Vacation Rentals by Owner

My first vacation in Florida

Guest: Lou (peoria illinois)
Date of Stay: 01/21/12 Review Submitted: 02/22/12

I believe that the facility is more than adequate,everything was clean. I would recommended ,specially when the weather is nice enough to enjoy the beach. The beach is just a few steps away and is private. The owner is very helpful and e-mailed several times to make sure everything is in order.

Owner response:Thank you, Lou. It is always good to hear positive feedback. I, too, always find it amazing when there are times to find the beach so empty! I hope you were able to enjoy some breattaking sunrises & sunsets over the beautiful Gulf!!! And I hope you found springtime weather when you arrived back home :-)

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Awesome!

Guest: Bill (Troy, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 08/12/11 Review Submitted: 08/19/11

Pattie, We had a great time at your condo unit. Everything was perfect including accomodations, weather, beach, water, your beach chairs, dolphins,crabbing,pools, tennis courts,etc.,etc. The location is fantastic--I would never have imagined that there was any place left in Florida with 17 miles of undeveloped beach next door. We never left the beach or the resort except when we had to and were happily busy all the time. I am wondering how soon you'll accept my reservation for next year? Thanks!

Owner response:We're so happy to hear your wonderful & detailed trip report! Thanks for sharing. We are really looking forward to going down ourselves, in just a couple of weeks. Whenever you are ready to set your dates for next year, just let me know! I've already got one reservations for 2012 :-) We'd love for you to come back again!!! Thanks so much!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

We loved it!

Guest: Cassie D. (Burleson, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 07/28/11

Pattie, we had a wonderful time and your condo was beautiful and perfect. The photos you sent were very accurate, actually it was much nicer than the pictures. The beach was awesome and the weather was perfect! Thank you so much for all of your recommendations and information on all of the activities. The pontoon boat rental place that you recommend was great too! We would definitely recommend your place and hope to visit again next year!

Owner response:Thank you for the wonderful trip report, Cassie! We enjoy so much, hearing about the good times our guests have on their vacations.... So glad you had such a great time! We will look forward to hearing from you next year :-) Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Anniversary Beach Trip

Guest: AmiJ (Alabama)
Date of Stay: 05/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/20/11

Pattie, We had such a wonderful trip! We celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. We went fishing and soaked up the sun! We saw dolphins and sting ray right from the beach. I have never seen dolphins from the beach! The water was crystal clear. We go to the beach at least once a summer and it has NEVER been that clear in all the trips I've been on. At night time we caught tons of crabs on the beach. They were so cute! The condo was decorated so cute and was very "home-like". I could not get my husband to stop napping in the recliners:) All of the accessories in the closet were super nice to have.....especially the beach chairs. The pool was very nice to swim in as well. The condo was located on a quiet side of town which we loved. I would recommend this condo for anyone. Pattie, thank-you for being so sweet and recommending all of the wonderful restaurants. I hope we get to stay again very soon! Thanks for a wonderful stay! Frank and Ami Johns

Owner response:Thank you Ami & Frank! It's really nice to know we helped make your 2nd anniversary so enjoyable! Hearing these wonderful reviews from guests make this vacation rental business a lot of fun for me :-) I will look forward to hearing from you again - Keep in touch!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Affordable, wonderful location

Guest: Jerry (Florence, AL)
Date of Stay: 05/08/11 Review Submitted: 05/15/11

Me and my family had an amazing time and was exactly as expected. Photos very accurate. Owner very friendly and answered all questions with ease. Easy to contact. Located very close to lots of eateries and shopping outlets. Nice heated pools and a short walk will get you right to the beach. Definitely recommend for others looking for a great place to enjoy their vacation! Thank you Ron & Pattie!

Owner response:We are so happy you enjoyed your stay & thank you for your wonderful, all-inclusive, review! Hope you can stay again sometime!!! We love returning guests! Just remodeled the kitchen before your stay & we were very happy with how it turned out :-)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Spring Break!

Guest: Shelly (Westfield, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 04/02/11 Review Submitted: 04/16/11

We had a WONDERFUL time. The weather was nice - a couple cooler days but it still felt good to us. We will definitely return. Thanks so much for allowing us to stay at your place - it was perfect! Everyone was friendly, nice and considerate. Even had some little girls trying to sell lemonade on the way to the pool - too cute. :o) Thanks again!

Owner response:I'm so happy to hear what a fun time you & your family had, Shelly! El Matador if a great place for families to vacation. We are putting in to cabinets, countertops & doing some more updates in a couple of weeks, so looking forward for you to see the new changes on your NEXT trip :-) Thanks, Shelly! Keep in touch :-)

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Great Condo - Just what we needed!

Guest: Tracey (Oxford, MS)
Date of Stay: 06/20/10 Review Submitted: 07/10/10

We stayed June 20 - 25, 2010. The condo was exactly what we needed. There were six of us: me and my 18 yo daughter, my friend and her 14 yo daughter and 8 yo twin son and daughter. We did see a little oil, but were able to move down the beach just a little to avoid it. It never prevented us from being able to get in the water and enjoy ourselves. And the next day it was gone. The beach is easily accessible and is just beautiful! I'm already trying to figure out how soon I can come back! I woke up early every morning and went down to the beach to walk while it was still fairly quiet and cool. Over the week I found a lots of beautiful shells. And we all enjoyed being out on the beach at night crab hunting! Although at the end of that strip of resorts, the El Matador is just moments away from anything you want to do or any place you want to eat! We especially enjoyed Dewey Destins and eating on the dock. The resort itself is nice and quiet. The guards are very nice as are the people who work there. Most of our time was spent on the beach but we did manage to get in the pool once or twice and took advantage of the whirlpool one evening. The Weavers are extremely nice and I appreciate all the information Mrs. Weaver provided about places to eat, etc. Only downside to the entire trip was having to come home! I love the beach and the sound of the waves and can't wait to come back. Many thanks to the Weavers for sharing their condo with us. We had a great week!!

Owner response:Thanks for the kind words, Tracey.... We're so happy you enjoyed your stay & we hope you are able to come back again next year! Keep in touch :-)

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful condo with a beautiful beach May 2010

Guest: erin_AR (Arkansas)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 05/31/10

We rented this condo for our family vacation the end of May. The condo was wonderful and comfortable. 2 large bedrooms and plenty of room to relax. In one of the closets there is beach gear and toys for the kids which was wonderful. The walk to the beach only takes about 1-2 minutes and you don't have to cross any roads---its all within the property. We had no problems even with our 1 year old. The wonderful thing about this resort is that El Matador is at the end of road so there is very little traffic. The beach is private and the area beyond the resort is undeveloped and you can walk miles. The resort is closely monitored and gated. It definitely feels more family centered than some of the bigger more commercial rentals. In addition to all of this, Pattie was wonderful to work with and sent us plenty of pictures of the condo/beach and answered all of our questions. I have no regrets and would strongly recommend this condo to anyone.

Owner response:Thanks for the lovely comments, Erin & Brandon :-) And I really appreciate your sharing your family beach pics with us! So glad to be a part of a wonderful memory you'll have with your precious baby girl!!! Such a cutie!!! Hope you can come back again, sometime... Keep in touch!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

wonderful vacation

Guest: JKhammack (Illinois )
Date of Stay: 05/10/10 Review Submitted: 06/02/10

The condo was very nice, comfortable and clean, the complex itself was clean and we loved that it was the last one on Santa Rosa Blvd with the undeveloped beach for miles right next to us. We felt good about having a guard on duty and could see the older kids swim from the front door. The beaches were beautiful and we even got some good waves! Great location to run into Destin or Mary Esther with plenty to do. One of the most relaxing vacations we have had. We will definately return.

Owner response:Thank you, Julie.... So glad you enjoyed your stay! Keep in touch :-) We love our repeat guests!!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Springbreak 2010

Guest: skoze (frankenmuth, mi)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 04/19/10

This was the first time that I have done a vrbo and I will do it again. Everything looked like the pictures. Patti was very accomodating with our schedule and answered every question very quickly. We enjoyed the beach as well as the 2 pools. The walk-in closet in the Master Bedroom is perfect for all of your suitcase storage. Thanks again for letting us use your little piece of heaven.

Owner response:Kristin & Scott, We are so happy you enjoyed your stay! Hope you can come again :-) Thank you for your kind words & please keep in touch.

Recommended for:Families with young children

Guest: Robert & Teresa
Date of Stay: 06/16/09 Review Submitted: 06/15/09

Ron & Pattie, we would like to thank you for sharing your beautiful condo with us on May 25, 2009 - May 30, 2009. It was nicely furnished,clean and very spacious. We would love to move right in. There is no other beach like this one. The water is crystal blue and the temperature is always good for swimming. To be able to walk for miles and see nothing but ocean and sand is awesome! We took long walks everyday and saw plenty of aquatic life, manta rays, sea turtles, and lots of dolphins. We also found some big shells. One morning we were lucky enough to have a very playful dolphin visit. He was out trying to steal the fisherman's bait and got little upset with them so he started smacking his tail on the water then later that morning he was jumping straight up in the air out of the water. He put on quite a show. Thank you again for our wonderful vacation at your condo. We will visit again. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Goble Silver Lake, Indiana.

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Guest: Tony and Linda1 (Rome, NY)
Date of Stay: 05/13/09 Review Submitted: 05/13/09

We reviewed all the comments and they all apply to our visit, Patti, thanks for your attention to detail.

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Guest: Suzanna2 (-)
Date of Stay: 04/27/09 Review Submitted: 04/27/09

My parents and I had a nice very relaxing week at your condo. The beach is GORGEOUS, the condo is really nice and the shopping in Destin is outta this world. The thing we all commented on is how comfortable the beds were!!! While you are there, it is worth the $20 to visit the Gulfarium (a mini sea world) and watch the dolphins, seals and sea lion steal the show! Thanks for the fun week in Paradise!

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Guest: Jennifer C.1 (Birmingham, AL )
Date of Stay: 04/27/09 Review Submitted: 04/27/09

My husband and two children had such a wonderful time staying in your condo. Pattie is such a wonderful, honest lady to deal with. I could not have asked for a better experience! This place is so neat, clean and oh so comfortable. I loved how it was decorated, especially the lime green sofa. My husband and 7 year old son expecially LOVED the recliners! The heated pool was great and the beach was perfect. I can't wait to come back for a much longer stay. If anyone is looking for the "perfect" vacation, this is it. Thanks to Pattie!

Owner response:Thanks Jennifer! We look forward to your return!

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Guest: Rodger, Linda, and Suzanna (-)
Date of Stay: 04/24/09 Review Submitted: 04/24/09

Patti and Ron - We certainly enjoyed our stay at your condo in Ft. Walton Beach April 13-18. The condo was exceptionally clean,everyone we met was very nice, and the beds were SUPER! Rod and I loved the undeveloped beach, and spent many hours walking it and collecting shells. When we retire we hope to return for a winter month.

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Guest: Tom Thorp (Hudson, NH)
Date of Stay: 04/03/09 Review Submitted: 04/03/09

Patti and Ron, Linda and I had a marvelous January through March 2009 in El Matador #527. The unit was in beautiful condition when we checked in. The location was great. Out of the way but easy access to everything. The gated complex made us feel very secure and we had no concerns at all about visiting friends out of town. We are retired military so we spent most of our time playing golf at the Air Force bases in the area. We did enjoy sitting in the sun by the pool and access to the beautiful white sand beach. We also logged many miles walking around the neighborhood and greeting other walkers and residents. We had relatives and friends visit for several days during our stay. They were impressed with the unit, the complex and the location. We are taking our vacation in another part of the country next year but will certainly plan on another stay with you in the future. Tom and Linda Thorp, Hudson, New Hampshire

Owner response:Thank you Tom & Linda! We sure appreciate having such wonderful guests & look forward to your return! Please keep in touch and enjoy your family trip next year.

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Guest: The Daniel Family1 (Social Circle, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/27/08 Review Submitted: 09/27/08

Ron & Pattie Weaver, Thank you for a wonderful week!! We greatly enjoyed our stay. The condo was great and we loved the backpack beach chairs, the pools, the whirlpool, and my personal favorite was the ramp going down to the beach. It made it much easier to push our beach caddy:) We plan to start saving immediately for a return visit.

Owner response:Thanks so much, Anita! Always love to hear about the fun times our guests enjoy :-) You have such a lovely family & we look forward to keeping in touch!

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Guest: sue mcmillan (Peoria,IL)
Date of Stay: 06/11/08 Review Submitted: 06/11/08

Dear Patti and Ron, Thanks so much for the use of your condo. It was the perfect vacation for us and our son and his family. We made so many memories with our grandkids. The condo fit our needs perfectly. It was spacious, quiet, and supplied us with all the necessities, including beach chairs and beach toys. Thanks again. We'll be in touch for future visits. Mike and Sue McMillan Peoria,IL

Owner response:Thanks so much Sue & Mike! I'll look forward to you staying next year & checking out the local golf courses :-)

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Guest: Jennifer Dalton (Tulsa, Ok)
Date of Stay: 06/04/08 Review Submitted: 06/04/08

Pattie, We wanted to thank you for our wonderful vacation (May 5-10). We had a great time and enjoyed the convenience of the pool (my 3yr old daughter and 1yr old son loved)and use of all the chairs, beach toys, kitchen items, etc. Your condo was clean and the decor was nice! We hope to return next year. Thanks again, The Dalton Family (Dale, Jennifer, Ryan and Brendan... Grandma too)

Owner response:Dale & Jennifer, we are so glad you had a nice stay & would LOVE to have you return next year :-)

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Guest: Leslie Aldrich (Vidor,TX)
Date of Stay: 06/02/08 Review Submitted: 06/02/08

Pattie, Thank for so much for the wonderful condo!! We enjoyed our stayed very much! The weather was beautiful and so was the beach! The condo was decorated very nicely, very clean and had everything we needed to feel right at home! It was truely a wonderful vacation. The pool at the condo resort is just fabulous as well, it was never too crowded and was a great way to relax and cool off after hours on the beach! Thank you again for the lovely accomidations! Leslie Aldrich & Mitchel McDaniel -Texas

Owner response:Thank you Leslie & Mitchel! I'm so glad you stayed & what a wonderful young couple you are! I look forward to seeing pics of that beach wedding you are planning!

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Guest: Beth20 (Kennesaw, GA )
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/01/08

Pattie, Thank you so much for providing such a beautiful condo for us to spend our summer vacation. It had absolutely everything that we could ever need. It was great to have the beach chairs and beach toys for the girls, one less thing for us to bring from Atlanta. The weather was perfect everyday. We enjoyed our days at the beach and the pool. The beach and the pool were rarely crowded and always clean. We couldn't have asked for anything more! Thank you again for providing our home away from home for the week. Sincerely, The Ficarro Family

Owner response:Always great to hear, Beth! We love being a part of a wonderful family vacation :-) THANK YOU!!!

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Guest: The Sanders Family1 (Peoria, IL)
Date of Stay: 08/20/07 Review Submitted: 08/20/07

Pattie and Ron - Your condo was gorgeous! Very spacious, extremely clean, very well equipped with everything you could think of (even beach chairs and boogie boards for wave riding!), and the decor was positively beautiful. Our family of 5 had PLENTY of room and felt at home. The condo grounds and beach area are VERY quiet, clean and well kept. A perfect vacation to relax! Thanks for letting us share your wonderful condo! We had a wonderful time!

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Guest: Flowers Family (-)
Date of Stay: 07/14/07 Review Submitted: 07/14/07

Pattie, Everything was better than advertised. Your condo is very nice. We hope to come back again. Thanks, The Flowers Family

Owner response:So wonderful to hear, Kim & Rick:-) We'd love to have you return! Please keep in touch! -Pattie

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Guest: Marcey Poshard (Carterville, IL)
Date of Stay: 07/07/07 Review Submitted: 07/07/07

Pattie, WOW!! What an experience. We just loved the Condo! It was so clean and very nicely decorated. The Beach was beautiful and our daughters loved playing in the sand. The pool was a nice get away when I was overwhelmed with sand by them. We hope to return!

Owner response:Thank you Marcey & Jason! We would love to have you return :-)

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Guest: Lisa Noland2 (-)
Date of Stay: 06/11/07 Review Submitted: 06/11/07

We had an awesome time! Everything was perfect. Thanks so much! Hopefully, we can go again next year. The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival was really cute. We even saw the fireworks from the balcony!

Owner response:Thanks, Lisa! We love repeat guests & hope you can make it for your 3rd year, next year :-)

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Guest: Jeff
Date of Stay: 06/11/07 Review Submitted: 06/10/07

Pattie, We had a great time at your condo. It was very clean and conveniently located. It only rained one day and it was early in the morning. The undeveloped beach was beautiful. The condo was well equipped and all we needed was food and clothes. Thanks for letting us stay. The directions you gave us to get there were outstanding. If you ever have trouble finding someone to stay there let me know. Thanks. Jeff

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Guest: Lisa Noland1 (Louisiana)
Date of Stay: 06/04/07 Review Submitted: 06/04/07

We had an awesome time! Everything was perfect. The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival was really cute. We were able to watch the festival fireworks from the balcony. The boys enjoyed having their own TV for their games, too. As always, it was clean and comfortable. See you next year! :)

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Guest: Judy Davis (Martin, TN)
Date of Stay: 07/26/06 Review Submitted: 07/26/06

Very comfortable condo - even the sofa bed. Lots of extra's in the kitchen that made cooking a breeze. Clean and well maintained right down to the towels! The layout of the condo and the arrangement of the furniture allowed two families to room together for 6 nights without feeling crowded! Great to have a pool right downstairs with the spa and workout room. Very quite location without traffic noise and easy to get to. We absolutely loved the uncrowded, beautiful beach. Would love to return!!!

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Guest: Jeff & Linda Seal (Diamondhead, MS)
Date of Stay: 06/06/06 Review Submitted: 06/06/06

Peaceful, beautiful, quiet...what a wonderful vacation choice. This El Matador condo is clean, well maintained, with all amenities you could want. Nice large balcony, plenty of room inside also. El Matador is nicely landscaped with grassed lawns, nice pools, and located on the beach side of the road. Will we be back again? You bet, we will!

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Guest: Lisa Noland (-)
Date of Stay: 06/05/06 Review Submitted: 06/05/06

We enjoyed staying here; we were calling it "home" by the time we left! The condo was very clean; it had everything we needed to be comfortable. I liked that it was next to the heated pool.

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Guest: Penny Lowden (alabama)
Date of Stay: 06/05/06 Review Submitted: 06/05/06

We had a wonderful time on our beach trip. We really enjoyed your lovely condo, it was very clean and had everything we needed. We especially enjoyed the beach and taking long walks with our daughters while they collected seashells. We look forward to staying with you again!

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Guest: Leigh & Curt Ross (Thomasville, GA 31792)
Date of Stay: 09/27/05 Review Submitted: 09/27/05

Spic and span, cozy yet roomy condo. Just exactly what we expected from the description and pictures. Pattie and Ron were delightful to rent from, making it a wonderful weekend for us. So nice to be out of the hustle and bustle of Destin, yet close enough to enjoy all it has to offer. Thanks a bunch!!

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Guest: Christi & Chris Gatz (Pelham,Alabama)
Date of Stay: 09/14/05 Review Submitted: 09/14/05

Our visit to Pattie and Ron's lovely condo was just what the doctor ordered. We planned this trip as a get away to spend time with Chris' Dad and his wife Karen because they live in Texas and we don't see them often. Upon arrival we were so pleased with the condo it was absolutely immaculate. Pattie has made sure that you have everything you could possibly need to feel like you're right at home. We will definitely love to use this wonderful condo again. Thanks for a great vacation!!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/14/05 Review Submitted: 08/14/05

Our stay was a last minute trip before school begins and the owners were very accomodating. The unit is very clean and spacious and we felt right at home. The unit and beach were both private and peaceful. I especially like the decor and the kitchen stencil work.

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Guest: Steve Ault & Kathie Brown (Ashland, OH)
Date of Stay: 07/15/05 Review Submitted: 07/15/05

The El Matador Condo is absolutely beautiful. We had an awesome time and stayed for three weeks. The Beach is spectacular and that is where we spent most of our time. The Condo has all the amenities you would ever need. This was the Best Vacation and we will be booking again for next year. Thanks and we can't wait to go back!!!

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Guest: Michael, Marie and Damian (Kettering, OH)
Date of Stay: 07/11/05 Review Submitted: 07/11/05

Pattie, my family immediately felt comfortable in your condo; it was like home away from home. Two pools to choose from at El Matador along with the beautiful snow white beach made this extra special. Besides the condo being so wonderful and the beautiful area; Pattie makes planning vacation an easy task. Thank you, we look forward to next year.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 06/14/05 Review Submitted: 06/13/05

The condo was great! We had everything we needed. We enjoyed walking down the beach on the Air Force Base as nobody would walk pass the condos. The kids really enjoyed see all the stuff that washed up and was left at low tide. Ate at Louisiana Lagniappe in Destin. It was super. Some friends had told us about it. Definetely worth the money. Everything went great we really appreciate the condo. Thanks So Much!!! Lynn Elliott

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 06/14/05 Review Submitted: 06/13/05

Dear Pattie, Everything went smoothly. We were able to go snorkeling in Destin around the jetty and saw serveral fish. Kelsey even found a large intact sand dollar. At the beach we found lots of assorted shells and the privacy to the west was perfect. The weather was great, only rained for a short time the first day. Surf warnings were up the entire time, but we were able to wade out on low tides and enjoy the water. The girls enjoyed swimming at the pool better anyway, no sharks to worry about. This was a very memorable vacation. Thankyou. Eb and Julie

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Guest: Jerry & Joellen burns (Warsaw, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 05/19/05 Review Submitted: 05/19/05

We had a great time at this condo! The weather and beach were beatiful. The condo was very clean and very cozy. We felt right at home. The area had alot to do besides walking to the beach and relaxing at the two pools. We will go back again!!

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Guest: Jennifer 1 ( Georgia)
Date of Stay: 07/12/04 Review Submitted: 07/12/04

This is a very nice, clean place to stay. My family had a blast. The beach is right there and all the amenties you will need are there. It was great!!!!!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/08/04 Review Submitted: 07/08/04

El Matador was the perfect place,clean ,quiet and very relaxing. It made our first trip to the beach an awesome trip. The beach was beautiful,we are planning another trip for same time next year in the same condo.The owners are great people,I feel like I know them from emails.Stay here,you will love every minute of your stay.

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Guest: Sandra Houston (-)
Date of Stay: 05/22/04 Review Submitted: 05/22/04

We stayed in this lovely, comfortable condo for a week in May and hope to return next year. It's conveniently located and the beaches are absolutely beautiful. The owners were very accomodating and made everything easy.

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