secluded but still just a few minutes to all the amenities that Destin and Fort Walton Beach have to offer. Just six miles down Hwy. 98 you can enjoy Destin – “ The Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village” – charter a private trip or take the kids out on a group boat and catch dinner. While in Destin enjoy fine restaurants, shopping, and golfing on some of the best golf courses in the Panhandle of Florida. Hard to believe that you might need a day off from the beach but if you do take the family to Big Kahunas Water Park in the center of old Destin. Much more than just a water park… it’s a day of fun!

Back at the El Matador enjoy the large grass areas between our buildings just right for family fun and games. With two pools, his and her whirlpool, and saunas just right for your tired muscles after a game of tennis on one of our courts, or in our fitness center. We are located at the end of Okaloosa Island a small barrier Island between Fort Walton Beach and Destin. This gated community with thirteen miles of undeveloped beaches to the west is sure to have you longing to return.

Vacation Rental Reviews

• Wonderful stay!

  Stayed 3 days ending in November, 2023

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  Todd A from Fort Walton Beach, Florida recommends this vacation rental

  Thank you so much - we had a fabulous time and the beach views were amazing!

  • Manager Responded on 1/23/2024

    We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay in this condo, and we are happy to see you again the next trip.

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• Perfect

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2023

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  Melanie K from Sweetwater, TN recommends this vacation rental

  The perfect location! The views are beautiful! Room needs updates, the sliding door going out to balcony was very heavy. Only one elevator was within but didn't seem like we had to wait very long. We've stayed at this location for least 5 years like trying out different rooms

  • Manager Responded on 7/24/2023

    Melanie, we love that you enjoyed the unit, and its location, and looking forward to seeing you again for your vacation.

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• El Matador 450

  Stayed 8 days ending in April, 2023

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  Melissa B from Leesburg, GA recommends this vacation rental

  I really don’t have any complaints. I’m used to two queen beds in guest room at another unit & this one had twin beds. Maybe get some pot holders, there wasn’t any but we made due. It was a nice vacation!!

  • Manager Responded on 5/12/2023

    Thanks Melissa for your review on this unit, but, we will get some pot holders for the unit, and we are glad you enjoyed it, and we are happy to see you again.

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• June 2022

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2022

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  a guest from Hillsboro, Tn recommends this vacation rental

  Loved the overall complex. The children had plenty of lawn space to play and meet others. The beach wasn’t overly crowded. Grounds are well kept. Our particular unit was comfortable but needed some updates in color and furniture. Overall we would love to visit again. Lots of things to do in area.

  • Manager Responded on 7/14/2022

    El Matador and unit 450 is a great property and very kid friendly with all the grounds and amenities on property, this unit is a corner unit and we are happy that you enjoyed it and we will suggest your suggestions to the owner.

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• Enjoyed our stay

  Stayed 5 days ending in June, 2022

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  a guest from Midlothian, TX does not recommend this vacation rental.

  Liked the location. Condo was clean. It could use some updating with interior look and furniture. Our building needed lobby cleaned up - washers/dryers sitting in the lobby for several days.

  • Manager Responded on 7/11/2022

    Cynthia we appreciate the comments on the condo, and we discussed this with the owner, and sorry to hear about the lobby's and washer /dryers in the lobbies. That part we have no control, but, we will take care of 450 and we hope to see you again, in the future.

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• Great Stay

  Stayed 7 days ending in June, 2022

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  Andra M from Frankfort, KY recommends this vacation rental

  Beautiful resort, not too packed, unit was amazing and the check in was very easy and smooth.

  • Manager Responded on 7/14/2022

    we appreciate and we would love to see you again at the El Matador unit 450 a large corner unit on the beach.

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• Over 20 years of staying at El Matador

  Stayed 7 days ending in June, 2022

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  Dena H from Wappapello, MO does not recommend this vacation rental.

  This unit 450 is in great need of updating. I have stayed at many units within 3 and 4 building. This is very first one that I was disappointed with. The unit needs updated. Doors and locks need replaced. The unit is clean and balcony view is nice but I won’t stay in this unit again until updated. I’ll spend that money in another unit that’s updated and secure useable doors.

  • Manager Responded on 7/1/2022

    Thanks a lot for your comments about El Matador unit 450 we will definitely let the owner know about that, and we will also check the front door to see what is the problem. We hope to have you again maybe with a different property or another unit, and you will enjoy your vacation again on our wonderful beaches with great sunsets.

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• Girls trip

  Stayed 5 days ending in August, 2021

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  Kristie B from Louisville, Ky recommends this vacation rental

  We had a great time during our stay. El Matador was very clean. Easy access to pool and great view of the beach. We will return.

  • Manager Responded on 9/16/2021

    Kristie, we are so happy that you enjoyed 450 at the El Matador and the coziness of the condo and the great view of the balcony. So close to the pool and water, let us help you again, to book this awesome condo.

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• Review of 450 for July 2020

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2020

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  Mary G from Conroe, TX recommends this vacation rental

  We have been staying at various El Matador condos over the past 12 yrs. Overall, our experience was great! The location can’t be beat, and the property is kept pretty clean. Now 450 needs lots of updating. The kitchen items aren’t all working or modern. Other then these issues we always leave relaxed and tan.

  • Manager Responded on 8/3/2020

    Thanks so much Mary for letting us know about the kitchen items and we will let the owner know about those issues. I am happy to hear that you all enjoyed the El Matador and our beaches and relaxed during your stay and also left with a tan. We hope to see you again, maybe next year.

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• Girls trip

  Stayed 7 days ending in September, 2018

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  michelle l from Springfield, IL recommends this vacation rental

  The property was well-maintained and all were friendly. Our unit needs totally updated. I would tell people to bring a lot of their own cooking needs if possible As they are sparse in that unit. It was very difficult to open and close the sliding glass door leading onto the nice big patio from the living room. The stove It is a very uneven cooktop which makes it difficult to cook on. The The view from the balcony and the balcony furniture was very comfortable.

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• Another awesome summer stay!

  Stayed 20 days ending in June, 2018

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  Xu N from Plano, TX recommends this vacation rental

  This is my fifth summer stay in El Matador, and the third one in unit 450. The property management Alicia Hollis is one of the best I have seen. They run like a family and always take care of you. Reservations have been simple and easy with electronic contracting/payment. The unit is located in the corner of 5th floor, so needless to say it is very low traffic and quiet even during summer seasons. The building itself is literally right in front of the beach with a gorgeous ocean view from the balcony. Some of the appliances and furnitures have shown signs of aging and may need update down the road. If you are here for the July 4th holiday, you can watch the fireworks show right from the balcony. No need to fight the horrendous traffic into Destin. Will definitely come back in the future.

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• Weekend getaway

  Stayed 4 days ending in May, 2018

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  Kimberly O from West Memphis, AR recommends this vacation rental

  Great room for our family of 5. This is our 2nf stay in this room and won't be the last

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• Spring Break 2018

  Stayed 8 days ending in April, 2018

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  Kim T from Bloomfield Hills, MI recommends this vacation rental

  Great Unit. We have stayed there many times & working with Hollis is a pleasure. They will jump through hoops to help if they can.

  • Manager Responded on 4/13/2018

    Kim thanks so much for your wonderful comments and we enjoy having you stay with us always in one of our condos and at the El Matador. We are happy to see you again next year, and enjoy our great beaches, and beautiful Fort Walton Beach.

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• great location

  Stayed 31 days ending in November, 2017

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  a guest from Shalimar, Fl recommends this vacation rental

  Lovely location and well kept grounds. Condo in need of updating especially dishwasher and bathrooms.

  • Manager Responded on 11/25/2017

    Thanks so much for your comments, but, we will address your information to our owner, and we will take care of it. We hope that you enjoyed your stay at the El Matador and our wonderful beaches and hope to see you again.

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• Great Stay!!!

  Stayed 4 days ending in October, 2017

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  a guest from Albany, La recommends this vacation rental

  Overall the condo was great!! The staff at the property management office was super nice and helpful!! Only complaint we had was the didn't really cool all that well, but it was manageable!! Also.........the dishwasher needs updating, but not all that important!! We had a wonderful stay and we will be back!!!

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• Sunrise, Sunset!

  Stayed 31 days ending in April, 2017

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  John & Pat G from Vaudreuil-Dorion, PQ recommends this vacation rental

  We have been 4 years in the same unit and love it. Would like to see some updates, new bedspreads, walls painted lighter and a new dishwasher. A new tv was installed in living room but it needs to be readjusted, picture not full screen.El Matador is a very well maintained resort thanks to its friendly, courteous and cheerful employees. We look forward to our visit every year and several friends are also now renting at El Matador.

  • Manager Responded on 4/29/2017

    We sure enjoy having you guys every year stay with us at the El Matador in unit 450. We will take care of that issue with the TV, and have it adjusted, and i am so glad the you enjoyed our glorious sunrises and sunsets from there. Most of all we hope you enjoyed golfing, and our beaches. See you next Winter.

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• 450 El Matador

  Stayed 2 days ending in October, 2016

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  Susan A recommends this vacation rental

  Wonderful place to stay. Quiet with great view. Would stay there again.
  Would prefer key code entry so keys don't have to be picked up and dropped off.
  Screen doors were both off track so hard to enjoy open doors.

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• Nice condo for the price

  Stayed 29 days ending in July, 2016

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  Xu N from Plano, TX recommends this vacation rental

  I work with the Air Force so I usually stay at Fort Walton for 4-6 weeks every summer in the past three years. Every time I stayed at El Matador but in different condos. So far this one is absolutely the best for the price. It's located at the very end of the 5th floor so almost no traffic at all; quiet and private. The balcony opens to the ocean which is only 200 yards away. Can't beat the location. You can even watch the July 4th fireworks show right from the balcony. My only suggestion is that, as also pointed out by other guests, the living room could use a new TV. I believe the current one is probably from 1990s. Other than that, this condo is great. Will definitely come back next summer.

  • Manager Responded on 8/2/2016

    We are so glad that you enjoyed the condo, and we hope to see you again next year, and if this condo is available we can get you to go in there again. I will notify the owner today to pick up a new tv for that living room, and we never knew that there was an issue with it. But, thanks for letting us know, and looking forward to seeing you once again in 2017

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• Glorious sunsets

  Stayed 25 days ending in March, 2016

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  John & Pat G from Vaudreuil-Dorion, PQ recommends this vacation rental

  Four years in the same unit and it is like coming home each year.

  • Manager Responded on 4/13/2016

    John, am so happy that you had the opportunity to enjoy unit 450 at the El Matador, and we are so happy to be able to accommodate you every year. This is a wonderful unit in building 4, and yes, very comfortable, and a very large corner unit with a great open kitchen. We are happy that you enjoyed your stay in that condo, and looking forward in seeing you again next winter.

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• Beach Trip 2015

  Stayed 4 days ending in July, 2015

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  John H from Carrollton, GA recommends this vacation rental

  The El Matador complex is a beautiful place. The location is wonderful. Beaches are beautiful. The best thing is it's right next to miles of uninhabited shoreline. Gorgeous. The condo was OK. The appliances need updating as well as the TV in the living room. It was clean. The master bed has a very firm mattress. I thought the condo would be a little nicer considering the amount of money that we paid, but those things can be fixed. Overall it was great. The location is so nice it makes up for everything that was sub-par. We would stay here again.

  • Manager Responded on 7/28/2015

    We are happy that you enjoyed your stay at the el matador, and thanks for taking the time to review your unit. I am glad to get your comments so that I can pass it on to the owners, so those things can be fixed for your next time. We hope that we will have the pleasure of providing your accommodations the next time you visit our beautiful beaches on Okaloossa Island with Alicia Hollis Realtor.

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• Ocean, Beach, Sunset, Shopping, HAPPY!

  Stayed 31 days ending in March, 2014

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  John & Pat G from Vaudreuil-Dorion, PQ recommends this vacation rental

  Would like a new tv in living room but unit very well equipped. Staff very friendly and property very well maintained. Had a great holiday. Thank you.

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• PARADISE

  Stayed 3 days ending in December, 2013

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  Pete T from Metarie, LA recommends this vacation rental

  Great place to stay. On the end of the beach away from all the crowds. Peaceful and quiet.
  Nice family atmosphere. No commercial feel at all. Highly recommend!

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• GREAT UNIT

  Stayed 5 days ending in July, 2013

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  Pete T from Metarie, LA recommends this vacation rental

  GREAT UNIT, BEAUTIFULLY DECOREATED, NICE VIEW. BEACH IS NOT CROWDED, LARGE POOL, GUARDED SAFE AREA. QUIET AND RELAXING. WILL DEFINETLY BE BACK. GREAT VACATION.

  • Manager Responded on 8/19/2016

    Thanks so much for letting us know about this wonderful unit 450 on the beach at the el matador, with a great view of the ocean, and a very large corner unit. We hope to see you again this year.

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• Perfect 3 Night Stay

  Stayed 3 days ending in July, 2013

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  Yori E from Camp Lejeune, NC recommends this vacation rental

  We love everything about Okaloossa Island. Relaxing time with family. The El Matador complex is well maintained and beach access is handy from any building on the property. Loved being able to drink coffee and watch the waves roll in from the balcony.
  The balcony floor could use a fresh coat of paint, it is very chipped and kind of hurt your feet. Small issue I know. Other than that it is a fabulous condo that we would stay in again.

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• Nice and easy

  Stayed 5 days ending in June, 2013

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  a guest from Tuscaloosa, AL recommends this vacation rental

  The El Matador is very good location as there are no condos to the right of the complex. Therefore, the beach is uncrowded and very pretty.The free umbrella and chairs are also a nice perk.Overall, an nice,easy, place to stay.

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• ok

  Stayed 2 days ending in November, 2012

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  Robert E from Brook, IN recommends this vacation rental

  ok

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