Having stayed for two weeks in December I have to join the 'value for money' brigade. There is no air conditioning or heating but we required neither. They are functional, clean and comfortable Canarian bungalows for those familiar with such but it may not be so pleasant in the heat of summer. Forget other comments as they are all bungalows, there are no appartments however they may be described as by agents. Ours backed onto the pool and overlooked the distant sea and sand dunes with a sizeable patio and no noise from the pool. The only slight irritation being the miniscule ants. We did not try the food. Beware if you drink tea as the cleaner puts bleach in the cups to combat any staining! Within a 30 minute strolll either way we found complexes with suitable evening entertainment. We did not pay for the TV but with suitable timing you can at least briefly catch some news headlines. The free bus is disappointing as journeys to the beach were all in the mornings and the only return journeys in the afternoon. This may not be ideal for some families. To get the benefit from this accommodation you will need to be prepared and realistic enough to walk.

We would stay here again and make our own way to the complex but would suggest that transfers might be the best option if you don't know the area (Sonneland). The bus driver from the airport was unhelpful even though it is on a local bus route. Locals didn't know where it was either and some sent us in totally the wrong direction - we walked miles with our cases! The best way by service bus is either the No.1 from the motorway stop to the stop called Cruce Faro and continue walking in the same direction until you reach the steps/ramp on your right and then set off up the hill; if slightly less adventurous you could take the No. 1 to the fairground and hail a taxi for the relatively short but steep climb the (other) hill. Or on the bus from the airport itself to the stop nearest the Princess Hotel, walk until opposite that hotel, cross the small road bridge and follow the green path until you reach a parallel road, use the crossing and again look for the steps/ramp.

Really enjoyed our stay at the Vista Oasis, nice friendly staff and although it was very basic it was very nice and well worth the price paid. The Hotel food wasn't great but their are lots of grill's and restaurants nearby so i would advise self-catering. The Bamboo Garden Chinese restaurant at the top of the hill is excellent value for money . Free bus to the beach everyday only 10 minutes away, and if you want to go a bit further you can get the bus to Puerto Rico beach or Puerto Mogan beach for a few euro's , both of these places are a must to visit and less than an hour away. We had a visit from a lovely white cat the first night which stayed with us for the week, we loved it and fed it, if you see it please feed it and care for it, it's name is Casper !!

We stayed at the vista oasis 2nd to 16th Nov 2011
We were a group of 4 ages 52,47,20,19
After reading negative reviews were a little concerned
So have decided to put an honest review to hopefully help you make a considered choice

First the negatives
We stayed on a self catering basis so cannot comment personally about food
But from speaking to guests that were all inclusive we think that self catering at these apartments were the best choice
As everyone we spoke to said the food was not up to much as far as choice was concerned

The bar closed at 11pm prompt and there was nothing to do as far as entertainment was concerned
While we were there all we saw advertised was karaoke on Wednesday evening and a reptile show once a week

There is no animation team and there is no kids club and saw very few people sat chatting, socialising around the bar restaurant in the evening

Now the positives

We found the staff on the whole to be friendly

The rooms
We found the apartments to be a good size, clean, and with a good size patio area with table chairs and 2 loungers

Cooking facilities were a bit limited as there were just 2 hot plates that took an age to get hot and no oven but there is a toaster

There is a TV but you have to pay 10 Euros per week
And 5 Euros deposit for the remote which is returnable not sure what channels were available as we don’t go on holiday to watch TV so we didn’t use it
Maid came in every other day to clean and change towels,
Bedding changed once during our 2 week stay

The pool area is very nice and cleans plenty of space and sun loungers to relax on

To sum up
I would say that if you are looking for a good base to stay then this is more than adequate it is a bit out of the way they say it’s a 20 minute walk to the beach and melonores area but it took us 1 hour
Very quiet at night no rowdy guests or loud music to disturb your sleep
There is a free beach bus 3 times a day and reception will call you a taxi which cost 3.5 Euros each way which is the only option if you want to go out at night to the bars and restaurants in melonores
The centre of Playa de ingles costs about the same

There are 2 good restaurants very close by and a Chinese
There is also a good sized spar supermarket across the road and as there are a lot of local residential properties in the Ares was not the usual overpriced shop just for tourists
But be prepared as prices are about the same as here now that you are paying in Euros
A typical meal for 4 of us for just a main course each and a drink was between 50 and 80 Euros which with the rate more or less 1 to 1 is now is £50 to £80
A pint was 3.5 Euros a short with mixer was 4.5 Euros

Not sure what The people who give totaly negative reviews expect for what you pay for 2 weeks here i think they would be better off booking the 5 star ifa or palm oasis hotel at melonores
but at 10 times the cost would still proberbly not be happy

We would return self catering again as for what we paid found it great value and more than adequate and have paid a lot more in the past and got a lot less so if you can get it for the right cost go for it you wont regret it but be aware of the costs of food and drink now not just here but I think anywhere in the euro zone

After arriving at 2am was greeted by a very grumpy man on reception who refused us a drink of any kind. We opened our room door to be greeted by roaches running around the floor and no tea or coffee facilities in our room.
Breakfast was probably the best food of the day but was very average. We ended up eating out most of the time as did most other guests. There was only one person working at a time covering the bar, sorting the food and clearing tables etc. So was always waiting to be served and never acknowledged prior to being served. Even at the reception desk you would be ignored and left waiting until they could be bothered to see to you.
The pool looked nice but was freezing with no heating and you weren't allowed in the pool till 9.30 am.
All inclusive stopped at 11pm which I expected but then the bar and everything shut and all outside lights were turned off so you had no option but to go elsewhere. There was only ever enough hot water for one shower so ended up running cold.
All in all we were very disappointed, it's advertised as a 3 star but I have stayed in much nicer and cleaner 1 & 2 star hotels