Hi,
We have stayed at the Mar a Vista twice. Once in Sept05 and then Jan06.
The apartments are great.
They are all two bed apartments. One bedroom (and the kitchen) overlooks the carpark at the front. The other bedroom (and lounge) overlooks the pool and sea. If you request a single bedroom apartment they simply lock the door to the one overlooking the carpark.
There is a stripclub near the front of the building but it's not a problem. There is actually another stripclub between the apartments and the beach. Again, not really an issue.
The only problem with the Mar a Vista is the hike to the beach. Actually it only takes five minutes there and a few more back but a pain if it's hot.
Everything else is fine for cheap apartments. We're going back to in a few weeks but this time staying down the road at the Presidente simply because it was cheaper and is nearer the beach. If you get a good deal on the Mar a Vista then go for it. You will do plenty of walking though, to get to the beach and the restaurants.
Some holiday snaps here..
http://www.barbican.ip3.co.uk/pics/mar_a_vista_1.jpg
http://www.barbican.ip3.co.uk/pics/mar_a_vista_2.jpg
http://www.barbican.ip3.co.uk/pics/mar_a_vista_3.jpg
http://www.barbican.ip3.co.uk/pics/mar_a_vista_4.jpg
http://www.barbican.ip3.co.uk/pics/mar_a_vista_5.jpg
http://www.barbican.ip3.co.uk/pics/mar_a_vista_6.jpg
http://www.barbican.ip3.co.uk/pics/mar_a_vista_7.jpg
http://www.barbican.ip3.co.uk/pics/mar_a_vista_8.jpg
http://www.barbican.ip3.co.uk/pics/mar_a_vista_steps_to_beach.jpg
Anything you want to know, just ask.