Apartamentos The Oasis

Once an unremarkable value property similar to many others in the area, Apartamentos THe Oasis was given new life after rebranding in 2015. Although still a basic property catering to families and couples on a budget, the complex is in the midst of renovating all of its apartments, and rates are competitive for a hotel in this location. Everything here is simple and generic, from the barebones lobby with little more than a front desk covered in brochures, to the terra-cotta pool deck. However, the property has all the basics for a relaxing vacation on the cheap, including a pleasant pool with a separate kiddy section, comfortable apartments, and a poolside bar with a breakfast menu, snacks, and drinks. With no entertainment program and no on-site amenities other than the pool, the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful. The bar pipes some music to the terrace during the day, but those who want to read or sunbathe in silence can grab a lounger on the opposite side of the pool deck. Though the average age range is lower in the summer, most of the guests we saw during our visit in the early fall were older British couples and a few groups of friends.Apartamentos THe Oasis offers good value for money in an area packed with basic apartment complexes, but those wanting something even cheaper may want to compare rates at BelleVue Aquarius. In this price range, Arena Dorada Apartments is even closer to the beach and offers free Wi-Fi. For a little bit more money, the mid-range THB Flora is a good alternative for families, providing a full entertainment program, several pools, a kids’ club, and a fitness center.  

Apartamentos THe Oasis is located on a small, quiet street in central Puerto del Carmen. While not in the heart of the action, this location is ideal for those wanting to stay within walking distance of bars, shops, and restaurants along the town’s main drag, yet away from the noise at night. The nearest beach is a small, quiet cove a five-minute walk down the street, but there is a bigger one with loungers and umbrellas for rent about 10 minutes away on foot. The local casino is about a five-minute walk away, as is the nearest public bus stop. Timanfaya, a stunning national park home to several volcanoes, is about a 25-minute drive away. The airport is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. While there is no on-site parking at the Oasis, there is free street parking in the area -- though finding a spot can be difficult, especially on weekends. 

The property features 55 one-bedroom apartments housed in several small whitewashed buildings set around the pool. They’re all 323 square feet and have fully equipped kitchenettes, separate living areas with sofa beds, small bathrooms, and patios with plastic furniture -- but only about half of them had been renovated when we visited in late 2017. Entry-level Standard Apartments are cheaper but older, with early ‘90s-style pinewood furniture, striped blue upholstery in sofa beds, tube TVs, and plain (albeit clean) bathrooms with half shower/tub combos. Superior units are a nice step up, as they feature up-to-date kitchen appliances, free air-conditioning (Standard Apartments have fans only), flat-screen TVs, simple IKEA-style furniture in neutral and blue hues, and contemporary bathrooms with rainfall showers. Kitchenettes in both categories are equipped with cooktops, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, electric kettles, pots and pans, and all kitchen utensils. Microwaves, though, are not available, and toasters are only provided in Superior units. Safes and in-room Wi-Fi are available for an additional daily or weekly fee.Housekeeping service is provided five days per week, and towels are changed twice every seven days. Apartments get fresh sheets every seven days. More frequent changes of towels and sheets are available for an extra fee.

The Oasis is light on amenities, but it covers the basics for a relaxing vacation in the sun. The pool is compact but clean, with a kiddy section separated from the deeper end by a metal railing, and a large terra-cotta deck dotted with loungers and a few umbrellas. Chairs are stacked overnight and guests have to wait until after breakfast for the lifeguard to remove the chains and arrange them around the pool, which means lounger reservation is generally not an issue here. Padding for the chairs is available for a fee. The poolside snack bar is a pleasant spot for a drink or a bite during the day. It features outdoor seating overlooking the pool, and a fast food menu that includes pizzas, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Full English breakfast and basic continental options are also available at the pool bar. The front desk is not staffed overnight, but late arrivals and early departures can be arranged. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and the pool bar, and there are showers and towels available free of charge for guests with a late flight.