El Matador 445 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE $300 Day Value

Free Beach Service and 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

• El Matador

  Stayed 7 days ending in June, 2024

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  Lisa A from Birmingham, AL recommends this vacation rental

  Great location, beach, not overcrowded, Property overall was very clean, we have stayed many times and it’s always very pleasant. Two pools, lots of grassy area for kids to play and run around.

  • Manager Responded on 6/17/2024

    Lisa thank you for the kind words. We hope you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again very soon.

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• Your own Paradise! Unit 445 is Perfect placement in the complex

  Stayed 4 days ending in May, 2024

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  Judy D from Meriden, CT recommends this vacation rental

  The view is amazing. The unit is on the 4th floor giving you the dramatic views of the gorgeous Emerald Coast. Love that this complex is the last on the strip. While the balcony view gives you superb views of the beach, the front door gives you views of breathtaking sunsets, looking over miles and miles of unspoiled dunes. The added bonus of having complimentary beach chairs and umbrella service was a great feature! We didn't take advantage of the other bonus tickets that come with the unit. The boardwalk in Destin is only a short drive and McGuires Restaurant is a must! Unit 445 had everything you need (except for a hair dryer, so be prepared. I was told that other guests have stolen them, perhaps a dryer installed on the wall would be an option?) The mattress and linens were very comfortable as well as the living room furniture. An added bonus was a bookcase filled with books, and a flashlight for your night stroll on the beach! Unit 445 is Perfect placement. Great communication from the Hollis agency.

  • Manager Responded on 5/23/2024

    we are so happy that you enjoyed this wonderful unit and the great views. Please get in touch for your next trip.

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• AWESOME VACATION

  Stayed 28 days ending in September, 2023

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  Chris & Kim H from Lawrenceburg, IN recommends this vacation rental

  Great condo with everything you need! Comfy bed great view and nice deck chairs.

  • Manager Responded on 10/2/2023

    Chris and Kim, we sure were glad to see you hear again, and we are very happy that you enjoyed your stay at the El Matador unit 445, and we would love to see you again next year 24.

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• El Matador Review

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2023

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  Susie B from Nashville, TN recommends this vacation rental

  It was such a great experience. Have always stayed on ground floor but wanted to “ move up” and view the ocean each day. The staff working for Alicia Hollis was the very best. I highly recommend anyone to go through them. Very honest and dependable. Loved my stay.

  • Manager Responded on 7/18/2023

    Susie, thanks so much for your review we sure appreciate it and most off all that you enjoyed the condo 445. We would love to have you back again to this condo for your vacation.

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• Great choice!

  Stayed 3 days ending in June, 2023

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  a guest from Scottsboro, AL recommends this vacation rental

  We stayed in room #445. Check in/out was easy. Condo was clean. Pool was clean & beautiful. The view of the ocean/beach was amazing. The only complaint is really a preference. The mattress was overly soft and the water pressure was low. However, neither of those two things would keep us from coming back. We plan to stay at El Matador on many more trips.

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• 445

  Stayed 4 days ending in May, 2023

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  Ottie R from Franklin, TN recommends this vacation rental

  Had a wonderful time! Thank you Chris for all your help!!

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• Beach therapy

  Stayed 7 days ending in June, 2022

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  Robin Z from Taylorsville, KY does not recommend this vacation rental.

  Clean, comfortable, had everything we needed and a beautiful view

  • Manager Responded on 7/1/2022

    Thanks for your review for the El Matador unit 445, but, you do not want to recommend it to others. This is the most popular property on Okaloosa Island, and i wished you would have enjoyed it, with it being gated and 2 pools, but, we hope we can help you in a different property.

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• Awesome view

  Stayed 4 days ending in May, 2022

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  Melissa G A from Boston, KY recommends this vacation rental

  Loved sitting on balcony watching ocean and people. Gorgeous weather. Room was clean. However, the balcony was terribly filthy! No cleaning supplies in which to wipe furniture down. Called Hollis office and was told the filth was due to building maintenance, but that they had nothing to do with the outside. Also, we were never told that work was going to be done when we made reservations. The noise was horrendous! My husband had headache first two days. The office told us to go to the beach or shopping from 9-5 so we wouldn’t be around the noise! REALLY?!🥴

  • Manager Responded on 6/9/2022

    Thanks a lot for your review for the El Matador unit 445, and the newly remodeled condo on the beach with wonderful views of the gulf. Unfortunately again, we have no control on the work of repairing the building and the problem on the balconies as those guys would have been out there for the whole week, and nothing we can do. Sorry for your inconvenience and your headaches, but, maybe next we can get you another property as that was not the owners fault.

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• Excellent experience

  Stayed 5 days ending in September, 2021

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  angela b from Cleveland, TN recommends this vacation rental

  Loved everything from the location, view, and serenity!!!!

  • Manager Responded on 9/16/2021

    Angela, we are so happy that you enjoyed your stay at the El Matador unit 445, what a great unit directly on the gulf, and those great views of the water. We are going to be doing some updates in there soon. Please let me know if you would like to come back so that i can accommodate you.

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• Another great week at the El Matador

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2021

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  Mike B from Tulsa, ok recommends this vacation rental

  The condo has a good view of the ocean and pool. It was very clean and spacious. We had a very good one week stay.

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• Honeymoon

  Stayed 8 days ending in May, 2021

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  a guest from Acworth, GA does not recommend this vacation rental.

  I would like to give you the reasons for my lower rating.
  1) very low water pressure.
  2) unit needed painting.
  3) kitchen pantry door would not shut. I had to fix it myself.
  4) everything in this unit looked old. This unit really needs a fresh update especially the kitchen plates and glasses
  5) TV remote did not work very well. You had to push the buttons 812 times to change channels or volume

  • Manager Responded on 5/24/2021

    We thank you for the review, but, we had a lot of things done in the unit, and i believe the next thing is going to be the painting of the walls. the owners will be coming soon, and we will address some of your issues, but, i sure hope you enjoyed that awesome view from the balcony.

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• Great condo for couple or couple + small children

  Stayed 7 days ending in April, 2021

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  Mark W from Dallas, GA recommends this vacation rental

  We stayed at this condo over spring break 2021.
  The condo was perfect for my wife and I. Everything was clean and ready-to-go when we arrived. It looks like it had been recently completely renovated as the furnishings and appliances all seemed new.
  
  Since it was a 1 bedroom, we expected it to be small, but it wasn't at all. The rooms were large and there was plenty of elbow room and storage space.
  
  We loved having breakfast and drinks on the balcony. A really good view of the gulf. Even better than the pictures show.

  • Manager Responded on 4/20/2021

    Thank you for taking the time to review your stay. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your unit and we hope that we have the pleasure of providing your accommodations the next time you visit our beautiful area.

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• Best view vacation

  Stayed 7 days ending in March, 2021

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  Paul K from New Berlin, WI recommends this vacation rental

  Great chairs on balcony

  • Manager Responded on 4/3/2021

    Paul thanks so much for your review for the El Matador unit 445, and it was a pleasure having you here with us, and looking forward to see you next year.

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• 2020 SUMMER TRIP TO OKALOOSA ISLAND

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2020

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  Kavin C from Dyersburg, TN recommends this vacation rental

  I booked this trip in February and then the world seemed to be turned upside down! Logic thrown out the window and the fear of our trip being cancelled was overwhelming. Our arrival on Saturday and the six days that followed were everything we'd hoped for our the last several months. This trip was to celebrate 25 years of marriage along with our first extended family trip to the beach in years! Hoping to return in 2021 as all family members agree!!!

  • Manager Responded on 8/14/2020

    Kavin that is awesome that you enjoyed your Anniversary in this area and also in this unit at 445 El Matador. We hope to see you again, and enjoy our wonderful beach and restaurants in Fort Walton Beach. It has been a pleasure working with you guys.

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• FWB

  Stayed 7 days ending in June, 2020

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  a guest from Columbus, OH recommends this vacation rental

  This Lola w has everything you need and the location is perfect.

  • Manager Responded on 6/26/2020

    We appreciate your review and we are happy that you enjoyed your stay in unit 445 and we hope to see you again next year, and enjoy our condo and beaches in our area.

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• Just love the El Matador

  Stayed 7 days ending in August, 2019

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  Brenda M from Helena, AR recommends this vacation rental

  I love the privacy and relaxing atmosphere. My favorite place to stay in Florida. Everything was wonderful!

  • Manager Responded on 9/16/2019

    We are waiting for your return!

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• The view! Fine place to stay for a few days

  Stayed 3 days ending in May, 2019

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  Christopher D from Corpus Christi, TX recommends this vacation rental

  Great location and very spacious. Bed is a bit tired, probably time for new mattress. Kitchen fully stocked with pots, pans, utensilss, Drip coffee maker. Incredible view of course.

  • Manager Responded on 5/28/2019

    Thank you - will let Owner know about your bed issue...

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• Potential -Beach Palace

  Stayed 7 days ending in July, 2018

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  a guest from Iron City, Tennessee does not recommend this vacation rental.

  We arrived to the beautiful Okaloosa Island area on Saturday afternoon. The process of picking up the keys for the unit and parking pass was super easy. The unit is located at the end of the island and offers a spectacular view of the bay and the ocean front. The property grounds, pool, board walk, grills where well kept. The unit was located right off the elevator which was great. Upon entering I felt like I was going back in time, like to 1980 with a splash of 2010. The units tile floors, couch, love seat, TV's, balcony furniture, and shower are more up to date. Being married to a contractor we had this place remodeled in our minds on day 1 :) ! The cabinetry, appliances, bed (mattress is hard with a egg shell on it),bedroom furniture, sinks, doors, lighting, sliding glass door, rugs, and wall art are in need of a upgrade at the rental price point. The sliding glass door would not lock appropriately and the paint was peeling off the doors. So basically the El Matador was in a great location, the beach was amazing, there is a chair rental company available at the beach. It is very family friendly, there is a lawn area for play and the pool is clean. We felt safe and that our personal belongings where safe with the entrance security being staffed 24/7. The property manager Alicia J Hollis was wonderful. We got a chuckle out of the hand crank mixer in the kitchen drawer. I really hope the owner up grades this unit soon, so I could recommend it to our friends. We saw dolphins, sting rays, and a shark while sitting on the beach our last day there. It was a great view!

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• Wish We Were There Now

  Stayed 4 days ending in June, 2018

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  Stephen B from Tallahassee, Florida recommends this vacation rental

  Everything was perfect for our anniversary stay. Beautiful unit with a beautiful view. Alicia Hollis always comes through.

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• Home away from home

  Stayed 23 days ending in March, 2018

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  George & Gail S from Dallas, TX recommends this vacation rental

  We have been visiting Fort Walton for years and El Matador has been our home away from home. I would have to say that the location is most important to me while the activities-tennis, gym, pool, etc. are important to my husband. We both love the beautiful beach.

  • Manager Responded on 4/13/2018

    We are so glad that you enjoyed this lovely condo and the new updates in there. I hope that you enjoyed the wonderful views from the condo, and the sunrises and sunsets and i hope that every time you come it will be just as enjoyable time for you in unit 445.

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• A white and steamy pleasure. Wonderful.

  Stayed 7 days ending in August, 2017

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  Steve S from Westerville, OH recommends this vacation rental

  A beauty of location. We discovered by accident left over items from previous renters under the bed. Written directions on how to deal with trash or shortage of towels through out the stay. An update in furniture in living room would be nice. The staff including Alicia was outstanding. A very supportive group that really supports the renters.

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• Great location.

  Stayed 30 days ending in May, 2017

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  Carl & Aidah D from Niceville, FL recommends this vacation rental

  Love that the beach access is right on the property and beautiful view of the gulf. Staff are always very friendly.
  The couch and chair were pretty run down, so not very comfortable to sit on. The floors were very dirty when we arrived. Other amenities in the room like kitchenware and appliances were very useful, however.

  • Manager Responded on 6/16/2017

    thanks so much for your review about this condo, and i apologize for your inconvenience of the dirty floors, but, next time you come down, please call us and let us know, and we will send the housekeeper back out there to mop them up again for you. I hope you enjoyed the awesome view of the balcony and watched the wonderful sunrises and sunsets of that very large balcony. I also will let the owner know about the couch and chair, so that it can be replaced. Thanks so much for being here with us, and we would love to have you again next year for your vacation.

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• Great!!

  Stayed 6 days ending in April, 2017

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  a guest from Newmarket, AL recommends this vacation rental

  Everything was great. The unit could definitely use an upgrade though.

  • Manager Responded on 4/24/2017

    thanks for the information for the update, we will notify the owners and let them know. But, as of today, one of them is staying in the unit, and he said he was going to take care of some thing. I am glad you enjoyed your stay there at the El Matador and that wonderful complex and the beautiful views from that balcony, and hope we will see you again in the future.

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• great October

  Stayed 4 days ending in October, 2016

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  a guest from Moulton, AL recommends this vacation rental

  El matador as usual -always nice- great weather -nice room - very dated bathroom- but clean- ms hollis docusign form was not working properly when contracting- but she corrected problems on her end

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• 445 review

  Stayed 4 days ending in October, 2016

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  John V from Elyria, OH recommends this vacation rental

  First time at El Matador. ( have worked >10 times with resort quest ).
  Grounds very well kept, clean, safe, and quit. My initial 468 unit was lost due
  to a water line break. Could see getting a 2nd place long term here.
  Unit 445 concerns:
  1. Front door should still have a dead bolt.
  2. No instructions on use of the living room TV. Could not figure out.
  3. Balcony lock was bad. Need to secure.
  4. Disappointed no in room washer/dryer
  5. Pools were tooooooo cold.
  Overall very family friendly safe place. Might consider 6 floor building 3 or
  Go back with Resort Quest
  JV

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• Great Vacation

  Stayed 14 days ending in May, 2015

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  Bonnie W from Madison, WI recommends this vacation rental

  We enjoyed our vacation, the unit we had really needs some work especially the bathroom and kitchen.

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• Our wonderful relaxing end of summer time at El Matador!

  Stayed 4 days ending in September, 2014

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  Billy S from Jones, OK recommends this vacation rental

  We very much enjoyed our stay at El Matador. I had been bringing my children there since they were babies and they are now young adults so I was exited to see it again. It is still as great as always and the pool was clean and well kept as well as the grounds. Thank you so much. We will be back next year!

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• Great Stay

  Stayed 5 days ending in August, 2014

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  a guest from Henderson, TN recommends this vacation rental

  We enjoyed our stay at El Matador. Really nice location, relatively quiet and beautiful beach. Unit was nice - a little outdated (not bad) and the only thing we found missing was a bottle opener (picked one up in town).

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• El Matator vacation and beach wedding ceremony

  Stayed 4 days ending in July, 2014

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  Misti ( from WAYNE CITY, IL recommends this vacation rental

  Wonderful vacation experience! Beautiful location and awesome beach!!

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• El Matador 445 - FT Walton Beach

  Stayed 3 days ending in July, 2014

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  Phillip W from Acworth, Georgia recommends this vacation rental

  Unit is nice and roomy, clean but dated. Kitchen and bathroom are old. Furniture is so so. The unit had a musty smell when we first went in, but that seemed to go away after a few hours of running the AC. Needs a ceiling fan in the bedroom. The complex is pretty good and it is great that it is at the end of the row of condos - so you can see all the way to Pensacola! Great to walk on the secluded beach to the west. It would help to know that there are trash chutes down at the end of each hallway. 10 am is too early for checkout - 11 am would be more positive. We would visit this complex again, but would probably selected one of the updated units in building 3 since the morning sun does not hit the balcony so much. We would rent this unit again if it were updated in the future.

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• Great Week

  Stayed 7 days ending in May, 2014

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  a guest from Washington, IL recommends this vacation rental

  The heated pool was a great asset. The weather was perfect when we were there, but cold prior to that week. The main pool was freezing.

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• Eberle from Indiana

  Stayed 27 days ending in October, 2013

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  Robert E from Brook, IN recommends this vacation rental

  Was mostly satified with the condo. We have booked El Matador 445 for the next 2 years for 2 seperate 6 week stays in 2014 and 2015. We would like to see a long mirror installed in the bedroom hall for dressing and a couple of tall patio chairs on the Balcony so the view can be more enjoyable rather than looking thur handrails.

  • Manager Responded on 11/4/2013

    Dear Mr. Eberle, Just wanted to let you know that i notified the owner about the things you wanted and we will take care of those things by the time you come in next year. I am so happy that you will be returning back with us, and that you enjoyed your stay, and will enjoy again in 2014

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• El Matador 445

  Stayed 8 days ending in September, 2013

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  Robert E from Brook, IN recommends this vacation rental

  We enjoyed our stay at El Matador 445 and have booked this unit for our stay for the next 2 years. We would like to see a long dressing mirror and tall balcony chairs so the view would be even more enjoyable.

  • Manager Responded on 10/29/2013

    Thank you for your input we will certainly address these items with the owner for consideration.

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• Craig & Cheryl's get away place

  Stayed 7 days ending in September, 2013

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  Craig D from Benton, AK recommends this vacation rental

  This was absolutely the best vacation we have had. The location is perfect for those that don't like hectic. Next trip will get a more updated room and know doubt recommend to family & friends. Craig & Cheryl, Benton, Arkansas.

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• Splendid Stay

  Stayed 3 days ending in May, 2013

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  Kip B from Sunset, TX recommends this vacation rental

  This was our first time to visit the Ft. Walton Beach area. The beaches are beautiful and our stay at the El Matador made our stay perfect. We'll be back with our entire family.

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• El Matador

  Stayed 2 days ending in March, 2013

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  a guest from Brighton, Michigan recommends this vacation rental

  We come back every year!

  • Manager Responded on 4/27/2013

    Good Morning Ann, We are so glad to see you again this year and we hope that you all had a wonderful time at the El Matador and our beaches, and we will be happy to see you all again next year 2014. Thanks Chris.

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• El Matador

  Stayed 29 days ending in June, 2012

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  Mark S from Salem, NH recommends this vacation rental

  The unit location was premium. The unit contents were a little outdated and worn. The location was on the water and quiet. This is the last resort on the road with little traffic on this end.

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