Tucked away at the end of Okaloosa Island, El Matador is a secluded beach resort with two pools, his and her whirlpool, and saunas. Enjoy free beach service with an umbrella and 2 chairs as well as access to activities like golfing at Shalimar Golf Course or visiting Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Reviews
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire condo
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Spa pool
Kitchen
Air-conditioning
Laundry room
Gym
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
El Matador 469 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 coastal escape.
Located at the quiet end of Okaloosa Island, El Matador offers a peaceful, gated beachfront setting 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 dining, shopping, fishing charters, and attractions like Big Kahuna’s Water Park, perfect for family fun.
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 sugar-white sands, emerald waters, and resort-style comfort, El Matador is the ideal destination for your next beach getaway.
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Pool/Spa
Communal pool
Heated pool
Hot tub
Sauna
Internet
Available in the condo: WiFi
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
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
DVD player
TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Fenced yard
Garden
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 a zoo
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the bay
Near the marina
Things to do
Golf
Gym
Heated pool
Kayak
Tennis
Water park
Basketball nearby
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)
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
Is El Matador 469 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 469 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE TICKETS! $300/Day?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at El Matador 469 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE TICKETS! $300/Day?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at El Matador 469 by Alicia Hollis Rentals FREE TICKETS! $300/Day?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is El Matador 469 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 469 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.
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 had a great experience! The check in/out was smooth and our condo was in great condition. We spend every year at Fort Walton and this was an great vacation!
Heather C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Maria H.
15 Apr 2024
Best spot in 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:
We are repeat Spring Breakers, and condo 469 is my favorite place to stay, and even more so now with a comfortable bed in the main bedroom and complimentary beach chairs and umbrella!!! We also made use of beach items in the closet.
Maria H.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Micheal K.
29 Aug 2023
Fantastic Views!
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:
Condo was overall fantastic. There was a bit of a musty smell at first when we first arrived, but I checked the stay history and it was empty for a little over two weeks, so that was probably why the smell was there. Furniture is okay and the kitchen was nice, but the views you get from Unit 469 are amazing and worth it.
Micheal K.
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
Jan T.
19 Aug 2024
Great view. Condo needs upgrades
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than 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:
Our condo was not great. Dirty ceiling fans and vents. Housekeeping gave it a lick and a promise. I ended up sacrificing a washcloth and cleaned the ceiling fan myself. TV was temperamental. The remote was not functional. Downloaded a free tv remote on my iPhone for the week. Whole condo looked old, except kitchen. I would recommend to a friend just give them fair warning. The condo served its purpose. Enjoy the beach.
Jan T.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
mary jo w.
6 Dec 2023
Nov 2023 El matador 469
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We have stayed in this unit several times. The location and view are spectacular. The living room furniture is very worn and uncomfortable - it needs to be replaced. The dining table was falling apart. The kitchen is not very well equipped with cookware and silverware. I was very frustrated with trying to vacuum and clean up. The vacuums were in horrible shape. I went out and bought my own cleaning supplies. The view and location made itReally enjoyable - but the quality of the furnishings could be so much better.
mary jo w.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
23 Aug 2023
Beautiful Beach - perfect location!
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:
Our experience was top notch. Our condo was well stocked and had a great set up. We absolutely loved the location. It was convenient to the pool, beach and grilling areas. Can’t wait to be back next summer.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Susan W.
19 Oct 2022
Beautiful Views
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:
Beautiful view and wonderful location. The condo is dated and needs to be updated. It was lacking some of the kitchen utensils to cook.
Susan W.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
A guest from Preston, MO
17 Jul 2023
El matador
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was somewhat dirty.
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:
Nice location. Could have been cleaner. Black yuck in bath tub, sand in creases on the counter and very dirty cabinet doors in the kitchen
A guest from Preston, MO
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
mike s.
1 Sept 2025
End of Summer
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:
The Hollis group really bends over backwards to help their customers and to make them feel appreciated. Although we encountered a problem upon our 9 pm arrival, no fault of the Hollis group, they came right over at and spent time to make things right. They were very professional about everything and could not have done anything more for us. They do everything they can to accommodate their customers and the free beach service is a nice touch too. I would highly recommend them.
mike s.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Mel J.
21 Apr 2023
El Matador #469
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:
Several screens for the windows and patio doors have holes. There is no cable remote for the second bedroom. There are only 3 teaspoons in the silverware drawer.
Mel J.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Charlie F.
29 Jan 2023
charflann
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:
Nice amount of space with beautiful view of the beach. We had other guests over for snacks and wine while we watched the sunset. The only thing I would like to see is a guide how to use the TV. There were four remotes without instruction how to use any of them. Other than that the experience was great.
Charlie F.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
John K.
18 Jan 2023
First time in January
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 have stayed at El Matador before and love just about everything about it. Seems there is always some construction going on but that’s a good thing. We highly recommend this place for anyone wanting and private vacation. I believe this is the closest thing to an all inclusive vacation. Love it!The only negatives, no hair dryer, no facial tissue, no paper towels and the toilet was leaking. And of course these were minor negatives.
John K.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
John B.
25 Oct 2022
El Matador 469 Oct 2022
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 have been visiting the El Matador almost every year for over 30 years. We had a great stay as always. Best view in the entire complex. Last property on the island makes the beach more secluded and private. Guest beds are in need of upgrading.
John B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lisa H.
27 Sept 2022
Great 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:
Have stayed in this unit many times and love it. It's positioned perfectly, well maintained. My only suggestion would be that the couch and kids bedrooms need new mattresses badly.
Lisa H.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
John Z.
12 Jul 2022
Gulf view
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 had a comfortable stay with a great view.
John Z.
From a partner site
4/10 Poor
Don M.
21 Jun 2022
El Matador 469
Rating Details:
The property manager was adequately helpful.
The vacation rental was clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The only good part of this condo unfortunately was the view.Everything about this condo is so outdated. Toilets,showers,and sinks.The guest matresses were old, hard and squeaky.They were old spring boys had a tough week getting rest. The cookware was not even usable. The frying pans were all warped.Patio door didnt lock.Inconvenienced by painters several days.Thursday morning knock at door we need to paint your front door and leave it open for several hours.Told they would not be painting our balcony then Friday morning suprise we had to get patio furniture inside.Very disturbing and disruptive.
Went on honeymoon. Unit is older and needs updating. No beach service. Water pressure is horrible. Furniture wasn’t comfortable or updated. Never could get use of washer/ dryer or jacuzzi. Always door locked. Not happy to start a honeymoon. Parking was not good either. We only had one car but had to park out back. There was no coupon books for discounts. I am not happy. View was the best of the experience.
The condo looks exactly like the photos. Kitchen is high end with nice cookware. & lots of cupboards! We thought the bed was very comfortable - On the softer, but comfy. The second bedroom bath is where we primarily showered only because it was a small step up, whereas the master bath had tub!shower with sliding doors. The master bath for toilet anyone tub/shower was cramped. The master bath sink & vanity area was very roomy. Lots of closet storage! Sliding patio doors off master to long balcony with sliding doors off of i Bing room.
This unit being on the top & corner was a water/beach lover's dream. We enjoyed sunrises and sunsets. We spent mornings on the balcony, went to the beach in the afternoon (short walk to short boardwalk on our end!) and had perfect weather. We visited in early March.
Probably due to Covid, not many people were on the beach, which...was just fine with us! Then again, it is a gated community and at the end of the beach strip of Ft. Walton Beach. The pool was beautiful, but we never saw anyone get in it. Several laid out in lawn chairs.
Elevator to 6th floor always easy to obtain. Luggage trolleys on ground floor made it so convenient to bring everything up
We would recommend El Matador and this unit. Restaurants are close and Destin is "down the strip".
This place is great! Location and beach were absolutely perfect, we very much enjoyed our stay here and would love to return again next year.
Jordan P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
From a partner site
2/10 Terrible
Theresa L.
1 Mar 2020
Snowbird Season 2020
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than helpful.
The vacation rental was clean.
I was very 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:
We stayed at El Matador unit 469 for three months. Our stay was excellent when it came to weather, friends, and the gorgeous views with the sunrises, sunsets, and the dolphins. However, on numerous times we complained about the uncomfortable furniture, horrible bed, and leaking windows and sliders which made our three month stay uncomfortable. I believe the realtors should be very honest with their owners and demand changes. It’s not just the unit we stayed in but most of El Matador’s units. You can put up with anything for a week, but three months is a different story.
Theresa L.
From a partner site
4/10 Poor
Theresa L.
1 Feb 2020
February Stay—Snowbird—2020
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than helpful.
The vacation rental was clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Great views and kitchenNeeds new furniture and master bed mattressWindows leak badly and make much noise when it’s windy
Theresa L.
From a partner site
4/10 Poor
Theresa L.
1 Jan 2020
2020 Snowbird Rental Three Month Stay
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than helpful.
The vacation rental was somewhat dirty.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Pros—Absolutely gorgeous views—-nicely stocked kitchen—kitchen lay out is great—Patio furniture is wonderful—will be coming back next yearCons—mastered bead mattress needs replacing ( we had to buy a sleep number mattress topper) —sliders and windows need replacing ( maintenance was up fixing them much)—toilets are too small—furniture needs to be replaced ( I had to put pillows under the sofa cushions so that we could get up)—generally needs to be updatedWhen you stay for a week you can put up with anything, but it’s harder when you are here for three months.
Theresa L.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
18 Aug 2019
our august vacation
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:
except for the unusual very cloudy/rainy weather, the stay at the matador met our expectations. The excessive seaweed was beyond anyone's control.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Mike B.
20 Jul 2019
Vacation week of July 21-27
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:
Everything was great the condo, complex, ocean and weather.