Vacation Rentals by Owner

Would most definitely recommend!

Guest: Greg & Maureen (Woodstock, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 10/04/11

We travel extensively, so nothing is worse than being disappointed in your accomodations. This location will not disappoint you., Our visit could not have been more perfect! The condo location is fabulous, just steps away from the pool, with the beach just beyond. The condo itself was exactly as advertised - - clean and comfortable, with everything we needed to just relax and enjoy ourselves. The owners were warm, welcoming and even provided us with all of the information we needed for the surrounding area. The location itself was extremely convenient, just minutes away from all of the restaurants, attractions, etc., but away from all the traffic. We would most definitely recommend this property to our friends and other family members who plan to visit the area.

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

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/21/09 Review Submitted: 09/21/09

We had a wonderful stay at the El Matador and Okaloosa Island! We are a family of 4, with two small children ages 1 and 3. This condo was perfect for the children. Since 6 of our 7 days were rainy, we were so grateful to have the huge selection of children's videos! Aside from swimming in the rain, we also took a trip to the Pensacola Air Force Museum (highly recommended) and the Emerald Coast Science Center (not so recommended!). The beaches were quiet and uncrowded as always, and this condo is situated perfectly near the beach. We didn't have to worry about overpacking for the beach since we were only steps away! Thanks Jackie, for giving our family this opportunity. We look forward to returning in the near future!

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Guest: The Mallory Family (Griffin, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/29/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/09

This condo is great and in the perfect location. It was just right for our family of 5. It was very clean when we arrived and very spacious. We loved the beach/island decor and the pics of the kids. We felt right at home with everything we needed. The high table and chairs were great on the balcony. The mattresses were wonderful.The master bedroom mattress was the best I'd ever slept on. Each night I would just melt into it. It seemed to just take away any aches or pains I had. There were lots of videos and games for the kids to enjoy. We were searching for an uncrowded beach and found just that to the west. We could go as little or far as we wanted and it almost seemed like the beach was all ours. It was like having our own paradise. The beach was beautiful and clean with the whitest sand. The water was very clear and we went out a very long way with our heads still above water. We found alot of beautiful, good sized seashells just a few feet inside the water. We loved seeing the dolphins,crabs,fish,stingrays,seagulls and pelicans. We totally fell in love with Okaloosa Island and this condo. It was a dream come true and brought us all so much pleasure. We highly recommend this condo to everyone. Jackie-it was a pleasure talking to and dealing with you. We do hope to return and enjoy it all over again. Thank you very much!

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Vacation for Friends

Guest: crazicourt (Fayetteville, AR)
Date of Stay: 05/17/09 Review Submitted: 05/31/09

This was a great choice for 6 young adults to stay at. The furniture was nice, the condo was clean when we arrived, and I found everything in the kitchen that I needed to cook dinners. The 2 full bathrooms were GREAT, especially for so many people who immediately want to shower after being on the beach. The walk to the beach was no far at all and the view from the balcony was amazing! We had a blast and explored Fort Walton and Destin all week. The owners were kind and very easy to deal with. If we decide to do something like this again, I will definitely have to rent from Jackie again. Thanks for everything.

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

Guest: Tricia11 (Lexington, KY)
Date of Stay: 05/06/09 Review Submitted: 05/06/09

We had a lovely time. The beach was beautiful, and there was so much to do in the area! The boys loved their room. You were set up just right for little ones, and it was so easy to feel right at home in your place. As you promised, it was perfectly suited for a quiet, family vacation, and we all enjoyed it. Thanks, Tricia

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Guest: Collen
Date of Stay: 05/06/09 Review Submitted: 05/05/09

Hi Jackie, We had a great time. I didn't even mind the rain the one day. My husband took the older boys to Pensacola and I read a book for three hours while the baby napped. What a treat that was! The condo had everything we needed and it was so nice not to have to pack the crib and highchair. Thanks again for all of your ideas and assistance. Colleen

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/06/09 Review Submitted: 05/05/09

Jackie: Just wanted to let you know we had a great time – my nephew (Air Force) was renting a different unit. Your condo is much nicer and has a better layout than that one. Everyone hung out at your place. I have attached a picture of my family that we took on Sunday. Thanks again! Kathi

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Great Getaway

Guest: Pearl2 (Kennesaw Ga USA)
Date of Stay: 05/03/09 Review Submitted: 05/26/09

Couldn't ask for a better place for a girls getaway. Right on the beach. Beautiful view. Water front view on balcony perfect to watch the dolphins in the mornings while drinking a hot cup of coffee. The beach is clean and well kept, sand is sugar fine and the water is so clear you can see your toes when standing in it. Nice clean condo. Owners were great to work with.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Retreat

Guest: Bje (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/03/09 Review Submitted: 05/24/09

Thank you Jackie for your recommendation on that restaurant in Destin by the water for Seafood. It was excellent. This condo is very homey, nicely decorated and well equiped. I found everything I was looking for right there in the kitchen. It is very comfortable and kid friendly and I look forward to returning as soon as I am able. The beach is steps away which I loved because I broke my toe right before I got there and the less I had to walk the better. It was just great, relaxing, and I had a really fun time. Thank you Jackie for all your help and recommendations.

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

Guest: Lynn G. (-)
Date of Stay: 04/24/09 Review Submitted: 04/24/09

Thank you for the wonderful accommodations and ease with communications! Your condo is absolutely perfect and fit all our needs. The views were outstanding, and we especially enjoyed the large balcony and the morning sun with a front row seat to the Gulf of Mexico!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: tori134 (Gainesville, Ga)
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/19/09

This condo is everything and MOre! The Condo has every thing you need Baby Playcrib, high chair, everything in kitchen you could possible ask for. Beautiful View, very clean pool. Very family ordinated and cozy!

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1st time snowbirders

Guest: snowbird 1 (Port Washington, WI)
Date of Stay: 02/14/09 Review Submitted: 03/17/09

The property is wonderfully located at the west end of Okaloosa Island. There are many things in the condo that will keep children occupied if they cannot be on the beach or in one of the two pools. Restaurants and grocery stores are but a short drive and there are numerous attractions to visit in the immediate area. Being at the very end of the island, at least during the time we visited, the area was quiet. The owner was really a great person to work with answering my many questions in a very timely fashion.

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/10/08

Just spent a great week (July 1st - 5th) at the El Matador condo. It was everything Jackie said it would be and MORE. She was very responsive to all questions we had. My children (8 & 10) had a ball at the beach and at the pool. A very family-oriented vacation site. We can't wait to come back.

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Beautiful Condo!

Guest: tori134 (Gainesville, Ga)
Date of Stay: 06/02/08 Review Submitted: 03/20/09

Stayed a week in condo with kids and inlaws. You couldn't have asked for more. Beautiful View, Clean up to date, nice kitchen, cozy, clean pool and very family ordinated! Everything Jackie had told us plus more. Can't wait to spend another week this year!

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

My Place of Rest

Guest: Friendspool (Canton, Georgia,USA)
Date of Stay: 05/12/08 Review Submitted: 05/13/08

This place is fabulous, just a wonderful place to go to relax and regroup your thoughts. The sunsets & sunrises are breath taking!! Just take a cup of coffee in one hand and a bucket in the other, here you will find some of the most wonderful seashells I have ever discovered.It is positioned just right with condos on one side and an endless open beach on the other that takes you on a peaceful stroll with only the sea gulls to guide your way. The restaurants are plentiful with a variety of choices and of course shopping for those 'shop til you drop' shoppers in the San Destin area just a few short miles away. I have recommended this to many, many people and will continue to go back each time I have an opportunity to do so. The owner is courteous and has filled the condo with special touches to make you feel like you are in a home away from home. If you are looking for a family atmosphere then don't miss this one, it is perfect with a clean pool, open lawn for playing frisbee with the beach still in site!!!

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

Greatness

Guest: Craig P (Arlington, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/05/08 Review Submitted: 05/19/08

What you read on the accommodations list is what you get. It was a great week there in a clean and nicely furnished home. The owner was prompt with answering phone calls and emails and the rates were good. What I liked about El Matador is that it's the last condo complex on the end so it seemed less crowded. We had beach service which was very nice too the last few days when I had a sunburn and the umbrella came in handy! Highly recommended!

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Craig P (Arlington, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/18/08

What you read on the accommodations list is what you get. It was a great week there in a clean and nicely furnished home. The owner was prompt with answering phone calls and emails and the rates were good. What I liked about El Matador is that it's the last condo complex on the end so it seemed less crowded. We had beach service which was very nice too the last few days when I had a sunburn and the umbrella came in handy! Highly recommended!

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Girls Getaway

Guest: Denise A. (Georgia)
Date of Stay: 04/24/08 Review Submitted: 03/25/09

Clean, well kept condo on the beach. Great location. Would definitely recommend to anyone.

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

Didnt Want to Leave

Guest: David, Daisy, and Isaiah (Lenoir City, TN, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/23/08

This was a great place to get away from it all. Our son really loved it also. The condo has everything you would need and then some. It had more stuff than our son could find time to play with which we didnt expect. It was perfect and Jackie was extremely helpful and accessible which added to the vacation experience!

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Jackie G. (-)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/04/08

Well we finally made it back to Texas. After Fort Walton Beach we had gone up to Tennessee to visit family and then drove all the way back. Thank you for the use of your home. It was great and had way more stuff in it than we had expected. The weather was perfect and the island...including Destin...was pretty much deserted. The beach was great, even though we couldnt get in the water the first day because of the jellyfish. They cleared out the next morning and the rest of the time was crystal clear. Thanks again for everything. We will definitely be back. Curtis

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Great place, great location, great fun.

Guest: Brinnie (Georgia)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 01/28/08

What a nice condo, equipted with everything you need from corkscrews to sippy cups. I was very pleased with everything from the view from the balcony to the cleanliness and comfort of the condo. It's a great place for kids decorated nicely but not fussy, very kid proof. Although my kids are older than toddlers I felt that they could be kids without worring about moving something out of place or breaking something. We all had a great time and can't wait to go back, maybe without the kids next time. great experience, thanks Jackie.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Guest: Jan
Date of Stay: 10/10/06 Review Submitted: 10/09/06

Hi Jackie! Just wanted to let you know what a GREAT time we had in Florida! We really enjoyed your condo and it's amenities! I personally LOVED the children's photos on the wall! We did use the pack and play for the baby to sleep in ( THANKS SOOO MUCH!). My son loved watching some of the movies as well!! You truly have a "kid friendly" condo that we look foward to renting again in the future! Thanks again! Jan

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Guest: Carol
Date of Stay: 08/10/06 Review Submitted: 08/09/06

Jackie, Loved your place. Thanks for letting us stay at your place...we had a great time. We especially love the view from your kitchen! I'm hoping we can go down again in October. Thanks, Carol

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Guest: Shelia
Date of Stay: 07/29/06 Review Submitted: 07/28/06

HEY JACKIE, WE ARE HOME SAFE. DID THE DRIVE IN ONE DAY YESTERDAY. WE HAD A GREAT TIME. THE CONDO WAS SO AWESOME FOR THE KIDS. IF TERE ARE ANY PROBLEMS PLEASE LET US KNOW. WE TRIED TO TREAT IT AS IF IT WERE OURS. WE LEFT THE AIR ON ABOUT 75 WHEN WE LEFT. THANKS SHEILA

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Guest: Barry
Date of Stay: 07/21/06 Review Submitted: 07/20/06

Jackie, thank you for allowing us to rent your condo, we had a wonderful time. We are in love with the area and are planning on coming back to the area next year. The water was beautiful and the sand was awesome. Again thank you for letting us stay in your condo. thanks barry

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Guest: Mryna
Date of Stay: 06/15/06 Review Submitted: 06/14/06

Jackie, I am so sorry I have not had time since we got back to sit down an write you. I wanted to tell you what a wonderful time we had. We met our neighbors (who by the way were from Terrell, TX) who were really nice plus the grandbabies had other kids to play with. The condo was excellent and felt like home. The girls and I are already talking about going again and staying there. It was a great family environment. I have attached a picture we had taken so that you can put faces to all of us & a couple of others to share with you. Take care, Jackie and thank you so much again. Myrna

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Guest: Steve and Jeanne
Date of Stay: 05/31/06 Review Submitted: 05/30/06

Jackie; Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at your condo. We did enjoy the pool at the complex. Everyone we talked to at the complex was very friendly and most of them were repeat visitors. Says a lot for El Matador. Thanks Again, Steve and Jeanne

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Guest: Jill
Date of Stay: 07/30/04 Review Submitted: 07/29/04

Jackie, Thank you so much for renting your home to us. We had a wonderful time. The location was great with the kids and we didn't want to leave. Next time we'll have to stay a week. I received the deposit back and I have your number for the next time we're in Destin. Thanks again, Jill

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Guest: Deanna
Date of Stay: 06/14/04 Review Submitted: 06/13/04

Hey Jackie, I just wanted to let you know how amazing our trip was! It was so beautiful and your condo was extremely nice and clean. It was perfect for the six of us! We all have nice tans now. The weather was perfect and it didnt rain once! We saw dolphins and the waves were big and fun! Thanks so much for renting it to me. We all have decided to make the trip a yearly event so we would love to rent it again next year! DeAnna

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