Petro House

The Petro House Hotel was fully restored in 1994 to become Vung Tau's first and only boutique hotel - the building has been well maintained since and looks quite new. It's owned by Vietnam's National Oil Company, hence its odd name. It's located on a busy road in the city centre, an easy stroll from the seafront.

The entrance foyer is well designed and feels cosy. To the right, an inviting lobby bar has a comfortable 'pub' ambience.

Its 75 rooms are well appointed and standards of furniture, soft furnishings and bedlinen are high. Standard rooms are a decent size with a small but functional bathroom. Superior rooms are larger. Deluxe rooms are larger - two overlook the street and have balconies. Suites are larger again, but have a standard bathroom. The Large Suites live up to their name but, surprisingly, still have only a standard size bathroom.

The restaurant is attractively designed with an interesting Asian/international menu and wine list, a good house wine sold by carafe, and sensible prices. The restaurant staff members were very obliging and helpful when the inspection team sampled the food.

The hotel also has serviced apartments for longer stays or those preferring self-catering.

The pool is small, but pleasantly attractive, and there is a small fitness room