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El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals Open Mar 1

Unwind at this secluded beach resort with access to endless fun – from snorkeling excursions to water parks.

Photo gallery for El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals Open Mar 1

Property grounds
TV, DVD player
Property grounds
Exterior
On the beach

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire condo

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 487 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire condo to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals Open Mar 1

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 -> 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.

Property manager

Chris, Sher, Austin

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Heated pool
  • Sauna
  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the condo: Internet access

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Coin laundry

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Lift
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Heated pool
  • Kayak
  • Tennis
  • Water park
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Gated community
  • Unit size: 935 square feet

Similar properties

A heated pool

El Matador 365 by Alicia Hollis Rentals Open Apr 1

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (77)
El Matador 365 by Alicia Hollis Rentals Open Apr 1

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

1602-60880
Gulf Front One Bedroom, A Couple's Favorite! Condo
Gulf Front One Bedroom, A Couple's Favorite! Fort Walton Beach

About the area

Map
Fort Walton Beach, FL

What's nearby

  • Okaloosa Island Beach - 8 min walk
  • Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - 5 min drive
  • Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center - 5 min drive
  • Okaloosa Island Pier - 5 min drive
  • Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island - 5 min drive

Getting around

  • Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Whataburger - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Stewby’s Seafood Shanty - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Slim Chickens - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Lost Pizza Co. Ft Walton - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Olive Garden - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals located?

Nestled on the beach, this Fort Walton Beach condo building is within a 10-minute walk of Santa Rosa Sound, Fort Walton Beaches and Okaloosa Island Beach. Wayside Park and Ross Marler Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals Open Mar 1 Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 80 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 80 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 80 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 80 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 80 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Robert W.

Two very enjoyable weeks
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Stayed in a very nice 1 bedroom condo with a great gulf view. Comfortably decorated and AJ Hollis is always very helpful.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Joe D.

Great Condo and Location
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: we very much enjoyed our stay and our time. Great Condo. great location. Just right for my wife and me.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Joe D.

Great Condo and Location
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: we very much enjoyed our stay and our time. Great Condo. great location. Just right for my wife and me.

8/10 Good

Louis C.

Annual Memorial Day vacay
Great view from our room. Nice pool and a good location. Beach needs upkeep (seaweed, garbage). Friendly guests. Descent parking. We enjoyed it for sure. I would go there again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert G.

Nice Condo!
Stayed a week for a baseball tournament... nice property! Great beach location... close to grocery store, restaurants... about 30 min to Destin.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Wayne and Vicky B.

El Matador /Alicia Hollis Realtor
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We have stayed in 426 since 2017 the condo is nice but we have been asking for the owner a new mattress since year 1. It is still the same mattress and very uncomfortable. I think it’s so old it still has coil springs . Also there needs to be new silverware it’s allMix and match. Who ever stayed there before us put allPots and pans back dirty . But we do like the condo just really need a NEW mattress
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A Snowbird at El Matador
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Beautiful beach, beautiful weather, perfect location.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John K.

Five Stars to Alicia J. Hollis Reality
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Exactly what we expected. After four years of coming to the El Matador we have never had a bad experience. The units are always very nice and clean. The staff at Alicia Hollis are very friendly and understanding. Chris was able to help me change our weeks stay to accommodate a glitch on my part and made everything better.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Danielle M.

Perfect Getaway!
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was more than happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Stayed for a week with my daughter and it was fantastic! Plenty of space, beautiful view of the ocean, all the amenities and easy beach access. Allcias team was very responsive the one time we did need them. The included movie tickets were a bonus and we really enjoyed our night at the theater. Only 2 improvements would be needs a new mattress and needs towel/bathing suit hooks or hang bars- we used door knobs.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lynda P.

425 - Very Nice Unit
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We stayed in El Matador #425 for 5 nights and had a wonderful time. The unit is beautifully decorated safari theme and is spotlessly clean. The view from the balcony is very nice and we appreciated being on the shady side in the afternoon after sunning on the beach. Only complaint I would have and it's minimal is that the laundry facilities are next to the unit and a couple of nights people were pretty loud in there late at night. We had a wonderful stay in this unit. Our 3rd time staying at the El Matador and I highly recommend it.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

Hawkins'2018 Ft Walton Trip
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Totally awesome! Loved the condo! Felt like home away from home. Perfect size! Location was right beside the pool, and right on the beach! Loved the fire o of the ocean from my balcony every day!! Awesome trip!! Awesome stay!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Amelia G.

First Time travelers to Fort Walton
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Management at realtor office was helpful, professional and welcoming. Our stay in 425 was overall very nice. Only a few negatives:; 2 bath towels fir a 3 nite stay were not enuf. One lamp in bedroom did not work. Dead roaches on patio and one inside condo were visible. Location was great and views of the beach and closeness to walk to the beach was also perfect.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wayne and Vicky B.

Fall Vacation
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Love the condo .. we have stayed in 425 for a few years in a row now . And are booked for next yr also. We just wish the owner would get a new mattress. It’s very uncomfortable and definitely a older mattress. Otherwise everything was good . We did leave a message about the window leaking on the bedroom from the rains we had and the water was running to the ceiling fan splashing water on us through the night. So there is a leak somewhere
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Coastal Bliss
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: A frequent visitor at the El Matador this trip did not disappoint. Chris at Alicia Hollis Rentals is absolutely wonderful to work with. Their team onsite are all great and always helpful. The grounds at the El Matador, staff onsite, other visitors and owners a like are what makes the property such a great place to be. The weather for Memorial Day weekend was perfect. The beaches were crowded (to be expected), so are the restaurants, but we eat in and grill so that's not an issue. The property has multiple grills and two pools. Two beach access, one with a ramp and the other steps. Washer and dryers on each floor of the condos. The cost per load is $1.50, bring quarter or the you can get quarters at the security gate. Each condo is owner owned so they are decorated, furnished and stocked per owner. So take a look around the complex and find the condo that's right for you and your family stay.

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie V.

Wonderful
We absolutely loved it and will be back to stay again ❤️
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

John M.

GREAT STAY
Great stay at El Matador. Everything going and coming was awesome. Loved the location and the people there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Robert w.

Two great weeks
Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Great condo with beautiful view of the gulf. Could have stayed longer
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie B., College Grove, TN

Most amazing location on Okaloosa Island
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We have been coming to Okaloosa Island for almost 20 years, we have stayed at many resorts, but we may have found our "spot". The El Matador resort is so nice - our condo overlooked a grassy area, a beautiful pool, and the beach!! The living room is very spacious, the furniture comfortable, the condo is beautifully decorated with an African theme and everything was so nice!

8/10 Good

Chandra W.

Nice but need a few things.
Over all it’s a nice place. We loved that we were the last unit on the beach! The unit was large and had all needed amenities It did however need a deep cleaning. You can tell the floors have just been wiped and not mopped. Also the stove knobs do not have markings. You can’t tell if it’s on high or warm.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Marlaina D.

Great Pool View
Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was more than happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This property is Gulf Front, but due to it being on the 2nd floor, the view is mostly a pool view. The balcony furniture is very nice. I would suggest an upgraded coffee maker. Kitchen is well equipped. Plenty of sitting space in the living room. Outlets bedside were difficult to access for use. The unit was clean and provided to us when there was an issue with the unit we originally rented. Close elevator and laundry access.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

2/10 Terrible

Michele M.

came to relax... anything but!
Rating Details: The property manager was very unhelpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was more than happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: These days its hard to justify spending money on vacations for most people. we are retired and try to be diligent when it comes to choosing when, where and how long we vacation for. I was highly disappointed in our vacation this year to put it mildly. There was no indication when we booked our apt. that construction was going on right outside our window, on our balcony, below us and around us our entire time except for our last day which was Sunday. The dust was so thick in the apt we could write our name on the furniture. The noise started at 7:30 am and the drilling stopped at 5pm. We were forced to keep our curtains closed while there and leave if we wanted quiet. I was told to go to the beach to get away from it by AH and was to be given a chair for our trouble. Turns out the person renting them looked at me like I had two heads and asked me to leave the chair. Highly embarrassing. He said he had nothing to do with those apts. Our money was wasted and I will not be returning. If I had been given a heads up before hand I would have rented a different apt and the outcome would have been agreeable for us all. Bad business. I felt like I was duped. A lot of wasted money and a big disappointment. In the evening we couldn't see past the huge cherry picker parked directly outside out balcony and raised so we couldn't see around it. UGH

10/10 Excellent

robin w.

Great location and beautiful ocean view
The location was amazing because it overlooks the ocean and the pool. Very clean and comfortable place with nice amenities. We will be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

El Matador 425
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Very pleasant time at EL Matador. The location is perfect and the condo is just the right size for me. I am not crazy about the decor and would prefer something lighter and more beachy but still enjoy my time there. Alicia Hollis Realty replaced the blender and the microwave oven immediately after I reported problems with them. Very good service. I plan to return next year.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wayne and Vicky B.

Great Stay
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: I love the property the area and the condo. Only one problem with the condo the year was the tub and sink drains were clogged up with hair and nothing would drain. But ... all is good now cause my husband fixed it 😀. Also the sliding glass door is very hard to open/close . A piece of metal is broke on the bottom. But other wise awesome stay ( I always choose 425. ) And no e if those items were major
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

4/10 Poor

Douglas M.

Familiar Favorite.
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We always love this rental but it needs a few repairs. Microwave needs replaced. Vent fan not working and if using the toaster the fire alarm goes off. The entry door weatherstripping and door bottom needs replaced. The slightest wind causes a high pitched squeal in the unit. Our entire week was ruined from the construction right below us with loud saws and hammering all day long. Other than that we love the decor and location. Alicia Hollis and her team have always been very gracious to us and our family has used your services off and on for the past 35 plus years.