Nestled between the white sand dunes and Emerald Waters of the Gulf of Mexico, El Matador offers a secluded condominium resort experience. Enjoy free beach service, two pools, his and her whirlpool saunas, tennis courts, and fitness center on this gated community with 13 miles of undeveloped beaches to explore.
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire condo
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 696 sq m
Popular amenities
Beach view
Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Air-conditioning
Laundry room
Add dates for prices
About this property
El Matador 361 by AJH Rentals FREE BEACH SERVICE+ACTIVITIES! $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)
Please note: This property does not allow children under 14 years of age.
Looking for paradise? You’ve found it at El Matador—one of the most sought-after beach resorts on the Emerald Coast. Nestled between sugar-white sand dunes and the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this gated community offers a peaceful and relaxing coastal escape. This unit features a fully equipped kitchen, three flat-screen TVs and high-speed WiFi, along with recent upgrades throughout to enhance your stay. Whether you’re relaxing indoors or enjoying the coastal breeze outside, this condo is designed for comfort and convenience.
Located at the quiet end of Okaloosa Island, El Matador provides a secluded setting while still being just minutes from the best of Fort Walton Beach and Destin. A short drive takes you to Destin—“The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”—where you can enjoy deep-sea fishing, waterfront dining, shopping, and top-rated golf courses. Nearby attractions like Big Kahuna’s Water Park make for the perfect family day trip.
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
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
Sofa bed
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
DVD player
Stereo
TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Lift
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a hospital
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the marina
Near the ocean
Things to do
Golf
Heated pool
Kayak
Tennis
Water park
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Windsurfing 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 (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email with check-in instructions and key retrieval information prior to arrival; access will be through a private entrance
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
Access methods
Key retrieval, private entrance
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
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 indicated that 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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
About the area
Located on the beach, this condo is in Okaloosa Island, a neighbourhood in Fort Walton Beach. Shoppers can check out HarborWalk Village, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Fort Walton Beaches and Okaloosa Island Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Preston Hood Athletic Complex or Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center. 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 361 by AJH Rentals FREE BEACH SERVICE+ACTIVITIES! $300/Day have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is El Matador 361 by AJH Rentals FREE BEACH SERVICE+ACTIVITIES! $300/Day pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at El Matador 361 by AJH Rentals FREE BEACH SERVICE+ACTIVITIES! $300/Day?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at El Matador 361 by AJH Rentals FREE BEACH SERVICE+ACTIVITIES! $300/Day?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at El Matador 361 by AJH Rentals FREE BEACH SERVICE+ACTIVITIES! $300/Day?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is El Matador 361 by AJH Rentals FREE BEACH SERVICE+ACTIVITIES! $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 361 by AJH Rentals FREE BEACH SERVICE+ACTIVITIES! $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:
Great experience with absolutely no glitches. Nice accommodations and customer service was excellent!!
Ron P.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Christine B.
4 Jun 2024
Good Beach time
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:
So glad AJ Hollis could come through for us when previous renter backed out at the last minute, so aggravating! But we had a good unit, beach front, pretty much everything we needed.
Everything was wonderful. We will be staying again. This place was one of our favorites in the panhandle. Beach was great and and the close Beachview Restaurant was great we had no reason to leave the area.
Darren S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Twana D.
3 Jul 2025
Awesome 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:
This condo is exactly how you see it in the photos, it is on the 6th floor but definitely not an issue! We will definitely be coming back! There was not a single issue with communication or resort, everyone was nice and it’s family friendly which I love to see! Thanks team for making my family’s vacation great!
Twana D.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Linda H.
6 Jul 2025
Loved it!!!
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 was at the property for a week with 2 other ladies and we all loved our stay! The location is amazing, we loved the direct access to the beach from the condo and we really appreciate the daily beach setup, which avoided us having to carry more stuff with us every day. The check-in/out process was smooth. As someone who likes to eat in during my vacations, I was very pleased with the equipment in the kitchen! We would definitely come back again!
This was an amazing vacation. I could see dolphins from the balcony!The location was great and the place was as described. Its on the end so its not around a lot of partying. I will for sure go back and stay in the same condo!!!
Jan A.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Darlene S.
5 Jul 2023
Hard to Say Goodbye
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:
Communication was great and check in/out was simple. The condo was spacious and well equipped. The living room furniture was very comfortable. The beds were not the most comfortable I've slept on, but not horrible. The view is EVERYTHING. We would certainly stay again.
Darlene S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Lawanna r.
14 Jul 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
End of the line
The room was adequate but the only issue i had was it says laundry service in description, its a condo so you would exoect that in your actual condo, but no you have to use a washer/dryer down the hall and you have to pay like a laumdry mat and there is literally one each per floor. Also you cant use a float in the pool. The laudry situation was a great inconvenience and not being able to take my sit in float to the pool wasnt cool. I can say of the rental company my child left his nintendo switch and they did ship it back to me, which i was grateful for. All in all my biggedt issue was mo washer and dryer in the condo itself. I mean when your paying all that money and you expect from.the description to have your own in the room it was a great inconvenience. The carpet needs to be replaced also. Carpet doesn't go with beach life.
The only complaint I will say I have about this unit is the sofa bed. We had a 16 year old and a 11 year old and the 2nd bedroom had a queen bed which it shows in the pictures a queen bed but I was thinking the pull out bed in the sofa would be good for them to rotate sleeping in the bedroom. It was not. It was very thin and made of nothing but springs so we had to go buy a blow up mattress. Other than that we very much so enjoyed our stay and have already reserved the condo next to the one we stayed in for next year through the owners.
Traveled 10hrs for this vacation, first time at this location, excited to get there and the condo was dirty. The spare bedroom smells musty like mold or just been sitting and not cleaned. The spare bathroom had poop stains still in the toilet and multiple pubic hairs on the toilet seat. Called management and they seemed eager to fix. A cleaner & Christine(property manager) came to the room, and the cleaner admitted out loud that the toilet was dirty and Christine told him to “ stop talking”. To add, the floors were dirty as my 12 mo old daughters legs and feet were black from crawling not even 45 minutes of being at the condo. The ceiling fans had 3 inch covered of dust and we had simply asked if this room had been cleaned at all because the shape it was in. This would’ve been a done and over with issue if Christine did not tell us “ you don’t have to stay here “ because we brought to their attention the dirty room. If paying a cleaning fee I would expect a clean area to stay. The condo just needs some serious TLC. Both bathrooms quarter round had black mold and having a baby on the ground just isn’t healthy nor safe. I expected to have some sort of customer service but seeing the way she treated her own employee we weren’t surprised. We got no apology or any sort of solution. It is convenient how they don’t have up close pictures of the bathrooms where the rust and mold on baseboards are horrible. Definitely need pics to show true state of condo Won’t be back
Jeff W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
Darla L.
7 Apr 2023
Spring Break 2023
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than 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 do not recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Love the location and the staffed gate upon entry. Unfortunately, we have decided this will be our last stay at unit 631 until it is renovated. We had the opportunity to see into several other units occupied by other renters and were impressed by the renovations including kitchen and flooring. The flooring in this unit is very old and has many area that I imagine just don't clean well. Bathrooms need to be replaced. Small mold issues, shower had trouble draining, no opportunity to take a bath due to missing drain plugs but many issue for us was the condition of the carpet. I imagine that might be where the mold smell is coming from? There were new air fresheners placed throughout the condo. Maybe to cover the smell? Looks like some type of repair work was done in the main bathroom behind the toilet. Just overall, needs renovation. I imagine it is hard to clean...however I was not pleased to find a lot of hair and an old razor in the main bathroom shower. I also found hair in main bathroom sink and dirty paper towel in main TV area. Remotes were sticky. I cleaned the condo after my findings using Lysol wipes including kitchen area. I suggest the disposal should be cleaned as it has a smell as well. Fridge was very clean! Pans in kitchen cabinets had to be scrubbed before use due to burnt on food. Coffee maker had to be cleaned. I wonder if it was just rinsed after the last use? For the cost of the cleaning fee, I just don't believe I should need to clean the condo before use. I did not vacuum but the floor looked like it needed it. Decided to just wear shoes. I did call maintenance number to report lounge chair on deck was broken and plugs were missing. Their update was pull a bar chair out to the deck and look under the sink. They could come over if I really needed them too... We decided to just enjoy the beach and forget about the bathtub. El Matador is a great location, just not this unit. Old fashioned key entry.
We stayed in 361 at the El Matador. The place was clean. The view was incredible of the Gulf and the pool. It definitely needs some updating but it was exactly what was advertised. There was a leak of some kind from the bathroom which the maintenance and HOA are in the process of fixing. Everyone was friendly and very helpful.
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 rental through El Matador was sufficiently supplied with the necessities we needed for the duration of our stay. My only complaint was having the deck furniture inside our condo for the month because of painting going on on the backside of the building. . The view was beautiful, the sunsets stunning, and the decor of the condo was very comfortable.
everything you need .very roomy unit . didnt have hot water for 24 hrs.lots and lots of decor on walls. if there was anymore u would think it was a retail store.somewhat cluttered. too much decor everywhere.Great unit ,great location and great price
Beds where very uncomfortable and the roach that visited me other patio wasn't pleasant and seen more at the pool and other areas
Artemio B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
Carla H.
12 Apr 2021
Spring Break
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:
Property definitely needs updating, especially the kitchen. Was not the original room we booked.
Carla H.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Sal O.
4 Oct 2020
Great Value and View
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 loved staying at the El Matador and this unit had an excellent view of the beach, pool, and gulf! Very comfortable accommodations except the washing machine was not working.
Sal O.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Connie P.
12 Sept 2020
Favorite Beach 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:
We have been coming to El Matador many years. It is timeless and perfect. We love that it is on the end of the island; never feels crowded here.
The condo needs updating and a deep thorough cleaning. Bedding needs to be replaced and needs new pillows. We liked El Matador but very disappointed in the unit we stayed in. The condo was not clean when we checked in after driving almost 600 miles and being very tired. I called the property manager and described the dirty floors, my husband wiped a spot on the kitchen floor and the paper towel was black with grime, dirty sliding glass doors with a child's handprints to the balcony, visible dust under the chairs, dirty bathroom floors. When we checked in my husband's first remark was that the unit didn't smell clean. The kitchen utensils had food stuck on them and the refrigerator was a mess. The realtor sent a lady named Theresa to clean the unit and within several hours she did a major cleaning. She was on her hands and knees scrubbing the bathroom floor when we left to go eat and spent the remainder of the evening waiting at my daughter's condo so Theresa would have time to clean before we could unpack. There was a remarkable difference in the smell and cleanliness when we returned to the condo about 10:00 pm. We also found a rusty razor blade under one of the patio chair cushions. The realtor discussed the issues with the owner. We hope to receive some type of compensation.
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:
We loved the place!! Want to go back and will for sure stay in the same one!!