Nestled between the white sand dunes and Emerald Waters of the Gulf of Mexico, El Matador offers a secluded beach resort experience. Enjoy two pools, his and her whirlpool, saunas, tennis courts and fitness center or take advantage of free admissions to popular activities like Shalimar Golf Course and Big Kahuna’s Water Park.
Reviews
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire condo
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 487 sq m
Popular amenities
Pool
Spa pool
Kitchen
Air-conditioning
Laundry room
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE TICKETS! $300/Day
FREE BEACH SERVICE INCLUDED!
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)
Looking for paradise? You’ve found it at El Matador—one of the most sought-after beach resorts on the Emerald Coast. This secluded condominium community is nestled between beautiful white sand dunes and the sparkling emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, offering the perfect setting for a relaxing and memorable beach getaway.
Located at the quiet end of Okaloosa Island, El Matador provides a peaceful, gated environment while still being just minutes from Fort Walton Beach and Destin. Just a short drive away, you can explore Destin—“The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”—where you’ll find deep-sea fishing charters, waterfront dining, shopping, and some of the best golf courses in the Florida Panhandle. For family fun, spend a day at Big Kahuna’s Water Park, a local favorite packed with attractions for all ages.
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
With miles of pristine, sugar-white beaches just steps away and both relaxation and adventure within reach, El Matador is the perfect destination for your next coastal escape.
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Ski
Close to skiing
Pool/Spa
Communal pool
Heated pool
Hot tub
Sauna
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
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Separate dining area
Entertainment
DVD player
TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Laundry
Laundry facilities
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
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
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You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
About the area
Located on the beach, this condo is in Okaloosa Island, a neighbourhood in Fort Walton Beach. Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Fort Walton Beaches and Okaloosa Island Beach. Emerald Coast Science Center and Goofy Golf are also worth visiting. With jet skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water. Visit our Fort Walton Beach travel guide
Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
20 min drive
Restaurants
Whataburger
8 min drive
Olive Garden
9 min drive
Stewby’s Seafood Shanty
10 min drive
Ocean Buffet
10 min drive
Slim Chickens
8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE TICKETS! $300/Day have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE TICKETS! $300/Day pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE TICKETS! $300/Day?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE TICKETS! $300/Day?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE TICKETS! $300/Day?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is El Matador 425 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE TICKETS! $300/Day located?
Nestled on the beach, this Okaloosa Island 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 FREE TICKETS! $300/Day Reviews
Reviews
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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.
Louis C.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Joe D.
15 Aug 2024
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.
Joe D.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Joe D.
14 Aug 2024
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.
Joe D.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Robert W.
7 Oct 2024
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.
Robert W.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
John K.
14 May 2024
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.
John K.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Danielle M.
8 Apr 2024
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.
Danielle M.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Wayne and Vicky B.
6 Nov 2024
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
Wayne and Vicky B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lynda P.
15 Jul 2024
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.
Lynda P.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Wayne and Vicky B.
16 Nov 2023
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
Stayed a week for a baseball tournament... nice property! Great beach location... close to grocery store, restaurants... about 30 min to Destin.
Robert G.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
27 Feb 2023
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.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth H.
27 Jun 2018
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!!
Elizabeth H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Amelia G.
24 May 2023
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.
Amelia G.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
3 Jun 2023
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.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jenna D.
23 Apr 2019
Can I go back already??
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:
Having stayed at El Matador numerous times before- this unit is by far my favorite!!! We will definitely try to book this one from here on out! Updated everything! (compared to the 90s decor and appliances in other units) Loved the kitchen & the fun safari theme of the condo! My only recommendations would be to consider removing the hall rug located at the front door. We rolled it up and put it aside because it got in the way when trying to roll ice chest or our beach wagon and such. In addition to the rug in the front hallway, considering placing a smaller table, if any right when you walk in. Although this one was beautiful. The large entry table with the delicate decor was a bit much for that space and made entering and exiting with bags a carefully calculated task. Just a suggestion from one rental property owner to another. :)
Jenna D.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Robert w.
4 Oct 2022
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
Robert w.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie B.
26 Jul 2022
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!
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.
Chandra W.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Marlaina D.
12 Jul 2022
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.
Marlaina D.
From a partner site
2/10 Terrible
Michele M.
12 May 2022
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
The location was amazing because it overlooks the ocean and the pool. Very clean and comfortable place with nice amenities. We will be back!
robin w.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022
From a partner site
8/10 Good
1 Mar 2022
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.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Wayne and Vicky B.
18 Oct 2021
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