Write a Review!
"Great Condo and Location
we very much enjoyed our stay and our time. Great Condo. great location. Just right for my wife and me."
Aug 13, 2024 - , Birmingham, AL
"Great stay
Nothing to complain about. Everything went smooth going and coming and the other guests staying at El Matador were cool as can be! Room was nice and will definitely come back!"
Jul 31, 2024 - John M., Pike Road, AL
"425 - Very Nice Unit
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."
Jul 15, 2024 - , Mount juliet, TN
"Annual Memorial Day Vacay
Wonderful! Great view of the beach from our room. Pool was amazing! Beach ok (needs cleaning seaweed, garbage). Descent parking. Excellent staff and management service. We would return."
May 28, 2024 - Louis C., Roswell, GA
"Five Stars to Alicia J. Hollis Reality
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 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."
May 14, 2024 - John K., Lagrange, KY
"Perfect Getaway!
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. "
Apr 07, 2024 - Danielle M., carmel, IN
"Coastal Bliss
A frequent visitor at the El Matador this trip did not disappoint. Chris at 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. "
Jun 01, 2023 - Bobby & Melody L., Franklin, TN
"First Time travelers to Fort Walton
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."
May 23, 2023 - Amelia G., Pasadena, TX
"Most amazing location on Okaloosa Island
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!"
Jul 25, 2022 - , College Grove, TN
"Nice just needs a little care
We very much enjoy our day. Check-in was a breeze! We were very excited to receive a call saying our unit was ready early! The staff went above and beyond being friendly and helpful! We loved that our place was the last one on the beach! Our unit was very spacious and had all the needed amenities. However, it needed a good deep cleaning. There was lots of dirt in the corners. When we walked across the floor in white socks,, they quickly turned black. The stove top knobs do not have any markings on them. You can’t tell if you’re cooking on high or warm. Overall we very much enjoyed our stay and plan to come back."
Jul 12, 2022 - Chandra W., Travelers Rest, SC
"Great Pool View
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. "
Jul 11, 2022 - Marlaina D., Columbus, MS
"came to relax... anything but!
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 "
May 12, 2022 - Michele M., Smyrna, Tennessee
"El Matador 425
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. Realty replaced the blender and the microwave oven immediately after I reported problems with them. Very good service. I plan to return next year."
Mar 01, 2022 - Ann H., Nashville, TN
"Familiar Favorite.
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. 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."
Oct 03, 2021 - Douglas M., Smyrna, TN
"Our Favorite Place to Vacation
This is our 10th year at El Matador...our 1st time to use . Disappointed that our original rental on the 1st floor fell through and moved to the 4th floor. Through a friends' cancelation, we were able to secure our stay for the 2nd floor. Alicia's staff worked with us through this process. We were disappointed not to be on the ground level, but the rest of the process went smoothly. We arrived past check in and retrieved our key via the lockbox. The trash in the kitchen had not been removed and there were dirty and smelly diapers in it. The kitchen floor was also not clean. Other than that, it was a beautiful condo and we enjoyed our stay. I did have to borrow a baking dish to make a cake. There was a glass pie dish and a small glass loaf pan, but no 9x9 or 9x13 pan/dish. "
Jul 05, 2021 - Margie G., Nashville, TN
"Ok Condo, needs update
Lovely condo, but it really needs serious update. The bathtub is really old and nasty and it looked like it wasn’t entirely cleaned prior to our arrival. We found urine on the toilet seat very gross ,and the bathtub is so old and yellow and looked really dirty. Also pillows were so stained and old that I had to call the management to get me some new ones. The cooking pots are also very old and scratched we couldn’t use them at all.Another problem is the entry door. There is a big opening on the bottom so the wind makes a very big noise . We had to cover it with the towels to stop the noise. The view is lovely and the balcony is nice too. The rooms are good size also the kitchen. The best thing of all was easy access to the beach. "
Jun 14, 2021 - , MORTON GROVE, IL
"Beauty and the Beach
Our rental was perfect, clean, set up nicely, with beautiful view overlooking the pool and the perfect sugar sand beach. I would definitely recommend this property and A.J, Hollis Realtor. Blessings and have fun in Florida"
May 18, 2021 - Randall H., Cleburne, TX
"Vacation with friends
Very nice vacation at Fort Walton Beach. El Matador is always beautiful with very friendly staff and residents. AJ Hollis is always great. Thanks Cris"
May 11, 2021 - Robert W., Louisville, KY
"Just okay
The good: the El Matador is a great location. It’s quiet, and Fort Walton is a short drive to Destin attractions. The beach was amazing! Unit #425 is a very large condo for a one bedroom.
The bad: the sleeper sofa mattress is very old. It’s about 4” of pure springs. The mattress pad for the sleeper sofa had blood on it and so did the drapes next to the couch. We were also only provided two rolls of toilet paper, so bring extra! Otherwise, the room was outdated but clean. Finally, we received a call at 10:30 the morning we checked out accusing us of breaking the microwave in our unit (which we never used). The woman on the phone couldn’t provide any more details other than the front glass was cracked. I called back the next day and they just told me the issue was resolved. "
Apr 14, 2021 - , Collinsville, OK
"Great place to stay!
This was a perfect place during the Covid pandemic! The complex was at the end of the street so not as much traffic on the beach! Nice views of the ocean! Only negative was that the area rugs probably need to be cleaned! Happy with everything else! "
Apr 04, 2021 - Bob and Kathy B., Peachtree city, GA
"Awesome
Loved the condo"
Nov 04, 2019 - Wayne and Vicky B., Arnold, Ms
"Very good
We love our rental but there was one snag. The air didn’t get cold. We tried closing the drapes to help out which is a bummer. We were not there but a few days so it took us that long to figure out it truly was the AC. We brought a fan which helped in the bedroom for sleeping. "
Aug 10, 2019 - Keith G., montevallo, al
"Can I go back already??
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. :) "
Apr 22, 2019 - , New ideria, LA
"Great view and location
We had a great time and the condo was wonderful. Great views and easy beach access at the end of the developed areas so it was rather private which was nice. It really was a great place.
There were only a couple of tiny issues and I'm really nit picking here.
First the headboard of the bed should probably be tightened as it banged the wall at the slightest of movement and woke us up quite a bit. There were also no spices available in the kitchen, not even salt and pepper. That's the first time I've experienced that at a vacation rental. If you plan on cooking, make sure to bring your own spices.
The communication from the property manager before arriving was a bit ambiguous. I received the rental agreement as a PDF and I asked if I should sign it immediately or if I could do it when I arrived. Their response was "Yes. Type your name in the blank spots to confirm" so I wasn't quite sure since it wasn't a yes or no question and the PDF wasn't actually editable. I ended up printing it and filling it out by hand.
They are also very keen to get you out of there. Checkout was at 10am and they really made sure you knew that. I received a call from the property manager the day before about it and then a rather grumpy call right at 10am on checkout day making sure we were gone(we were).
Overall the condo was fantastic and I'd definitely recommend it. However I feel the property manager could communicate better and maybe not be so overbearing about checkout.
"
Apr 08, 2019 - , Round Rock, TX
"1 bedroom condo in El Matador
Very nice condo with great view of the gulf and very comfortable. A J Hollis is great to work with"
Apr 05, 2019 - Robert w., louisvill, Ky
"Beautiful view!!!
Loved the decor...and absolutely LOVE the View!!!"
Nov 15, 2018 - Terry R., Indianapolis, IN
"1st time stay @ Fort Walton Beach
Booked a 1 bedroom over the weekend, the lady (her family lives in Fayetteville) that took my reservation was wonderful. The check in process was easy. I was informed of the check out time & that I had to return the key to their office.
The El Matador is the last unit on Okaloosa Island next to property that belongs to Eglin Air Force Base. The property has 5 condo buildings and is an older property. The grounds were beautifully maintained with workers cleaning every morning. They even wiped down the gates going into the pool area. Never seen that before. Our unit was at the front and faced the pool and ocean to the east. All people we encountered were very friendly.
The unit had a jungle/safari feel with giraffes etc. The dining/living room area was very spacious. The kitchen had plenty of counter space but was not completely open to the view. The bedroom had oversized furniture in it that made if feel a little cramped. You could only open 1 door of the closet. The headboard on the bed needs to be tightened, it squeaked every time you rolled over. The bathroom had a big closet and good counter space. The toilet sits right next to the tub. There is not a W/D in this unit but the coin operated W/D are next to this unit. The only place to hang up wet clothes was the shower without making a mess.
The unit had a damp/stale smell to it upon arrival. After opening the door for some fresh air, turning the A/C down, and buying air fresheners, the smell went away.
Check out was scheduled for 10 am. As I was leaving the property @ 9 am, I received a call from the realtor company. The lady on the phone sounded exasperated & started asking me had I checked out yet & did I leave the key @ the office on sight. I was a little put off by this because I still had an hour to check out and I was on my way to return the key. Overall, I enjoyed may stay minus the seaweed the 1st 2 days & the minor nuisances."
Sep 16, 2018 - Lori C., Madison, AL
"#gulf coast#1
first visit to gulf coast.enough said....will not go elsewhere to the beach.already booking to go back!!!"
Jul 12, 2018 - , Parksville, SC
"Beautiful
Relaxing"
Jul 02, 2018 - , Natzhitoches, LA
"Hawkins'2018 Ft Walton Trip
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!!"
Jun 28, 2018 - Elizabeth H., Knoxville, TN
"A wonderful vacation for my children and I
My children and I had such a wonderful time at the El Matador. It is right on the beach and our condo was clean and tidy. We had everything that we needed."
Apr 30, 2018 - Shasta P., Cleveland , TN
"Always a great experience!
We've been going to Fort Walton Beach for 18 years and staying at the El Matador. Unit 425 was one of the best beachfront units we've stayed in. We loved the layout, the cleanliness and the tile throughout, but the best part was the gorgeous view every day! The entire property is always immaculate and everyone is so friendly. Chris and Amanda at always treat us like royalty! Another wonderful experience! Can't wait to go back next year! "
Jun 10, 2017 - Stephanie D., Leroy, IL
"El matordor condo
It was a one bedroom..gulffront view!"
Jun 10, 2017 - Deina R., Monroe, LA
"October escape
Very good"
Oct 10, 2016 - Madolyn S., Greenwood, MS
"Home away from Home
The vacation rental experience was always perfect. We have been to that area the last 5 years and have always stayed at teh El Matador. I would definetly recommend to a friend, everything about the trip is great. The location and property is very well mainainted and the pool and beach are very well kept."
Oct 03, 2016 - , Maumelle, AR
"First Florida Trip
Good accommadations, on the beach. Room was too close to the pool for me, but it was better than overlooking the parking lot."
Aug 02, 2016 - , Leesville, LA
"Our Week at El Matador
We have stayed in this property previously, so we knew it was nicely decorated and in a good location. Our previous experiences were good. This year, we were disappointed in the general lack of cleanliness (the kitchen sink was full of crumbs and who knows what else when we arrived and the kitchen floor was not clean. Bed linens were frayed and elastic on fitted sheet was non existent. We did appreciate the prompt replacement when our coffee maker quit working during the week. "
Jul 05, 2016 - , Fayettville, AR
"Last Minute & Long Overdue Vacation
We loved the location and the condo. The condo was tastefully decorated and comfortable. My only complaint is that you could feel the springs in the mattress (needs replacing). Everyone we met while staying there was extremely nice. Loved that there was a gate with a guard on duty. Landscape and pool very nice and clean. I am very picky and would have given it an all 5 star rating if it wasn't for the mattress and while the condo wasn't dirty it wasn't spotless either (floors could have been cleaner)."
Aug 14, 2015 - , Watkinsville, GA
"Wisconsin Snowbirds' 2015 Florida Winter
The weather was great! So much better than last year. Our condo had a beautiful view of the pool and beach. It was relatively clean and well equipped. My suggestions would be: Have simple, clearly clean or new bed comforters and pillows. If there is no storage for extra decorator pillows, skip them. This condo had no cleaning supplies other than a broom and mop. In the past, previous renters have left some products to get started with. A light weight newer vacuum cleaner would be a great improvement. These things would not keep us from renting this unit again, but I would inquire about them in advance, and be better prepared myself."
Aug 14, 2015 - Monty & Robert C., LaFarge, WI
"Great View
Loved this condo except the king size bed needs to be replaced."
Aug 14, 2015 - Tonya W., Warner Robins, GA
"El Matador great view
We always stay here whe in Ft Walton, have never been disappointed in over 25years."
Aug 14, 2015 - Andrea L., Harriman, TN
"Such an amazing vacation!!
We had such an amazing week-long stay in this beautiful unit! My husband and I felt so at home and comfortable there. It is decorated very nicely and had everything we needed in order to have a wonderful stay. The bed was very comfortable and has very nice linen/bedding. Everyone we met around the complex was so very friendly and we never had an issue with it being too noisy. This unit is very close to the beach and pool, which was wonderful since we have 2 young children. The beach area was never overly crowded and we never had to struggle to get a good spot, even if we didn't make it to the beach early. The pool was very warm and relaxing. The grounds were beautiful and very well maintained. My husband and I have stayed in several places along the Florida coast, and we have now decided that this is where we will be staying for many years to come! Thank you for allowing us to stay in your beautiful condo!"
Aug 14, 2015 - Alicia S., Denham Springs, LA
"Big 4 under renovation
We have been staying at the el Matador condos for over 25 yrs. unfortunately this last stay was not one of our better visits. Our building was under renovation and we had workers on our balcony from 7 -10 am. for 2 out of the 4 days we were there. In the evening, the basket of the boom lift was raised and left right outside our balcony leaving absolutely no view. Had we been told ahead of time, we would have rented a different building NOT one under renovation, We were told by the office they were unaware renovations had started. Really?
"
Nov 25, 2014 - , River Ridge, LA
"Best Place We have stayed by Far!
This Condo has the most beautiful view of both the Gulf and the pool! It is decorated so beautifully and was extremely clean when we arrived. Also the Realtors at Alicia J. Hollis whom we worked with were extremely friendly. In fact, we had absolutely no issues during our stay. Everything exceeded my expectations. Another great quality was the location, we were about ten minutes max from the Destin bridge so the location is perfect if you want to go into Destin for the day. Finally, one thing I really loved is the resort is the last one on the beach so the rest of the beach is open and had no buildings! It's extremely peaceful, private, and relaxing! I am looking forward to going back!! Highly recommend this condo!"
Sep 06, 2014 - Deborah H., New Iberia, LA
"El Matador 425
Hope to buy at El Matador soon"
Aug 05, 2014 - Robert W., Louisville, KY
"El Matador/Sept., 2013
Very condo and complex. However, the floors of the condo were dirty. Needed to be mopped. "
Aug 05, 2014 - Sharon K R., Maumelle, AR
"Spring Break
Had a wonderful time with beautiful weather. Thank you so much for the stay!"
Aug 05, 2014 - , Greenwood, IN
"weather could have been better
been at elmadador before friends have been staying there for over 30 years"
Aug 05, 2014 - , Northville, MI
"Working Vacation
Arrived on Saturday Sept 22nd, 2012 on a working vacation. I was told the unit had internet service. The internet service did not work. I was told it would be Monday before it could be repaired, essentially losing 2 days work. I was finally given a code to get on the Wi-Fi connection of another room. Air conditioner stopped working & the maintenance man could not get in the closet to repair because no one had a key. A locksmith had to be called before repairs could begin. Closet was opened & unit was repaired. Locksmith had to return to replace closet door handle & new lock. Several lights didn't work because bulbs were burned out. A lot of hassles & interruptions to what could have been a less stressful vacation. Overall prices have gone way up over the last 2 years. $65 cleaning fee is way out of line. Unit is advertised for a certain amount but by the time they add all of the extra charges for deposit, taxes, reservation fees, cleaning fees, etc. the price skyrockets. I had rather just have a bottom line price to rent the unit with all charges added beforehand. With the price I paid, I should have had no issues with anything."
Aug 05, 2014 - Robin S., Rome, GA
"El Matador
Very nice unit, great view of the gulf and great beach. Not the greatest weather in the world but Hollis Realtors are surely not responsible for that. All in all we had a great time. Very relaxing and that is what a vacation is all about. We'll be back."
Aug 05, 2014 - Don G., Sapulpa, OK
"Home away from home!
the location and the community are just what we like! the beach is wonderful. the condo well equipped and furnished. good place to walk on the beach or the street. el matador is our favorite place in destin away from the crowds but still close to entertainment."
May 26, 2014 - , Charlestown, Indiana
"Love this place!
Love this place"
Oct 29, 2013 - Margo M., Columbia, TN
"Good, Relaxing Week
The weather was perfect. The location was great, on a beautiful beach."
Sep 23, 2013 - Robert H., Washington, Illinois
"Fishing is the life of man
Every once in a while , as you wait to see what lies beneath, you are blessed with what you catch"
Aug 20, 2013 - , Madison, Indiana
"Broken Leg
When we arrived at the El Matidor building 4 after dark my wife stumbled over the 4 inch or so threshold to the foyer of that building.
The result was a broken leg various bruses and and a two day hospital stay before returning home, Horrible vacation but not the realtors fault. However the 425 unit needs some deep cleaning."
Jun 17, 2013 - , Rockwall, GA
"Review is for Unit 425 only..( rented with Realty)
This was the 2nd year I was in unit 425. I spoke with Ms. Hollis herself about the problems with the unit. Very dirty, two lights in the kitchen not working. Sheets on the bed were very thin and very wrinkled, appeared that the linens had been dried and rolled up in a basket for a few days. I am returning to El Matador (already booked), but I am staying in one of El Matador's units which I stayed in the 1st year I was there..Two years with bad experiences is too much. As far as the unit itself, it's obvious the owners spent alot of money when they refurbished their unit. Although the kitchen is not equipped as I would have it, the quality of furniture is exceptional however, too oversized for my taste in a condo of that size, but still very 's definitely not the furniture which caused me to go to Bldg. 3. The only perk using Hollis Realty is the umbrella and hope is that Ms. Hollis's company can make the proper changes as this year we were a group of 30 (10 units) We all love the grounds, the pool, the grass, the employees of El Matador... "
Jun 17, 2013 - , Kaplin, LA
"Elmatador 425
The unit was clean except for mold on the shower door. The pillows were extremely flat. And I thought that quite time was after 10pm. Well not the case. People were screaming in the pool as late as 11:30pm. "
Jun 17, 2013 - , Andalusia, AL
"Great
Had a wonderful time. Location could not be better. Unit was excellant"
Sep 27, 2012 - Margaret B., Menphis, TN
"Wonderful Vacation Experience with Alicia J Hollis Realty
This was the first time I had been to Fort Walton Beach on Vacation. I absolutely loved the Condo and the location (What a peaceful place). Alicia J Hollis Realty was exceptionally professional and very customer service oriented. I loved it so much that I booked again with them for 2 weeks next year!"
Jul 06, 2012 - Rosalinda C., Appling, GA
|
