During the 1960s Vung Tau's Pacific Hotel was leased to the US Army. The two upper floors were used as officers' quarters. Downstairs were the Vung Tau Officers' Open Mess, officers club, a barbershop and a room full of slot machines. In the evenings a newspaper and magazine vendor set up shop in the lobby.

The "O Club" was a popular place. Besides US Army officers the patronage included many American civilian contractors. The bar opened daily at 10 AM. Movies were shown in the evening outside on the patio. Local and Philippine entertainers performed regularly and sometimes touring USO shows made an appearance. 

Members paid for food and drinks with coupons torn out of "chit books". Depending on the brand, beer was 10 or 15 cents. A cold bottle of French champagne could be had for $3.50.

These photos are from the Australian War Museum web site and elsewhere on the web.

In 2013, after an absence of 40 years,  I wanted to see what the old Pacific Hotel was like. The areas that had been the mess hall and "O Club" are now a restaurant and catering operation. All of  the former entry and parking lot area on the west side of the hotel is built out with commercial structures housing restaurants and shops.

The rooms upstairs (there is no elevator) are large but rather plainly furnished. A drop ceiling was added in the hallways.The rooms are comfortably air conditioned, the wi fi works and the room rates are quite reasonable. The third floor rooms facing Front Beach have a nice view. 

Pacific Hotel in January 2013, right after te lunar new year holiday.

Sign at the street entrance to the hotel in 2013.